Salted Caramel Peanut Cups (Printable Version)

Delicious peanut butter cups with a salted caramel center and chocolate coating topped with sea salt.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chocolate Layer

01 - 10 oz semisweet or milk chocolate, chopped or chips
02 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter

→ Peanut Butter Filling

03 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
04 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Salted Caramel

07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Topping

11 - Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
02 - Melt chocolate and coconut oil or butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth.
03 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon melted chocolate into each liner, tilting to coat the bottom. Chill in freezer for 10 minutes to set.
04 - In a bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions and flatten into small discs.
05 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until golden amber in color, swirling pan occasionally without stirring. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly add heavy cream while whisking continuously as mixture will bubble. Whisk until smooth and stir in fine sea salt. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
06 - Place a peanut butter disc onto each chilled chocolate base. Top each disc with approximately 1 teaspoon of cooled caramel.
07 - Cover each cup with remaining melted chocolate, smoothing tops evenly.
08 - Sprinkle each cup with flaky sea salt.
09 - Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until completely set.
10 - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect sweet-salty balance with homemade salted caramel and flaky sea salt
  • Completely customizable with your choice of chocolate and nut butter
  • Makes 12 impressive treats that look and taste gourmet
  • Requires only simple techniques and everyday kitchen tools
  • Stores well in the fridge for up to a week for make-ahead convenience
02 -
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting—chocolate chips work, but chopped bar chocolate often melts more evenly
  • Don't skip the chilling steps; they're essential for clean layers and easy removal from liners
  • Make the caramel first and let it cool while you prepare the other components to save time
  • For easier cleanup, line your work surface with parchment paper before assembling
  • Double-check all ingredient labels if serving to guests with allergies, as chocolate brands may contain traces of tree nuts or soy
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