Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter and chocolate in a simple, three - ingredient recipe. These peanut butter cups are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, coming together in the microwave in just a few minutes, plus some freezing time. Let's dive into this mouth - watering dessert recipe.
First, gather your ingredients. You'll need just three things: chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. The chocolate chips will form the outer shell of the peanut butter cups, providing a smooth and decadent coating. Creamy peanut butter is the star of the filling, offering that classic nutty flavor we all love. And the powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps to thicken the peanut butter filling slightly.
To start, prepare your workspace. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will make it easy to remove the peanut butter cups once they're set. You can also use a silicone muffin mold if you prefer, as it will give the cups a nice shape and make them easier to pop out.
Now, it's time to melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave - safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave in 30 - second intervals, stirring well after each interval. This slow and steady approach ensures that the chocolate melts evenly without burning. Keep microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. You can also use a double boiler method if you're not comfortable using the microwave. Just place the chocolate chips in a heat - proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted.
Once the chocolate is melted, use a spoon to pour a small amount into the bottom of each cupcake liner or silicone mold. Tilt the muffin tin or mold gently to coat the bottom and sides of the liners with a thin layer of chocolate. Make sure to cover the entire bottom and about halfway up the sides. Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 5 minutes to let the chocolate set slightly.
While the chocolate is setting, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix them together until well - combined. The powdered sugar will help to thicken the peanut butter, making it easier to shape into the cups. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar depending on how thick you want the filling to be. If you like a sweeter filling, add a bit more powdered sugar; if you prefer a more peanut - forward flavor, use less.
After the chocolate in the muffin tin has set, take it out of the freezer. Scoop a small amount of the peanut butter filling and place it on top of the hardened chocolate in each liner. Use the back of the spoon to spread the filling evenly over the chocolate, pressing it down gently to make sure it fills the cup. Try to keep the filling centered and not let it touch the sides of the liner too much, as the chocolate will need to cover it completely.
Next, melt any remaining chocolate if needed. You can use the same method as before, microwaving in 30 - second intervals and stirring until smooth. Once the chocolate is melted again, pour it over the peanut butter filling in each cup. Use a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly, covering the peanut butter completely. Make sure to get a nice, even layer of chocolate on top.
Place the muffin tin back in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely hardened. This freezing time is crucial for the peanut butter cups to hold their shape and for the flavors to meld together. You can check if they're ready by gently pressing on the top of one of the cups. If it feels firm, they're ready to be enjoyed.
When the peanut butter cups are fully set, remove them from the freezer. You can easily peel off the cupcake liners or pop them out of the silicone mold. These homemade peanut butter cups are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for enjoying as a personal treat. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage.
Not only are these three - ingredient peanut butter cups a delicious dessert, but they're also a great option for those who are short on time or ingredients. They're a simple yet elegant addition to any dessert table, and you can customize them by using different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, or by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet - and - salty combination.
So, the next time you're craving a sweet and creamy dessert, give this three - ingredient peanut butter cup recipe a try. With just a few minutes in the microwave and some freezing time, you'll have a batch of homemade peanut butter cups that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.