Indulge in the delightful, bite-sized goodness of homemade miniature peanut butter cups. Made with just four simple ingredients, these candies offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking, sharing, or adding a gourmet touch to your favorite desserts.
Photos of Mini Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
The main ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your kitchen. If not, they are easily found in any supermarket. The recipe calls for natural peanut butter, which is different from regular peanut butter as it doesn't contain added sugars or oils. Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener and can be found in the baking aisle. Choose a quality chocolate for melting, as it's the main component of the candy. Lastly, flaky sea salt is used for topping. It has a delicate texture and a less intense flavor compared to table salt.
Ingredients for Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter: A naturally sweet and creamy ingredient used as the filling for the cups.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener, it gives the peanut butter filling a smooth and slightly sweet taste.
Chocolate: Used as the outer layer of the cups, it provides a rich and decadent flavor.
Sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a contrast of flavors, enhancing the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
One reader, Jacquetta Vang says:
This miniature peanut butter cups recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is simply divine. The touch of sea salt adds a delightful contrast. It's a quick and easy treat that never fails to impress. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
How to combine peanut butter and maple syrup: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and maple syrup until well blended.
How to fill mini cupcake pan with liners: Fill a mini cupcake pan with liners or arrange mini cupcake liners on plates.
How to melt chocolate in the microwave: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one until melted.
How to fill the bottom of each cup with melted chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate to the bottom of each cup.
How to add peanut butter mixture to the cups: Place a small dollop or ½ teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture in the center of each cup, then top it with 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate.
How to freeze the candies: Place the filled cups in the freezer for 5 minutes.
How to sprinkle sea salt over the tops: Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops of the candies.
How to serve the candies: Remove the candies from the freezer, and serve. Enjoy!
How To Make Mini Peanut Butter Cups
These homemade peanut butter cups are the perfect pick-me-up snacks! Call on the kids to help you assemble these chocolatey bites.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbsppeanut butter
- 2tbspmaple syrup,or honey
- 6ozchocolate
- flaky sea salt,optional
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup, and stir until well blended.
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Fill a mini cupcake pan with liners or arrange mini cupcake liners on plates.
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Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each one.
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Fill the bottom of each cup with 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate.
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Add a small dollop or ½ teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture in the center, then top it with 1 teaspoon of the chocolate.
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Freeze the candies for 5 minutes.
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Sprinkle sea salt lightly over the tops, then freeze until firm for 25 minutes or more.
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Take off the freezer, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 74.12kcal
- Fat: 4.50g
- Saturated Fat: 2.23g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.38g
- Carbohydrates: 9.51g
- Fiber: 0.78g
- Sugar: 8.02g
- Protein: 0.95g
- Sodium: 37.53mg
- Calcium: 7.42mg
- Potassium: 58.95mg
- Iron: 0.40mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
When melting the chocolate in the microwave, be sure to do it in short intervals and stir in between each one. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a smooth, even melt. Additionally, when adding the peanut butter mixture to the chocolate, try to center it as much as possible. This will ensure a nice distribution of peanut butter in each bite. Lastly, don't skip the step of freezing the candies before adding the sea salt. This helps the salt to stick to the chocolate and gives a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a double boiler: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
Chill the peanut butter: Place the peanut butter mixture in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle when assembling the peanut butter cups.
Use a piping bag: Transfer the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture into separate piping bags for precise and efficient filling of the mini cupcake liners.
Freeze in batches: Make the peanut butter cups in batches, allowing one batch to freeze while you work on the next, maximizing your time and efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
- peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter for those with peanut allergies or for a different flavor profile.
- maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup for a similar sweet flavor with a different depth.
- chocolate - Substitute with cocoa powder and coconut oil: A mixture of cocoa powder and coconut oil can be used as a substitute for chocolate to create a similar rich and creamy texture.
- flaky sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for flaky sea salt to add a similar savory and crunchy texture to the recipe.
