Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

A stack of homemade peanut butter bars with a thick layer of milk chocolate on top, served on a white plate with mugs in the background.

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These homemade peanut butter cups taste like a creamier, richer version of Reese’s but take almost no time to make. You can make them as individual cups or quick sheet-pan bars.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20

Cook Time:10

Chilling Time:1

Total Time:1 30

Equipment

1 Muffin Tin or 8x8-inch baking pan
Parchment Paper if making bars

Ingredients

1 cup Peanut Butter creamy or crunchy
¼ cup Butter unsalted
¼ cup Brown Sugar
1¼ cups Powdered Sugar
4 cups Milk Chocolate Chips
¼ cup Vegetable Shortening

Instructions

Line a muffin tin with paper liners or an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper if making bars.
In a medium saucepan, melt the peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
1 cup Peanut Butter, ¼ cup Butter, ¼ cup Brown Sugar
Stir in the powdered sugar a little at a time until it forms a thick, dough-like filling. Set aside to cool.
1¼ cups Powdered Sugar
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the chocolate chips and shortening on low heat, stirring until smooth.
4 cups Milk Chocolate Chips, ¼ cup Vegetable Shortening
Spoon a thin layer of chocolate into each liner—or pour half into the pan and smooth evenly. Chill for about 30 minutes or until firm.
Roll the filling into small balls, flatten into disks, and press one into each cup. For bars, spread the filling evenly over the chilled chocolate layer.
Rewarm the remaining chocolate just until pourable and spoon or pour it over the peanut butter layer. Gently tap the pan to smooth. Chill again for 30 minutes or until firm.
Peel off the liners or cut bars into squares. Store in the fridge or freezer and enjoy whenever a craving hits.

Notes

Natural peanut butter works if you stir it well first—it can make the filling slightly softer.
You can swap shortening for coconut oil if you prefer, but the texture will set a bit firmer.
These freeze beautifully; just thaw for about 10 minutes before eating.
For a salty-sweet version, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
Try using dark chocolate for a richer, less-sweet flavor.

Nutrition

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: homemade peanut butter cups, no bake peanut butter cups, peanut butter bars, Reese's copycat recipe

Servings: cups

Calories: 283kcal

Author: Jessica Knowles

Cost: $7.00