The sweet lure of dark chocolate paired with the rich hug of peanut butter—yes, we’re talking the one and only, the irresistible Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups! Now, before you think you’ve got to dash to the nearest store for your fix, hold onto your taste buds because we’re about to get our hands chocolatey. We’re whipping up our very own batch right here, right now.
Let’s face it, there’s something downright magical about biting into a perfectly crafted peanut butter cup. That snap of dark chocolate, followed by the velvety smooth peanut butter—it’s enough to make your day, um, 100% better. And the best part? You’ll be the chocolatier in charge, meaning every little sugary cup will have your stamp of deliciousness.
Table of Contents
How to make Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a type of candy produced by Justin’s, a company known for its nut butter products. These peanut butter cups consist of a creamy peanut butter filling covered in rich dark chocolate. They’re often considered a gourmet or upscale version of the classic peanut butter cup, appealing to those who enjoy a combination of salty-sweet flavors with high-quality ingredients.
What You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Shell:
1 ½ cups of high-quality dark chocolate chips (the better the chocolate, the tastier the cup)
1 tablespoon of coconut oil (this little secret helps make the chocolate nice and smooth)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
¾ cup of creamy peanut butter (Justin’s, obviously, if we’re keeping it brand loyal)
¼ cup of powdered sugar (for a little sweetness)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better)
A pinch of salt (trust me, it’s the unsung hero of the sweet world)
You’ll also need a mini muffin tin and some mini muffin liners. If you want to get fancy, you can find some with fun designs to give your peanut butter cups some added flair.
Instructions
Prep the Stage: Line your mini muffin tin with those cute liners you picked out. This isn’t just for looks; it’ll save you from a world of sticky chocolate mess later.
Melt and Mix: Grab a microwave-safe bowl and throw in your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave this duo in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until you’ve got a smooth chocolate river. Try not to just eat it with a spoon. Tempting, I know.
First Layer Fondness: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. You’ll want just enough to cover the bottom—think thin, not pool. Give the tin a little shake or tap on the counter to get any air bubbles out and make a smooth layer. Pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes or until firm.
Peanut Butter Paradise: While the chocolate layer is setting, mix your creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and that game-changing pinch of salt in a bowl until you’ve got a smooth, stirrable mixture. Taste test mandatory.
Fill it Up: Once your chocolate base is solid, spoon a dollop of the peanut butter mixture into each cup. Press it down gently to flatten—you’re aiming for a nice, even layer. Feel like a kitchen wizard yet?
Top It Off: Reheat your chocolate if it’s gotten too thick, then gently spoon it over the peanut butter layer, covering it completely. Use the back of the spoon to smooth it out. Another freezer trip, about 30 minutes, should do the trick until they’re all set.
Voilà: Once everything’s solid, pop your peanut butter cups out of the tin, and there you have it—homemade heaven.
Cheeky Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Perfection:
Thin is In – Keep those layers thin to get the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
Quality Matters: Splurge a little on good chocolate. It’s the star of the show, after all.
Chill Out: Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s key to getting those layers just right.
Get Creative: Once you’ve got the basics down, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or maybe some crushed peanuts for a crunch.
What to serve with
Those little cups of joy are ready, looking all cute and delicious, but you can’t just throw them on the table and call it a day. Oh no, we’re about to jazz things up a notch!
Coffee: Imagine the rich, bold flavor of your favorite brew mingling with the sweet and salty notes of a peanut butter cup. It’s a match made in taste bud heaven, perfect for a grown-up gathering or a solo treat.
Chilled Milk, But Make It Fancy: If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, how about a glass of milk? But let’s not just go with any milk—try almond milk or oat milk for a twist. A nice, cold glass alongside a dark chocolate peanut butter cup is like a hug from the inside.
Wine: If you’re feeling a bit posh, a medium-bodied red wine that dances gracefully with the rich, dark chocolate can elevate your snacking experience to new heights. A good Merlot or Pinot Noir can add some serious flair to your evening.
The Munchable Accomplices:
Cheese and Crackers: Now stick with me here. A cheese platter with some high-quality crackers can be an intriguing accomplice. The creaminess of the cheese, like a good Brie or sharp Cheddar, paired with the crunch of a cracker, topped off with a bite of chocolate peanut butter cup… it’s surprisingly delightful.
