Make these delicious peanut butter and jelly chocolate cups for a quick and satisfying treat that's perfect for any time of the day.
This recipe captures the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly wrapped in smooth chocolate. I find myself returning to these chocolate cups whenever I'm craving a sweet snack that combines simplicity and satisfaction.
One key technique for success is tempering the chocolate properly. This ensures that the chocolate has a nice shine and a crisp snap, enhancing the overall texture of the chocolate cups.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential; subpar peanut butter or jelly can negatively affect the flavor and texture, leading to a disappointing treat.
Jump to:
- A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
- Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups
- Ingredients
- How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups (Step-by-Step)
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Tips and Tricks for Success
- Variations
- How to Serve
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Yield and Serving Size
- Nutrition Snapshot
- Delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups
- FAQs
A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups
- Irresistibly rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and fruity jelly.
- Luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for weeknight treats or make-ahead snacks for celebrations.
- Only takes a few simple ingredients to whip up a batch.
Ingredients
This recipe requires common pantry staples and a few delightful components.
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- Jelly or jam (your favorite flavor)
- Mini cupcake liners (to mold the cups)
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create indulgent peanut butter and jelly chocolate cups.
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
I start by melting the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. I microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Prepare the Molds
I place mini cupcake liners in a cupcake pan to shape the chocolate cups. This helps in easy removal later on.
Step 3: Coat the Liners
I spoon melted chocolate into each liner, making sure to cover the bottom and up the sides. I use the back of the spoon to create an even layer.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter
Once the chocolate has slightly set, I add a dollop of peanut butter to the center of each cup. It's important that the chocolate isn't too hot to prevent melting the peanut butter.
Step 5: Top with Jelly
I spoon a small amount of jelly over the peanut butter, creating a delightful layer of flavor. I press it gently to combine.
Step 6: Finish with Chocolate
I pour the remaining melted chocolate on top, sealing the peanut butter and jelly inside. I smooth it down with a spatula to ensure it's well-coated.
Step 7: Chill and Set
I place the cupcake pan in the refrigerator until the chocolates are firm, usually about 30 minutes. The ends result should be perfectly set!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not melting the chocolate properly
- This happens due to overheating or uneven melting, leading to a clumpy texture.
- Use a microwave in short bursts and stir frequently until smooth.
- Using too much peanut butter
- Excess peanut butter can overwhelm the chocolate flavor.
- Measure carefully to maintain balance in flavor and texture.
- Skipping refrigeration time
- Rushing this step can cause the cups to lose their shape.
- Allow enough time for proper setting in the fridge.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Ensure chocolate is fully melted but not too hot before mixing.
- Use a small cookie scoop for even portions of peanut butter.
- Let the chocolate harden at room temperature before refrigerating for best texture.
- Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Variations
- Substitute almond butter for a nut-free alternative.
- Add crushed graham crackers for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for extra sweetness.
How to Serve
- Pair with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve on a platter with a variety of toppings for guests to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chocolate cups in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Storage: Store the filled chocolate cups in a cool, dry place.
- Reheating: It's unnecessary to reheat; enjoy them at room temperature.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the unfilled chocolate cups; defrost before filling.
During testing, I learned the importance of tempering the chocolate correctly; failing to do so results in a dull finish and a less satisfying snap. This technique works by stabilizing the cocoa butter crystals, ensuring a shiny, smooth surface that enhances the presentation and texture of the chocolate.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 cups · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 3g protein · 18g carbs · 8g fat. Estimates may vary by ingredients.
Delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups
Equipment
- Microwave safe bowl
- Cupcake pan
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Mini cupcake liners
Ingredients
Group: Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ¼ cup jelly or jam (your favorite flavor)
- 12 mini cupcake liners (to mold the cups)
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Place mini cupcake liners in a cupcake pan to shape the chocolate cups.
- Spoon melted chocolate into each liner, making sure to cover the bottom and up the sides.
- Add a dollop of peanut butter to the center of each cup, ensuring the chocolate isn't too hot.
- Spoon a small amount of jelly over the peanut butter, gently pressing it down.
- Pour the remaining chocolate on top, sealing in the peanut butter and jelly and smoothing it down with a spatula.
- Chill in the refrigerator until firm, usually about 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of processed?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter instead of processed. However, be aware that natural peanut butter may separate, so you might need to stir it well before use to ensure a smooth consistency in your chocolate cups.
How long can I store Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups?
You can store Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For extended freshness, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks.
Can I substitute jelly with another spread?
Yes, you can substitute jelly with other spreads like fruit preserves or nut-based spreads. Choose a flavor that complements the peanut butter for the best taste.
What tools do I need to make these chocolate cups?
You will need a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate, silicone molds or cupcake liners to form the cups, and a spoon for layering the ingredients effectively.
How do I know when the chocolate is fully melted?
You can tell the chocolate is fully melted when it reaches a smooth and shiny consistency without any lumps. Stir it frequently while microwaving to avoid overheating and burning.
