Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Cashew Butter

Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Cashew Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for coating); Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Highlighted under: Sweet Ideas

I absolutely love making these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Cashew Butter because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and nutty. Each bite bursts with rich flavors that are hard to resist. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a batch that rivals any store-bought version. I enjoy customizing the sweetness and nut butter ratio to suit my taste, making this treat a personal favorite. Trust me, once you try these, you'll want to keep them stocked in your fridge!

Created by

Marigold Pearson

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:06:34.708Z

When I first decided to make these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Cashew Butter, I thought about how often I crave the store-bought varieties but wanted a healthier alternative. After experimenting a few times, I discovered that using cashew butter gives a wonderfully creamy texture without overwhelming the chocolate. The trick is to ensure your chocolate is tempered perfectly for the best snap and melt-in-your-mouth experience.

The first batch I made disappeared in record time, and I realized they make a great gift too! To keep things fresh, I like to sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top right before the chocolate sets; it enhances the flavors beautifully. Plus, it adds a lovely touch for the eyes, making them even more irresistible.

Why You Will Love These Peanut Butter Cups
Decadent combination of cashew and peanut butter
Rich dark chocolate coating that satisfies your sweet tooth
Easily customizable flavors and sweetness levels

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups contributes to the rich and complex flavor profile. The creamy cashew butter is not only the star of the filling but also adds a subtle sweetness and a smooth texture that perfectly complements the rich dark chocolate. Choosing a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content elevates the overall experience, providing a deep and satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

Powdered sugar plays a crucial role in achieving the desired consistency of the cashew filling. It not only adds sweetness but also allows the filling to maintain its shape within the chocolate cups. If you prefer a less sweet alternative, you can use maple syrup as a natural sweetener; however, this may require adjusting the amount of cashew butter to maintain a thick consistency.

Tips for Perfectly Shaped Cups

To ensure your chocolate cups have a smooth and even coating, use a small brush or the back of a spoon when applying the melted chocolate to the muffin liners. Make sure you cover the sides thoroughly while saving enough chocolate to seal the tops later. This technique not only adds visual appeal but also helps prevent the filling from leaking out, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the last.

If you find your chocolate is too thick to spread easily, warming it slightly in the microwave for just a few seconds can help achieve a pourable consistency. Conversely, if you accidentally overheat the chocolate, it may seize or become grainy; to fix this, stir in a small amount of coconut oil to restore its smoothness.

Storing and Serving Your Peanut Butter Cups

Once your Homemade Peanut Butter Cups are fully set, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap each cup in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw for about ten minutes at room temperature, allowing the chocolate to soften slightly for the best texture.

These peanut butter cups make a delightful treat on their own, but they can also be transformed into a show-stopping dessert. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumbling them over yogurt. For special occasions, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Cups

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy cashew butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Topping

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for coating)
Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your homemade peanut butter cups:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir in between intervals to avoid burning.

Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Pour a small spoonful of melted chocolate into each liner and use a brush or the back of the spoon to coat the sides. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.

Make the Filling

In another bowl, mix together cashew butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined.

Fill the Cups

Once the chocolate cups have set, remove them from the freezer. Spoon the cashew butter mixture into each cup, filling it about 3/4 full.

Top with Chocolate

Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and pour it over the cashew filling, smoothing it out to cover completely.

Set and Serve

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top and return to the freezer for 20 minutes. Once set, remove the cups from the liners and enjoy your homemade treats!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel on top before the chocolate sets.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap out the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Each alternative brings its unique nuttiness to the cups while maintaining that creamy texture. Be mindful that some nut butters can be sweeter than others, so taste the filling and adjust the sugar accordingly.

For those looking to make these cups dairy-free, make sure your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free certified. Many brands offer delicious alternatives that still melt smoothly and coat your cups beautifully.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable depending on how many treats you need. Just remember the basic ratio: for every cup of chocolate, you will use about half that amount in nut butter and an appropriate amount of powdered sugar for sweetness. If opting to increase the recipe, consider using multiple muffin tins to streamline your process, ensuring an even flow in your kitchen.

To make mini versions, you can use a mini muffin tin and reduce the filling and chocolate accordingly. Adjust the freezing time to about 15-20 minutes, as smaller cups will set quicker.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate cups start to crack when setting or seem too thin, it’s likely they weren’t chilled long enough in the freezer. Ensure you give them adequate time to firm up; a good rule of thumb is to let them sit for at least 20 minutes after adding the final chocolate layer to achieve that sturdy structure.

If you encounter any trouble with your filling being too runny, a pinch more powdered sugar can help thicken it. Alternatively, chill the mixture for a few minutes before filling the chocolate cups to ensure it holds its shape better while setting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nut butters?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap cashew butter for peanut or almond butter for a different flavor.

→ How long do these keep?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer.

→ Is there a vegan option?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your nut butter does not contain any animal products.

→ Can I make these sugar-free?

You can substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia, but tastes may vary.