Fresh Fruit: Fresh strawberries, slices of banana, or even some tangy raspberries can be a refreshing counterpart to the rich chocolate and peanut butter. Plus, you get to feel a bit virtuous for eating your fruit (wink).
The Sweet Cohorts:
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some high-quality vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with a bit of melted peanut butter, and then crumble a dark chocolate peanut butter cup over the top. It’s like bringing in the big guns.
Shortbread Cookies: These buttery delights can be a crunchy, subtly sweet addition that pairs wonderfully without stealing the thunder from your starring treats.
Ingredients Substitutes
Sometimes, you open up your pantry, and it’s like you decided to play a game of hide and seek with your ingredients. But fear not! Substitutes are here to save the day, and honestly, they might even add a fun twist to your treats.
When Your Chocolate Chips Have Vanished:
Dark Chocolate Bar: Got a dark chocolate bar lounging around? Perfect. Break it into pieces, and it’ll melt just as nicely as those elusive chips.
Cocoa Powder: If the chips are MIA, and you’ve got cocoa powder, mix it with sugar and coconut oil. It’s a bit of kitchen alchemy that can mimic melted chocolate.
Coconut Oil
Butter: In the absence of coconut oil, butter is your best buddy. It ensures your chocolate is just as dreamy.
For the Dairy-Free Crowd: If you’re trying to keep it plant-based, margarine or any neutral-tasting oil can also step in as a great substitute.
Peanut Butter Pivot:
Almond, Cashew, or Sunflower Seed Butter: No peanut butter? No problem! Swap in whatever nut or seed butter you have on hand. Each brings its own unique flavor game to the table.
DIY Nut Butter Hack: Feeling adventurous? Blitz up some nuts with a bit of oil in your food processor, and bam—homemade nut butter!
Out of Powdered Sugar?
Make Your Own: Seriously, if you have granulated sugar and a blender, you’re golden. Blend up the sugar until fine, and you’ve got a powdered sugar stand-in.
Honey or Maple Syrup: If you’re not bound by the laws of traditional recipes, a liquid sweetener can add a bit of moisture and a whole lot of flavor. Just be ready for a gooier filling (which, let’s be honest, could be a delicious twist).
No Vanilla Extract on Hand?
Almond Extract: A dash of almond extract can offer an intriguing depth of flavor as a stand-in.
Skip It: Honestly, if you’re out of vanilla, your cups will still be delish. It’s more about the harmony between chocolate and peanut butter anyway.
And for That Little Pinch of Salt:
Sea Salt Flakes: If you’re out of regular salt, a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before the final chill can add a gourmet touch.
Just A Dash of Whatever Salt You Have: In the grand scheme, as long as you have some sort of salt to balance the sweet, you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Making Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups at home is as easy as pie (or, well, candy). Give it a whirl, and get ready to impress yourself with your mad candy-making skills.
You’ll also need a mini muffin tin and some mini muffin liners.
Instructions
Prep the Stage: Line your mini muffin tin with those cute liners you picked out. This isn’t just for looks; it’ll save you from a world of sticky chocolate mess later.
Melt and Mix: Grab a microwave-safe bowl and throw in your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave this duo in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until you’ve got a smooth chocolate river. Try not to just eat it with a spoon. Tempting, I know.
First Layer Fondness: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. You’ll want just enough to cover the bottom—think thin, not pool. Give the tin a little shake or tap on the counter to get any air bubbles out and make a smooth layer. Pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes or until firm.
Peanut Butter Paradise: While the chocolate layer is setting, mix your creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and that game-changing pinch of salt in a bowl until you’ve got a smooth, stirrable mixture. Taste test mandatory.
Fill it Up: Once your chocolate base is solid, spoon a dollop of the peanut butter mixture into each cup. Press it down gently to flatten—you’re aiming for a nice, even layer. Feel like a kitchen wizard yet?
Top It Off: Reheat your chocolate if it’s gotten too thick, then gently spoon it over the peanut butter layer, covering it completely. Use the back of the spoon to smooth it out. Another freezer trip, about 30 minutes, should do the trick until they’re all set.
Voilà: Once everything’s solid, pop your peanut butter cups out of the tin, and there you have it—homemade heaven.
Driven by a desire to not only delight the palate but also to educate and inspire others, I began documenting dessert recipes. My writing style is infused with warmth, humor, and a genuine love for food.
