Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of homemade gourmet chocolate peanut butter cups. This recipe elevates the classic candy by combining silky smooth dark chocolate with creamy, slightly salted peanut butter, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory. With a hint of vanilla and a crunchy twist from chopped peanuts, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a touch of elegance to any dessert table. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a personal indulgence, these peanut butter cups are the ultimate gourmet treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for added smoothness and shine)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate base:
- Melt 1 cup of the dark chocolate chips and ½ tablespoon of coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each liner, swirling it to cover the bottom evenly. Place the tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Make the peanut butter filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and creamy. For a gourmet twist, fold in the chopped roasted peanuts for added texture.
- Scoop 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into each muffin liner, pressing it gently over the chilled chocolate layer. Flatten the peanut butter filling to create an even layer.
- Top with more chocolate:
- Melt the remaining chocolate chips and coconut oil, stirring until smooth.
- Pour about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over each peanut butter layer, ensuring the filling is fully covered. Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to smooth the tops and eliminate air bubbles.
- Chill and serve:
- Return the muffin tin to the freezer for another 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Once firm, remove the paper liners and store the gourmet peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy these gourmet peanut butter cups as a special dessert or gift them to friends and family for a homemade chocolate experience that’s a true showstopper!