Get ready to fall in love at first bite with these Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups! These little indulgences bring together gooey homemade strawberry jam, creamy peanut butter, and rich vegan chocolate in a treat that’s both nostalgic and downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Triple-Layer Heaven: Each bite delivers silky chocolate, velvety peanut butter, and a bright burst of homemade jam for a grown-up twist on a childhood classic.
- Surprisingly Easy: No fancy equipment or pastry skills required—just basic ingredients and foolproof steps anyone can follow.
- Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: These cups are completely plant-based and can be adapted to be nut-free or gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Treats: They chill beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead for gatherings, gifting, or late-night cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups are as much about nostalgia as they are about flavor, and every ingredient here shines. There’s nothing complicated on the list—just a handful of staples you probably already have, each one carefully chosen to maximize both taste and texture.
- Frozen strawberries: These become the sweet, vibrant base for the homemade jam—use fresh if you can, but frozen are ultra-convenient and yield beautiful flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds that touch of sweetness, heightening the berry flavor in your jam filling.
- Lemon juice: A little tartness brightens the jam and balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch & cold water: Whisked together, they’ll thicken your jam, giving you that luscious, scoopable consistency.
- Vegan semi-sweet or dark chocolate: The shell and soul of your cups—rich, smooth, and bittersweet for full “chocolate truffle” vibes.
- Coconut oil: Helps the chocolate melt luxuriously and set up with a gorgeous sheen.
- Natural peanut butter: The creamy, nutty heart of these cups—look for unsweetened, well-stirred peanut butter for the best texture (but processed works too!).
- Vegan butter: Adds creaminess to your peanut butter filling, making it extra smooth and spreadable.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sifted in for sweetness and a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the filling.
- Vanilla extract & salt: Both elevate the peanutty flavor and make the whole cup sing.
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional): A beautiful, tangy garnish that signals the fruity heart hiding inside.
Variations
The joy of making Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups is how endlessly customizable they are! You can swap flavors or ingredients to suit your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you happen to have in your kitchen right now.
- Different nut or seed butter: Trade peanut butter for almond, cashew, tahini, or sunflower seed butter—each brings a new twist to the filling.
- Jam flavor switch-up: Try raspberry, blueberry, or even cherry for the jam layer; use apricot or orange marmalade for an elegant, citrusy vibe.
- Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter and your favorite seed-based chocolate to keep things safe for those with allergies.
- Crunch factor: Stir in chopped peanuts, cacao nibs, or toasted coconut for a little extra crunch and texture inside your cups.
How to Make Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Step 1: Simmer & Thicken the Jam
Start by gently heating your chopped strawberries in a small pot over medium-low heat. As they begin to release their lovely juices, stir in the sugar and lemon juice, letting the mixture bubble softly for a minute or two. Whisk the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl, then drizzle it into the berries while stirring—your jam will thicken magically before your eyes! Remove from heat, transfer to a jar, and let it cool fully before using.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate & Prep the Cups
Combine the chopped chocolate (or chips) and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl. Melt them together slowly—either in the microwave in 30-second bursts or with a double boiler—stirring until glossy and smooth. Line your muffin tin with cupcake or peanut butter cup liners, then spoon a little chocolate into each, spreading it up the sides. Freeze for a few minutes until set, which will keep your fillings perfectly layered.
Step 3: Mix & Shape the Peanut Butter Filling
In a bowl, blend the natural peanut butter with vegan butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. The mixture will thicken and become rollable—use your hands to form little balls, then flatten into pucks that will nestle perfectly inside each chocolate shell.
Step 4: Assemble & Finish the Chocolate Cups
Take the chocolate cups from the freezer. Pop in a peanut butter puck, add a spoonful of cooled jam, and cover everything with another layer of melted chocolate. Smooth the tops, sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries if you’re feeling fancy, and chill until the chocolate is set. Voilà—Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups perfection!
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
- Super Smooth Chocolate: Melt your chocolate and coconut oil low and slow—microwaving in short bursts or gently with a double boiler keeps it shiny, creamy, and easy to spread.
- Jam Consistency Matters: Let your homemade jam cool before assembly; if it’s too runny or warm, it can melt the chocolate and make layering tricky.
- Perfect Peanut Butter Filling: If your peanut butter is especially runny, pop the filling mixture in the fridge for 10-15 minutes—it’ll firm up just enough to handle and shape into perfect little disks.
- Tap Out Air Bubbles: After the final chocolate topping, gently tap your muffin tin on the counter—this helps release sneaky air pockets for flawlessly smooth cups.
How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top adds a pop of color and a tart, fruity crunch that teases what’s inside. If you want to get playful, a tiny drizzle of melted peanut butter or a flake of sea salt makes your Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups ultra-Instagrammable and even more crave-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these cups with fresh fruit skewers, a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream, or a tall glass of cold oat milk. They’re equally at home on a dessert platter alongside cookies and bars, or as a sweet pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups in parchment or colorful cupcake liners, and box up for handmade gifts or party favors. Arrange them on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or create a “PB&J bar” with different lining options and jam flavors for a make-your-own dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your freshly made Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups will last up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay firm and taste incredible straight from the fridge, but also soften to melt-in-your-mouth perfection if left at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing
These cups freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (with parchment between layers if stacking) and store for up to three months. They make the ultimate emergency treat—just thaw in the fridge or enjoy frozen for a bite that’s extra chewy and satisfying.
Reheating
No need to reheat—just let your Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups rest at room temperature for a few minutes if you want a softer, silkier experience. If you’re after that just-melted chocolate moment, a 3-5 second zap in the microwave (watch closely!) does the trick, but be careful not to overdo it.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought jam instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, your favorite store-bought jam or jelly works perfectly in Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups. You’ll need about 2/3 cup for the recipe—make sure it isn’t too runny, so your layers stay well-defined.
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Is it possible to make these nut-free?
Yes! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini, and choose a nut-free chocolate to make the cups completely nut-free—and just as delicious for those with allergies.
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Can I use processed peanut butter instead of natural?
You can! Processed peanut butter will make a softer, sweeter filling. If it’s too soft to roll into balls, simply spoon it into your cups, and adjust the amount of sugar, vegan butter, or salt to taste.
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How do I prevent the chocolate from sticking to the muffin liners?
Let the cups set completely before unpeeling, and use quality liners for best results. If needed, place the muffin tin in the freezer for a few extra minutes—the colder chocolate peels away much more easily from the paper.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a treat that can win over hearts at first taste, it’s these Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups. They’re playful, nostalgic, and easy enough to make on a whim. I hope you’ll give them a try—bring a batch to your next gathering or just savor them one quiet bite at a time. Happy snacking!
Print
Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 PB&J Chocolate Cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, sweet jam, and creamy peanut butter, all in one bite-sized treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with a unique and delicious dessert option.
Ingredients
Jam Filling:
- 2 1/4 cups frozen strawberries, chopped
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Chocolate Cups:
- 16 oz vegan semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 2/3 cup natural peanut butter, stirred before measuring
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Garnish, Optional:
- 2 tbsp crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Jam Filling: In a small pot, cook strawberries until they release juices. Add sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened. Set aside.
- Chocolate Cups: Melt chocolate and coconut oil, line muffin tin with chocolate, chill.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Mix peanut butter, vegan butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until thick.
- To Assemble: Place peanut butter puck and jam in chocolate cups, cover with more chocolate, garnish, and freeze.
- Serve: Chilled or at room temperature. Store in airtight container.
Notes
- Use fresh berries if frozen not available.
- Substitute store-bought jam if needed.
- Adjust peanut butter filling if using processed peanut butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cup
- Calories: 366 kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 19mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
