These easy chocolate peanut butter fudge cups are proof that a healthier treat can still feel like a total indulgence. These are a lighter take on homemade Reese’s, sweetened with maple syrup instead of loads of chocolate and refined sugar and made with coconut butter for that rich, creamy fudge texture.
You get a layer of chocolatey homemade fudge, a soft peanut butter center, and then more fudge on top, so every bite has plenty of that classic combo. This homemade peanut butter cups recipe is fully no bake and comes together in about 20 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver during the busy season when you need no bake holiday treats that don’t take over your whole afternoon.
Pop them in a little box or tin and they’re one of the sweetest Christmas food gift ideas for friends who love a better-for-you option.
And once the holidays wrap up, they make fantastic peanut butter snacks to keep on hand whenever that chocolate craving hits.
If you love no bake fudge recipes, you may also like this white chocolate raspberry fudge, or these chocolate fudge truffles.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Cups Recipe
Prepped in 20 minutes: With just a saucepan and a fridge, the whole recipe comes together fast – no oven needed, which is a big win during the busy holiday season.
A healthier take on a classic treat: Made and sweetened with natural ingredients, these treats satisfy that chocolate peanut butter craving without the big sugar hit.
They’re perfect for gifting: These fudge cups hold their shape well, and they look great in a tin or gift box, making them one of the easiest homemade treats to give away.
Ingredients
To make chocolate peanut butter cups at home you’ll need the following ingredients. You can find the specific quantities and steps in the recipe card below.
- Coconut oil: Helps firm the chocolatey layer up.
- Coconut manna: Also known as coconut butter, it gives the fudge cups their velvety and creamy texture.
- Maple syrup: For natural sweetness in both the fudge layers and the peanut butter filling. You can also use honey, but it will have a stronger flavor impact.
- Peanut butter: Used in both the base and the filling. You can substitute almond butter or hazelnut butter if you prefer.
- Cocoa powder: For a rich fudge flavor without the chocolate.
- Vanilla and salt
How To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Here’s a quick overview of how to make DIY peanut butter cups. For the full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, scroll down to the printable recipe card below.
You will need a muffin pan and paper cases, a saucepan, and small bowl to get started.
Prepare the chocolate fudge: Melt the coconut oil and coconut manna in a saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining fudge ingredients, stir to combine until smooth.
First layer: Line the muffin pan with paper cases.
Use half of the fudge mixture for the bottom layer of chocolate – add a large spoonful into each of the muffin cases.
Tap the muffin pan gently to smooth out the chocolate, then place in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
Prepare the filling: Mix the peanut butter with maple syrup and salt.
Add a small scoop of peanut mixture to each chilled chocolate fudge cup.
Top Layer: Add a spoonful of the remaining fudge mixture to the top of each peanut butter fudge cup.
Tap the muffin pan gently to smooth the tops, then place back in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Serve: When ready to serve, carefully remove the paper wrapper, and enjoy your chocolate peanut butter fudge cups!
Recipe Tips For Success
Chill the layers: Pop the base layer in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before adding the peanut butter filling. This helps the base firm up enough so the layers stay distinct and don’t mix together.
Taste and adjust sweetness before setting: Give the peanut butter filling and chocolate fudge mixture a taste before layering and add extra maple syrup or some stevia if you’d like it a little sweeter, since it’s much easier to adjust at this stage than after it’s set.
Make bite size: For a smaller bite sized peanut butter treat, make these chocolate pb cups in a mini muffin tray.
How To Serve DIY Peanut Butter Cups
- Package them as a homemade gift. Layer them in a small tin or gift box with some parchment paper between each cup to keep them neat. They make a really lovely edible gift for neighbors, teachers, or co-workers during the holiday season, especially alongside other homemade treats like fudge or cookies.
- Add them to a holiday dessert platter. Arrange these bite size peanut butter desserts on a board or tiered tray with other bite-sized holiday treats like these pinwheel cookies, and these chocolate fudge truffles, for a festive spread that looks impressive with very little effort.
- Serve them alongside a hot drink. The rich fudge flavors in these homemade pb cups pair really well with a hot drink. Set them out on a plate next to a biscoff latte or mug of hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
How To Store Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge
Store: Place fudge cups in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Once chilled, remove the muffin cases and place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Transfer frozen fudge to the fridge (leave in the container) and thaw overnight before serving.
More Sweet Dessert Snacks To Try
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR THE FUDGE LAYERS
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup coconut manna
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1½ cups peanut butter
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cooking salt
FOR THE FILLING
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch cooking salt
Instructions
- Line a muffin pan with paper cases and set aside.
MAKE THE CHOCOLATE FUDGE
- Add the coconut oil and coconut manna to a small saucepan. Melt over low heat. Stir in the maple syrup, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.
MAKE THE PEANUT BUTTER FILLING
- Add the extra peanut butter, maple syrup, and salt to a small bowl. Mix to combine.
LAYER THE CUPS
- Divide half of the fudge mixture between the 12 muffin cases to create the base layer of the chocolate peanut butter cups. Place in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Add a spoonful of the peanut butter filling to each cup, then top with the remaining fudge mixture. Lightly tap the muffin pan on the benchtop to help the fudge tops spread evenly over the filling.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until firm.
- When ready to serve, remove the paper cases and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
