Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups Recipe

Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups are the nostalgic treat you never knew you needed — but once you taste them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this irresistible trio of creamy peanut butter, tangy-sweet strawberry jam, and rich vegan chocolate. Each bite bursts with the beloved flavors of your favorite childhood sandwich, all wrapped up in a sophisticated little chocolate shell that makes them ideal for sharing, gifting, or savoring all to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups is how you can transform simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into utterly decadent bites. Each ingredient has a job to do, building layers of flavor and texture that make this treat so irresistible!

• Frozen Strawberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and color, they create a fresh, tangy jam filling — but fresh berries work in a pinch!
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the berries, bringing out their vibrant strawberry flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus brightens the jam and keeps it from tasting flat.
• Cornstarch + Cold Water: Thickens the jam to the perfect, spoonable consistency, so it won’t run out of your chocolate cups.
• Vegan Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate: Rich, meltable chocolate forms the sturdy shell — go for good quality here, and chips or bars both work!
• Coconut Oil: Makes the chocolate smoother, silkier, and easier to pour and bite.
• Natural Peanut Butter: Full of real-roasted peanut flavor and perfect for thick, creamy centers; see notes for swapping in other styles.
• Vegan Butter: Adds richness and helps the peanut butter filling set to just the right texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter mixture for a creamy, fudge-like bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor, making everything taste a little more “bakery fresh.”
• Salt: Makes the peanutiness pop and balances all the sweetness.
• Crushed Freeze-Dried Strawberries (optional): For a beautiful, crunchy garnish and extra berry punch.

Variations

The beauty of Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups is that you can truly make them your own. Whether you want to switch up the flavors, accommodate a dietary need, or use whatever’s already in your pantry, there’s no wrong way to riff on this classic combo!

• Try a Different Jam: Swap the strawberry for raspberry, blackberry, or even a zesty citrus marmalade for a unique twist.
• Go Nutty: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works just as well as peanut butter, allowing for customization or allergy-friendly versions.
• Chocolate Flavors: Use dark, semi-sweet, or even a high-quality vegan milk chocolate if you like things sweeter — each shell brings a whole new vibe.
• Crunch Factor: Stir crushed peanuts or cookie crumbs into the peanut butter layer for a delightful surprise when you bite in.
• Mini Muffin Tins: Make “two-bite” versions using mini cupcake liners for a party platter or lunchbox treat.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups

Step 1: Cook the Jam Filling

Start by simmering your chopped strawberries over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. As soon as they start to release their juices and soften, stir in the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to cook the fruit just a bit longer to deepen the flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir it into the berries — the jam will thicken almost instantly. Cook for a minute more, let it cool to room temperature, and then stash it in the fridge. (Tip: making this the day before totally works!)

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate for the Shell

Chop your chocolate (if using bars) and combine with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Gently melt it in short 30-40 second bursts at half power, stirring often, until silky and smooth — or use a double boiler if you’re fancy (just don’t let any water in). This step gives you that irresistible, creamy shell which is the hallmark of great Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups.

Step 3: Coat the Muffin Liners

Line a muffin tin with cupcake or candy cup liners. Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each liner, using the back of the spoon to nudge the chocolate up the sides (go higher for thinner liners, halfway for regular ones). Pop the tray in the freezer for just a few minutes — this helps form a sturdy base that won’t get too messy when you add the fillings.

Step 4: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

In a bowl, stir together the natural peanut butter and softened vegan butter, then mix in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will look a little loose at first, but keep stirring — it thickens up into a molding-friendly dough. Scoop out heaping teaspoons, roll into balls, and flatten into “pucks” so they fit beautifully inside each chocolate-lined cup.

Step 5: Assemble the Cups

Place a peanut butter puck in each chocolate cup, followed by a spoonful of the luscious jam. Rewarm your chocolate if needed, then spoon a generous tablespoon over each filled cup and smooth to seal. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top if you’re going for gold (trust me — it’s both pretty and delicious!). Pop the tray back in the freezer until set, and get ready to swoon.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups

Garnishes

For a touch of flair (and an extra pop of berry flavor), sprinkle the tops of each cup with crushed freeze-dried strawberries while the chocolate is still tacky. You can also drizzle them with a little extra melted chocolate, add a pinch of flaky salt, or dust with a touch of powdered sugar — it’s amazing how a little finishing touch makes them look instantly gourmet.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups are fabulous solo, but they play really nicely alongside a cup of coffee, a tall glass of cold almond milk, or as part of a dessert platter with fresh berries and sliced fruit. For a brunch buffet, pair with muffins, fruit salad, and your favorite morning drinks for some sweet-meets-savory fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups in a pretty glass jar tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a party centerpiece. They’re also perfect tucked into little parchment bags for lunchbox treats, or even scattered atop ice cream sundaes for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week — if you can make them last that long! The chocolate stays snappy, and the filling holds its luscious texture for days, making them perfect for planning ahead or weekday snacking.

Freezing

These treats freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or sealed container. When the PB&J craving strikes, let them rest at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

No reheating required—just let your Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups sit out for 5-10 minutes at room temperature if you’d like a softer bite. If you love gooey centers, a quick burst (5 seconds!) in the microwave can give you a molten moment, but watch carefully so they don’t melt into a puddle.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups at home, trust me — they’re about to become your new favorite treat. They’re playful, rich, nostalgic, and a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re sharing or treating yourself. Gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chocolatier, and enjoy every bite of this PB&J magic!

Print