Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups – Easy No-Bake Treat!
Introduction
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups are the perfect choice. With a rich peanut butter filling and a smooth chocolate ganache, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why Make This Recipe
These dessert cups are super simple to whip up and require no baking at all! They make for an impressive dessert at parties or a fun treat for family gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to customize and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups is a straightforward process. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (150 g) finely crushed graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp (25 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter (natural or smooth)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 4 oz (115 g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- Sea salt flakes
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
- Drizzle of melted white chocolate
Directions
- Prep your cups: Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone liners.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, stir together the crushed crackers or cookies, melted butter, and powdered sugar until moistened. Divide evenly among the 12 liners, pressing firmly into the bottom to form a compact crust layer.
- Chill the crust: Place the muffin tin in the freezer while you prepare the filling (about 10 minutes) to help the crust set firmly.
- Whip up the peanut butter filling: In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; continue beating on low speed until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Pipe or spoon the filling: Remove the crusts from the freezer. Using a spoon or piping bag, divide the peanut butter mixture evenly among the cups, smoothing the tops. Return to the freezer while you make the ganache (about 5 minutes).
- Prepare the chocolate ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream just to a simmer (small bubbles at the edge). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Whisk in the butter until glossy.
- Top with ganache: Spoon or pour ganache over each peanut butter layer, covering completely. Tap the tin gently on the counter to eliminate air bubbles and level the tops.
- Set & garnish: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, mini chocolate chips, or chopped peanuts while the ganache is still soft. Freeze for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate for 1 hour) until fully set.
- Serve: Remove the cups from the tin. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for easier eating.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups
These dessert cups are best served chilled, straight from the fridge or freezer. They can be enjoyed as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat any time of day. To make them extra special, drizzle with some melted white chocolate before serving!
How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups
Store any leftover dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Tips to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups
- For a crunchier texture, add some chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling or top the ganache with more crushed cookies.
- Use different types of cookies for the crust for a unique flavor, such as Oreos or digestive biscuits.
- Make sure to chop the chocolate finely to ensure it melts smoothly for the ganache.
Variation
You can try different flavors by mixing in some cocoa powder into the peanut butter filling or using white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache. You can also switch the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your filling!
2. How long do these dessert cups last?
They can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They are perfect for making ahead. Just store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups, and be prepared for compliments from everyone who tries them!