Presenting Your Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Elevate the plating: When presenting the miniature peanut butter cups, consider using a sleek, minimalist plate to showcase the elegance of the dessert. The contrast of the dark chocolate against a white, porcelain plate will create a visually striking presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, around the peanut butter cups. The vibrant colors and delicate petals will add a pop of elegance to the dish.
Utilize gold leaf accents: For a luxurious touch, consider adding a hint of opulence with carefully placed edible gold leaf accents. The shimmering gold against the rich chocolate will exude a sense of extravagance.
Create a chocolate drizzle: Elevate the presentation by drizzling a fine, intricate pattern of melted chocolate on the plate. This artistic touch will add a touch of finesse and elevate the overall visual appeal of the dessert.
Garnish with crushed peanuts: Sprinkle a small amount of finely crushed peanuts around the perimeter of the plate to add a textural element. The addition of the peanuts will not only enhance the presentation but also provide a delightful crunch to each bite.
Essential Tools for Making Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making nut butters, grinding nuts, and blending ingredients for various recipes.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, and stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, and is perfect for mixing the peanut butter and maple syrup in this recipe.
Mini cupcake pan: A mini cupcake pan is a small baking pan with individual cavities for making mini cupcakes or candies. It's used to hold the mini cupcake liners and shape the miniature peanut butter cups.
Microwave: The microwave is an essential kitchen appliance for melting chocolate quickly and efficiently. It's used to melt the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Freezer: The freezer is used to chill and set the miniature peanut butter cups. It helps solidify the layers of chocolate and peanut butter, allowing the candies to hold their shape and texture.
Mini cupcake liners: Mini cupcake liners are small paper or foil liners used to hold the ingredients for making miniature peanut butter cups. They are placed in the mini cupcake pan or on plates to create the base for the candies.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- These miniature peanut butter cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- For longer storage, you can freeze these peanut butter cups for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating each layer with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store these peanut butter cups in the freezer and enjoy them straight out of the freezer. They'll have a delightful crunch and will melt in your mouth as you bite into them.
- To maintain the best flavor and texture, it's important to keep these peanut butter cups away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting and the peanut butter from becoming rancid.
- If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a strange odor or appearance of mold, it's best to discard the peanut butter cups to avoid any potential health risks.
Interesting Trivia About Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
The peanut butter used in this recipe is a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to these miniature peanut butter cups. Peanut butter is also rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, which can contribute to overall health. Additionally, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate in this recipe creates a delicious and satisfying treat that is perfect for indulging in a sweet craving.
Is Making Miniature Peanut Butter Cups at Home Cost-Effective?
This peanut butter cups recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as peanut butter and chocolate, are commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of maple syrup and sea salt may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its simplicity, deliciousness, and budget-friendly nature.
Are Miniature Peanut Butter Cups Healthy or Unhealthy?
This miniature peanut butter cups recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The main ingredients are peanut butter, maple syrup, and chocolate, all of which are high in calories, sugar, and fat.
- The recipe doesn't include any nutritious ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.
- The portion sizes are small, but it's easy to overeat these treats, leading to excessive calorie intake.
However, there are a few redeeming qualities:
- Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats.
- The recipe uses a small amount of maple syrup instead of refined sugar, which is a slightly healthier option.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and less sugar.
- Replace some of the peanut butter with a nut butter that has a higher nutrient density, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup used, or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
- Add some finely chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the peanut butter mixture for added texture, fiber, and nutrients.
- Use smaller cupcake liners to create even smaller portions, encouraging mindful eating.
- Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than consuming them regularly.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Peanut Butter Cup Recipe
This miniature peanut butter cups recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of maple syrup and the indulgence of chocolate. The addition of flaky sea salt adds a delightful contrast, elevating the overall flavor profile. The simple yet precise instructions make it easy to create these delectable mini treats, perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or as a stunning dessert, these miniature peanut butter cups are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Enhance Your Mini Peanut Butter Cups Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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