Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups are a rich, no-bake treat that combines the irresistible duo of smooth peanut butter and decadent chocolate in a perfect bite-sized form. With a graham cracker crust and creamy layers, they’re ideal for parties, holiday platters, or a quick indulgence that satisfies every sweet tooth.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
graham cracker crumbsmelted butterpowdered sugarpeanut buttervanilla extractsemi-sweet chocolate chipsheavy cream
directions
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or use silicone molds for easy removal.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of each liner to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon over the crust layer and smooth it out.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in short bursts until melted and smooth. Stir well.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer in each cup.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until fully set.
Once firm, remove from molds and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 dessert cups.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1-2 hours
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes–2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
Use crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for a chocolate crust.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped peanuts on top for texture and flavor.
Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut allergies.
Layer with banana slices or raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
storage/reheating
Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before serving.
Do not microwave to reheat; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for prepping a day or two in advance.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter gives the best texture, but crunchy adds a nice bite.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Do I need to bake the crust?
No baking required—just chill to set.
Can I use silicone muffin molds?
Yes, they make removal even easier.
Are they overly sweet?
They have a balanced sweetness, but you can reduce sugar if desired.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use two muffin tins or make them in a larger pan and slice.
Do they hold up in warm weather?
They may soften, so keep them chilled until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
Microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler for smoother results.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, though it will result in a sweeter dessert.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups offer the perfect marriage of flavors in a convenient, no-fuss format. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, these indulgent cups are guaranteed to impress. With minimal ingredients and no baking involved, you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again.
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 mini cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups are a rich and indulgent treat made with layers of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: crushed peanuts or sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner and spread evenly.
- Add 1 heaping teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer and gently flatten it.
- Top each cup with another teaspoon of melted chocolate, covering the peanut butter completely.
- Optional: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan.