The Easiest 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Who doesn’t love a sweet and salty treat? These 3-ingredient chocolate peanut butter cups are a game-changer for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. They’re incredibly easy to make, require zero baking, and taste just as good (if not better) than store-bought peanut butter cups! Plus, with only three simple ingredients, you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
Whether you need a quick dessert for a party, a sweet snack for yourself, or a fun recipe to make with kids, this one is a winner. With a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, these homemade peanut butter cups will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
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Key Ingredients in 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
These peanut butter cups are made with just three pantry staples:
- Chocolate Chips: You can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference. Dark chocolate will give a rich and slightly bitter taste, while milk chocolate is sweeter.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of the recipe! Creamy peanut butter creates the best texture, but you can also use natural peanut butter for a healthier twist.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional): Adding a bit of powdered sugar to the peanut butter enhances the sweetness and thickens the filling, making it even more indulgent.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
- Prepare the muffin tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Melt the chocolate: Microwave the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. You can also melt them using a double boiler for a smooth consistency.
- Make the peanut butter filling: In a bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner.
- Add the filling: Drop about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into the center of the chocolate layer.
- Top with chocolate: Spoon another tablespoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter, covering it completely.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- Enjoy! Peel off the liners and indulge in your homemade peanut butter cups.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
- Crunchy Version: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel over the peanut butter before adding the top chocolate layer.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the peanut butter filling for a deeper chocolate taste.
Pairings
These chocolate peanut butter cups pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A warm banana smoothie
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them as a dessert at parties or gatherings.
- Pack them as a snack for road trips or lunchboxes.
- Give them as a homemade gift in a cute box.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overheating the chocolate – This can cause it to burn. Melt in short intervals and stir frequently.
❌ Using too much peanut butter – Overfilling can make them difficult to cover with chocolate.
❌ Skipping the paper liners – This makes it harder to remove the cups cleanly.
❌ Not letting them chill enough – The chocolate needs time to set properly.
Tips and Tricks
✅ Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
✅ Melt the chocolate slowly to prevent burning.
✅ Chill between layers to make spreading easier.
✅ Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
✅ Store in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
Final Thoughts
Homemade 3-ingredient chocolate peanut butter cups are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re quick, easy, and customizable, making them a fantastic alternative to store-bought candy. Once you try them, you may never go back to the packaged version!
3 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup approximately 240g chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- 1/2 cup approximately 130g creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar optional, for a slightly sweeter filling
Instructions
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
- In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar (if using). Mix well until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each paper liner.
- Drop a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the peanut butter mixture onto the center of the chocolate in each liner.
- Spoon another tablespoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter, ensuring it covers the filling.
- Refrigerate the muffin tin for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Once firm, carefully peel away the paper liners and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother peanut butter filling, you can add a teaspoon of melted coconut oil.
- Feel free to sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate before chilling for an extra flavor dimension.
- You can use different types of chocolate and peanut butter to customize the flavor.
- Store leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
🛒 Recommended Kitchen Tools
FAQ’s 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives.
How do I store these peanut butter cups?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
High-quality chocolate bars or chips work best. Dark chocolate is a great option for a less sweet taste.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan-friendly peanut butter brand.
Why is my chocolate not smooth?
If your chocolate is clumpy, add a teaspoon of coconut oil while melting to make it smoother.
👉 Want some more 3 Ingredient chocolaty goodness? Try my easy Chocolate Bark Recipe.