If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent, then these Peanut Butter Fudge Cups are exactly what you need in your life! Picture this: a thick layer of rich, velvety peanut butter fudge, all nestled in a perfectly bite-sized cup, then topped off with a decadent chocolate coating. Trust me, you’re going to love these little bites of heaven.
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Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a long day, or as a crowd-pleasing treat for your next gathering, these peanut butter fudge cups are the answer to all your dessert prayers. So, let’s dive in—you’re just a few simple steps away from a dessert game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
These little cups aren’t just for peanut butter lovers—they’re for anyone who wants to enjoy a deliciously rich treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these fudge cups are a hit every time. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own after a busy day.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients here—just some pantry staples you probably already have! Simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable taste.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps. You won’t have to worry about any fancy techniques—just mix, layer, and chill. It’s as easy as it gets!
Customizable: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch things up. Add some crushed nuts, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top, or even swirl in a bit of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: These are perfect for all ages! Kids, adults—everyone will love them, and they’ll disappear in no time. You’ll be the dessert hero of any occasion!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these little indulgences:
Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that gives these cups that rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavor.
Butter: Adds a smooth richness to the fudge filling, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens everything up and helps give the fudge its smooth, luscious consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to balance the peanut butter and bring out the sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: For that perfect chocolate coating that holds everything together and adds that final touch of decadence.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible fudge cups:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup so much easier!
2. Make the Peanut Butter Fudge Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine your peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This is the base for your fudge cups, and it’s so satisfying to work with!
3. Melt the Chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy—this is going to coat your fudge cups, so make sure it’s nice and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cups: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner, just enough to cover the base. Let it set for a few minutes. Then, add a dollop of the peanut butter fudge mixture on top of the chocolate layer.
5. Top with More Chocolate: Spoon more melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter fudge filling, covering it completely. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon for an even finish.
6. Chill: Place the muffin tin in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the fudge cups set. This step is key for that perfect, bite-sized texture!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, remove the cups from the fridge and peel away the cupcake liners. Serve them up and enjoy these little bites of heaven!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
These peanut butter fudge cups are so delicious that they’re perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to pair them with for an extra special treat:
Fresh Fruit: A side of juicy berries or sliced bananas pairs perfectly with these rich fudge cups, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these with your favorite hot beverage. A rich cup of coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate is the perfect pairing.
Ice Cream: Want to go all out? Serve these fudge cups alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Make these fudge cups in advance and store them in the fridge for a few days. They’ll stay fresh and ready for whenever you need a sweet fix.
Storage Tips: Store your fudge cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just let them thaw before enjoying.
Double the Batch: If you’re making these for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. These fudge cups disappear fast, so you’ll want to have extras!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute peanut butter for another nut butter?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can swap it with almond butter or cashew butter for a delicious twist.
Q2: Can I make these fudge cups ahead of time?
A2: Yes! These are great for making in advance. Prepare them a day or two ahead of time, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I freeze these peanut butter fudge cups?
A4: Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze. Let them thaw before serving.
Q5: How do I reheat them?
A5: These are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them a bit warmer, you can microwave them for a few seconds until soft.
Q6: Can I make these without chocolate?
A6: You can skip the chocolate layer if you prefer a more peanut butter-forward treat. The fudge will still be delicious!
Q7: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A7: Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the fudge filling, which could be a fun twist!
Q8: Are these gluten-free?
A8: Yes! These fudge cups are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for those with dietary restrictions.
Q9: Can I add toppings like crushed peanuts or sprinkles?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings like chopped peanuts, sea salt, or even sprinkles for a festive touch.
Q10: How many servings does this recipe make?
A10: This recipe typically makes [number of servings], but you can easily adjust the quantity based on the size of your muffin tin and the portions you want to serve.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Fudge Cups are a sweet, creamy, and totally irresistible treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re indulging in a personal snack or sharing them with friends and family, these little cups are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes cooling)
- Yield: 36–40 mini cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These bite-sized peanut butter cookie cups are filled with a creamy, fudge-like chocolate filling made with mascarpone cheese for an irresistibly soft texture. Perfect for any dessert table or as a sweet treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cookie Cups:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (156g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Fudge Filling:
- 8 oz (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 8 oz (226g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- Optional: 1/2 cup (120g) Heath toffee bits or chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Make the cookie cups: Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy (about 3 minutes). Add the egg and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Mix in peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low, then medium speed until fully combined. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease 2 mini muffin pans or line with mini cupcake liners.
- Scoop and roll about 1 tbsp (20g) of dough for each cup. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indent, pushing the dough slightly up the sides.
- Bake for 14–15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes. Use the back of a rounded teaspoon to press into the centers again to deepen the indent. Let cookie cups cool completely.
- Make the fudge filling: Melt chocolate and oil using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 3 minutes. Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the melted chocolate until smooth.
- Spoon a heaping teaspoon of filling into each cooled cookie cup. Top with toffee bits or peanuts if desired.
- Store at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cookie dough can be chilled for up to 3 days. Store baked cookie cups (unfilled) in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Freezing: Filled cookie cups can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Toppings: Customize with sprinkles, crushed candies, or other nuts for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg