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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Salted Caramel Layer

These homemade peanut butter cups feature a rich chocolate shell filled with creamy peanut butter and a decadent salted caramel layer in between. The process involves melting chocolate, layering peanut butter, and chilling until firm, resulting in a glossy, snap-worthy treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Customizable with toppings like sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor and crunch.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g good quality chocolate (70% cacao or higher) chopped into small pieces
  • ¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter preferably at room temperature
  • ¼ cup salted caramel (homemade or store-bought) optional but highly recommended for layered flavor
  • pinch flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • Microwave or double boiler
  • Spoon or piping bag
  • Muffin tin
  • Spatula
  • Refrigerator or freezer

Method
 

  1. Line your muffin tin with paper liners or silicone cups for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. Melt the chocolate slowly using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy. The chocolate should feel warm and fluid, with a rich cocoa aroma.
  3. Pour a small spoonful of melted chocolate into each cup, then tilt and swirl to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Chill the tray in the fridge for about 10 minutes until the chocolate is just set but still soft.
  4. Meanwhile, gently warm the peanut butter until smooth and pourable, about 20 seconds in the microwave. It should be fragrant with a roasted peanut aroma and silky to the touch.
  5. Add a teaspoon of salted caramel on top of the partially set chocolate in each cup, spreading slightly if needed. Carefully spoon or pipe the warm peanut butter over the caramel layer, then cover with more melted chocolate to seal. Chill for at least 30 minutes until fully firm and glossy.
  6. Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the fridge, and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt or other toppings if desired. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate slightly and enhance flavor.

Notes

For a smoother finish, temper the chocolate by slowly cooling it after melting. Store the cups in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two weeks. Feel free to customize with chopped nuts, extra sea salt, or even a drizzle of caramel on top.