These S’mores Peanut Butter Cups are a fun treat! They combine creamy peanut butter, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet chocolate. Who wouldn’t love that combo?
Making these cups is super easy—just layer and chill! Trust me, they disappear fast at parties, so you might want to hide a few for yourself. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These provide the base for our cups. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a similar flavor and texture.
Peanut Butter: I recommend creamy peanut butter for easy spreading. If you’re allergic or want a different flavor, almond butter or sunbutter work great too!
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate is perfect, but you can switch to milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on your taste preference. Just keep the ratios the same.
Mini Marshmallows: If you prefer a healthier option, use coconut chips or avoid the marshmallow topping. They still taste great without them!
How Do I Create the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust?
Making a solid graham cracker crust is key to these cups. It needs to be firm enough to hold together but not so hard that it’s tough to bite into. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it reaches a wet sand texture.
- Press about 2 tablespoons firmly into each muffin cup. Make sure it’s tightly packed so it doesn’t crumble later.
- Chill the crust for at least 10 minutes. This sets it and helps maintain its shape.
How to Make S’mores Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
For the Topping:
- Mini marshmallows (about 24-30, depending on size)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in about 50 minutes, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup with cooking spray or butter. This will make it easier to remove the cups later!
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together until it resembles wet sand. This mixture will form the base of your cups.
Now, press about 2 tablespoons of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup. Make sure it’s evenly packed. Pop the muffin tin into the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the crust firm up.
3. Add the Peanut Butter Filling:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of creamy peanut butter on top of the chilled graham cracker crusts. Spread it gently, making sure to cover the crust evenly without pressing down too hard.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the coconut oil (if using). Heat this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each session until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
5. Assemble the Cups:
Spoon the melted chocolate over each peanut butter layer, filling the cups nearly to the top. Make sure the peanut butter is completely covered with the chocolate.
6. Toast the Marshmallows:
Place 3-4 mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate layer for that classic s’mores flavor. Now, put the entire muffin tin under a broiler for about 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows until they are golden and slightly charred. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Chill and Serve:
Once the marshmallows are toasted, refrigerate the muffin tin for at least 30 minutes. This will help the chocolate firm up completely.
Finally, remove each peanut butter cup from the muffin tin and peel off the liners if you used them. Now they’re ready to enjoy! How delicious does that sound?
These S’mores Peanut Butter Cups combine everything you love about classic s’mores into an easy, handheld treat. Get ready to indulge!
Can I Use Different Types of Nut Butter?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Just make sure the consistency is similar for easy spreading.
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. They’ll provide a similar crunch and sweetness to the crust!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover S’mores Peanut Butter Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month; just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
How Do I Prevent the Chocolate from Melting Too Much?
If you’re worried about the chocolate melting when toasting the marshmallows, you can chill the cups for longer after adding the chocolate. Additionally, use a lower broiler setting and keep a close eye on the roasting process.
