Making Homemade Reeses Cups is the best way to satisfy a candy craving without leaving your kitchen. This recipe gives you that iconic salty and sweet flavor we all love. It tastes just like the original but uses fresh ingredients you likely already have.
Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Equipment
- Muffin Tin
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Cupcake liners
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cups Ingredients
- 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 9 ounces peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 10 tablespoons butter divided
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place cupcake liners into a muffin tin. Use a pastry brush to paint a layer of melted chocolate into the bottom and up the sides of each liner, then refrigerate for about 5 minutes to set.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe dish, combine peanut butter with 6 tablespoons of butter and microwave in 15-second increments, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour this over the graham cracker mixture and stir to combine.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter and microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until fully melted.
- Place cupcake liners into a muffin tin. Use a pastry brush to paint a layer of melted chocolate into the bottom and up the sides of each liner, then refrigerate for about 5 minutes to set.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture into each prepared cup, keeping the tops fairly flat.
- Melt remaining chocolate chips with remaining butter, then spoon chocolate over each peanut butter cup to fully cover the filling. Tap the pan gently to level the tops.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened (about 20 minutes), then serve.
Notes
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Copycat Reese’s Recipe
You will quickly find that this is much better than store-bought candy. Here is why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: You can prep these delicious treats in just minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five basic pantry staples.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These are great for holiday parties, school treats, or a midnight snack.
- No-Bake Candy Recipe: There is no need to turn on the oven, which keeps things simple and cool.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make these for family gatherings, they disappear in seconds.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to make healthy Reeses cups or protein Reeses cups depending on your diet.
Ingredients for Your Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
To get the perfect balance of rich chocolate and a creamy center, you need the right tools and ingredients. This recipe yields 12 full-size cups or 24 mini treats.
For the Chocolate Shell
- 12 oz Semi-sweet chocolate chips: This provides the classic rich coating.
- 4 tbsp Butter: Use unsalted butter, divided into two portions for the top and bottom layers.
For the Smooth Peanut Butter Filling
- ¾ cup Graham cracker crumbs: Approximately 5 to 6 full sheets. These add the signature “sandy” texture found in real Reese’s.
- 1 cup Powdered sugar: This sweetens the center and helps it hold its shape.
- 9 oz Creamy peanut butter: Roughly 1 cup. You can use smooth or crunchy based on your preference.
- 6 tbsp Butter: Unsalted and melted to bind the filling.
How to Make Homemade Reeses Cups
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your DIY Reeses cups look professional and taste amazing.
1. Prep the Liners
Start by placing 12 full-size cupcake liners into a standard muffin tin. If you want mini sweet treats, use 24 mini liners in a mini tin instead. This keeps the chocolate from sticking and gives the cups their classic ridged edges.
2. Prepare the Bottom Chocolate Layer
Place 6 oz of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 15-second bursts, stirring each time until the mixture is completely smooth. Spoon a small amount into each liner.
Use a small brush or the back of a spoon to paint the chocolate about 1/3 of the way up the sides of the liner. This creates a “cup” for the filling. Chill in the fridge for 5 minutes until the chocolate is no longer shiny and has hardened.
3. Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar together until there are no lumps. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and 6 tablespoons of butter.
Heat in 15-second intervals until melted and smooth. Pour this liquid over your dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
4. Add the Filling
Drop about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture into each chocolate-lined cup. Lightly press it down with your finger or a spoon to flatten the top.
Make sure the filling does not go above the chocolate line you painted earlier.
5. Seal the Top
Melt the remaining 6 oz of chocolate chips with the final 2 tablespoons of butter using the same 15-second microwave method.
Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling. You can lightly shake or tap the pan to ensure the chocolate spreads to the edges and seals the cup perfectly.
6. Set and Serve
Refrigerate your homemade peanut butter cups for at least 1 hour until firm. If you are in a rush, you can place them in the freezer for 20 minutes. Once set, peel off the liners and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
These treats are best served slightly chilled for the perfect snap in the chocolate.
- Room Temp Stability: If you want them to stay firm on a dessert table, keep them in a cool spot. For extra stability, you can learn about tempering chocolate, which prevents the chocolate from melting on your fingers.
- Storage: Store your cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: These are excellent freezer treats. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they will stay fresh for up to three months.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Texture
After years of making these, I have learned a few secrets to help you achieve the best results.
- The Sandy Center: Do not skip the graham cracker crumbs. They are the secret to that authentic, slightly gritty texture that makes Reese’s unique.
- Fixing Seized Chocolate: If your chocolate becomes chunky while melting, add a teaspoon of coconut oil and stir vigorously. Always use short 15-second bursts in the microwave to prevent burning.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe safe for those with allergies.
- Variation Ideas: You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. You can even add a layer of caramel for salted caramel peanut butter cups.
Conclusion
This homemade Reeses cups recipe is a game-changer for candy lovers. It is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.
Whether you are making them for a holiday or just to keep in your freezer, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below and give it a star rating! I would love to hear how they turned out.
Did you try any fun variations like adding sea salt or using dark chocolate? Share your photos on social media and tag us so we can see your beautiful creations!
More easy Recipes To Try!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reese’s filling made of?
The classic filling is a mixture of peanut butter, sugar, and a binding agent like graham cracker crumbs to give it that signature thick, sandy texture.
How long do reeses take to not be edible?
Homemade versions last about two weeks in the fridge or three months in the freezer. At room temperature, they are best eaten within a few days for the best quality.
What are the ingredients in Reese’s peanut butter cups?
The main ingredients include roasted peanuts, sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, and milk, along with some preservatives to keep them shelf-stable. This homemade version skips the preservatives for a fresher taste.
How do they make Reese’s cups?
Reese’s cups were created in 1928 by H.B. Reese. They are made by pouring chocolate into a fluted mold, adding the peanut butter center, and sealing it with more chocolate.
Is there red 40 in Reese’s?
Standard Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups typically do not contain Red 40, though you should always check the label of specific holiday versions or themed varieties to be sure
