Indulge in Homemade Bourbon Peanut Butter Cups: An Adult Twist on a Classic Treat
A tasty grown-up version of a beloved childhood classic: Peanut Butter Cups. Rich dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a hint of smooth bourbon come together in delightful, mini-sized bites, perfect for any occasion.
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For years, I’ve found myself turning away from store-bought peanut butter cups. What once was a cherished childhood indulgence now often disappoints, tasting more of waxy chocolate than the rich, satisfying treat I remember. The thought of “wasted calories” for an unfulfilling dessert became a barrier. But what if there was a way to recapture that magic? What if we could craft a version at home, elevating it with quality ingredients and a sophisticated twist?
Enter the homemade peanut butter cup. And not just any homemade version, but one infused with the warm, smoky notes of bourbon. I don’t know how else to describe these culinary creations but with the word a-ma-zing. This recipe is a revelation, transforming your childhood favorite into an exquisite adult dessert that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen all year long. Imagine the harmonious blend of rich dark chocolate, lusciously creamy peanut butter, and a subtle yet distinct hint of bourbon, all perfectly portioned into cute, mini-sized bites.
Why Make Your Own Peanut Butter Cups? The Homemade Difference
The beauty of making your own treats, especially something as iconic as peanut butter cups, lies in the control you gain over the ingredients. Gone are the days of mystery chocolate with an unpleasant texture. When you create them at home, you choose the finest dark chocolate, ensuring a deep, complex flavor that melts beautifully. You select a high-quality, creamy peanut butter, free from unwanted additives. And, of course, you introduce the star of this adult rendition: bourbon.
This attention to detail results in a superior product that simply can’t be replicated by mass-produced candies. Each bite offers a fresh, vibrant taste that celebrates the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, now elevated by the sophisticated warmth of Kentucky’s finest spirit. These aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience, a delightful journey for your taste buds.
The Bourbon Advantage: An Adult Twist
Adding bourbon to peanut butter cups might sound adventurous, but it’s a stroke of genius. The nuanced flavors of bourbon – notes of vanilla, caramel, and a slight oakiness – perfectly complement the sweetness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the peanut butter. It doesn’t overpower; instead, it provides a subtle warmth and depth that transforms a simple candy into a gourmet delight. This thoughtful addition makes these peanut butter cups truly “grown-up” and irresistibly complex.
The recipe yields a generous 36 cups, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or simply ensuring you have a stash of these delightful confections on hand. They keep exceptionally well, meaning you can enjoy them throughout the festive season (or, if you’re like me, they might disappear much sooner!). If you’re planning a family event and want to share this joy with younger palates, simply omit the bourbon from the peanut butter mixture for a kid-friendly version – though fair warning, your kids will likely be quite jealous of the adult-only batch!
Tools for Success: Preparing Your Cups
To create these mini masterpieces, you’ll need the right tools. This recipe makes 36 peanut butter cups, so a mini-muffin pan is essential. If you only have one 24-cup pan, don’t worry – you can easily work in batches. Just ensure one batch is chilling while you prepare the next. Alternatively, using foil candy cups offers great flexibility. These sturdy little cups can often hold their shape independently, allowing you to arrange all 36 on a standard baking sheet and make them all at once, saving precious time.
Investing in good quality mini foil candy cups can significantly streamline the process and ensure your peanut butter cups maintain their perfect form. Their non-stick properties also make for easy removal, presenting beautifully finished treats every time. Having these supplies ready before you begin will make the assembly process smooth and enjoyable.
Pin Recipe
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Bourbon
15 minutes
15 minutes
36 cups
Marie Asselin (FoodNouveau.com)
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz/350 g) dark chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (125 ml) creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 oz (30 ml) bourbon
- ¾ cup (180 ml) powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
- Mini foil candy cups
- Roasted peanuts (to decorate, optional)
Instructions
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First, prepare your 24-cup mini-muffin pan by lining each cavity with mini foil candy cups. This will make removing your finished treats much easier. Next, set a stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water (creating a double boiler setup). Add the dark chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the bowl. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, with a glossy consistency. Be careful not to let the water boil vigorously or touch the bottom of the bowl.
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Carefully spoon approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the melted chocolate mixture into the bottom of each prepared candy cup. Once all cups have their chocolate base, transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is firm and solid to the touch. This foundational layer is crucial for the structure of your peanut butter cups.
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While the chocolate base is chilling, prepare your decadent peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup (125 ml) of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 ounce (30 ml) of bourbon, ¾ cup (180 ml) of powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) of kosher salt. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat these ingredients together until they are thoroughly incorporated, light, and fluffy. This creates a smooth, flavorful filling that is easy to work with. Spoon a generous, heaped teaspoon (approximately 5 ml) of this peanut butter mixture over the hardened bottom chocolate layer in each cup. Gently press down on the peanut butter to create an even, level layer.
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Now it’s time for the top chocolate layer. Take the remaining melted chocolate mixture (if it has cooled and is no longer easily pourable, gently reheat it over the simmering water until it’s smooth again). Spoon another teaspoon (5 ml) of this melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in each cup, ensuring it completely covers the filling and reaches the edges of the candy cup. For an extra touch of elegance and crunch, you can optionally top each cup with a roasted peanut while the chocolate is still wet.
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Once all cups are assembled, return the muffin pan to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until the peanut butter cups are completely firm and the chocolate is fully set. This final chill is essential for them to hold their shape and ensure easy removal from the candy cups. Once firm, they are ready to enjoy! Store any leftover Homemade Bourbon Peanut Butter Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, preserving their freshness and flavor.
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Recipe Credit: Adapted from Laila Gohar, Food Republic
Did you make this?
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Tips for Success and Variations
Achieving the perfect homemade peanut butter cup is all about patience and a few key techniques. Ensure your chocolate is melted slowly and evenly to prevent scorching. When adding the peanut butter filling, make sure the bottom chocolate layer is thoroughly chilled; this prevents the two layers from mixing prematurely. If you find your peanut butter mixture is too sticky to work with, a quick chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes can make it more manageable. And remember, room temperature butter for the peanut butter filling is crucial for a smooth, creamy consistency.
While the bourbon adds a distinct adult flair, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations. For a different alcoholic twist, consider a dark rum or a whiskey with caramel notes. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version for all ages, a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor of the peanut butter filling beautifully. You could also try different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate for a sweeter cup or a higher percentage dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. For an extra textural element, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the final chocolate layer before it sets – the contrast of sweet and salty is truly divine.
Storage and Enjoyment
These homemade bourbon peanut butter cups are not only incredibly delicious but also boast excellent shelf life. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will remain fresh and firm for up to two weeks. This makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy periods or a thoughtful edible gift for friends and family. Their rich flavor and appealing mini size make them perfect for individual indulgence, sharing at parties, or as a sophisticated addition to a dessert platter.
Serve them chilled straight from the fridge for a satisfying snap, or let them come to room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience. However you choose to enjoy them, these homemade bourbon peanut butter cups are sure to impress and satisfy, proving that some childhood classics only get better with age and a little bit of adult sophistication.
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