If you’re a fan of Reese’s peanut butter cups, this homemade version is about to become your new favorite dessert recipe. Rich chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and just the right touch of sweetness come together to create a treat that tastes incredibly close to the classic candy—yet even better because it’s made at home. Best of all, this recipe uses only three simple ingredients, requires no baking, and comes together in just minutes.
Homemade Reese’s peanut butter cups are perfect for anyone who loves quick desserts that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a holiday treat, a party platter, gifting, or simply to satisfy a late-night sweet craving, this recipe is approachable, foolproof, and endlessly satisfying. You don’t need special tools, advanced skills, or fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a microwave.
These peanut butter cups are creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced. The peanut butter filling is smooth and lightly sweetened, while the chocolate shell adds that satisfying snap when you bite into it. Because you control the ingredients, you can also adjust the sweetness, chocolate type, and size to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Dessert Recipe
This Reese’s peanut butter cups dessert recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. With only three ingredients, it’s one of the easiest homemade desserts you can make, yet the result tastes indulgent and impressive.
It’s also incredibly family-friendly. Since there’s no stovetop cooking or baking involved, kids can help mix, scoop, and assemble the cups. That makes this recipe perfect for rainy afternoons, holiday baking days, or fun weekend kitchen projects.
Another reason this recipe is so popular is its flexibility. You can make standard-sized peanut butter cups using a regular muffin tin or mini versions using a mini cupcake pan. Either way, the result is delicious, and the process stays the same.
Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately 12 standard-size homemade Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 cups chocolate, melted (use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or a mix of both)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate
Place the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each round, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
Add the peanut butter to a separate microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds to soften it. Stir well, then add the powdered sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick but pliable, no longer sticky, and easy to shape with your hands.
Step 3: Prepare the Cupcake Pan
Line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners. Using a teaspoon, spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Gently tilt or nudge the chocolate with the back of the spoon so it spreads into a thin, even layer covering the base.
Step 4: Shape the Peanut Butter Layer
Scoop a small portion of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Flatten it gently between your palms to form a disc. Place the disc directly on top of the chocolate layer in each cupcake liner.
Step 5: Add the Top Chocolate Layer
Using a teaspoon, drizzle more melted chocolate over the peanut butter disc. Carefully spread the chocolate so it flows down and covers the sides and top of the peanut butter. Don’t worry if some peanut butter peeks through—the rustic look adds charm.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Transfer the cupcake pan to the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, remove the peanut butter cups from the pan and peel away the liners. Your homemade Reese’s peanut butter cups are ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest filling. Natural peanut butter can be too oily unless well-stirred.
- A 50/50 mix of milk and semi-sweet chocolate creates the closest flavor to classic Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- If the peanut butter mixture feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping.
- For mini peanut butter cups, use a mini muffin tin and reduce the filling size accordingly.
- Store finished cups in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
When to Serve This Dessert Recipe
This Reese’s peanut butter cups dessert recipe is perfect for holidays like Easter and Halloween, homemade candy trays, gift boxes, movie nights, or casual entertaining. They also make a great make-ahead dessert since they store well and require no reheating.
Storage Instructions
Store homemade peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This homemade version of Reese’s peanut butter cups proves that a great dessert recipe doesn’t have to be complicated. With just three ingredients and a simple method, you can recreate a classic candy favorite right in your own kitchen. Rich, creamy, chocolatey, and endlessly customizable, these peanut butter cups are guaranteed to disappear fast.
