If you have a soft spot for the classic Reese’s peanut butter cups but follow a plant-based lifestyle, you are in for a real treat! This Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe captures every bit of that nostalgic, creamy, and chocolatey goodness without using any animal products. Imagine rich, melt-in-your-mouth vegan chocolate enveloping a perfectly sweet and salty smooth peanut butter center that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds with no guilt at all. It’s a homemade delight that brings together simplicity and irresistible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the few ingredients here; each one is essential and plays a special role in making these little cups divine. From the silky vegan chocolate that sets the perfect shell to the smooth peanut butter mixed with just enough powdered sugar and salt to create that iconic taste, every element matters.
- 300 g vegan chocolate: Choose good-quality chocolate that melts smoothly for a shiny, glossy finish to your cups.
- 175 g smooth peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter ensures a luscious filling without any graininess.
- 40 g powdered sugar (confectioner’s/icing sugar): This sweetens the peanut butter filling while keeping it smooth and satiny.
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Adds that signature salty crunch and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tray
Start by lining a muffin tray with 9 paper muffin cases. This will help hold each cup’s shape perfectly and make removal a breeze. It’s a simple step but super important for neat results.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Finely chop the vegan chocolate so it melts evenly and quickly. Set up a bain-marie by placing a heat-resistant bowl over a saucepan with simmering water. Stir the chocolate regularly with a rubber spatula until it’s smooth and fully melted. This careful melting process gives you silky chocolate without any burned bits.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Base
Drop about one tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each muffin case. Swirl the chocolate gently around the inside edges so it forms a protective shell against the peanut butter filling. This layer is crucial for those perfectly defined cups. Pop the tray into the fridge for at least 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Step 4: Mix and Fill the Peanut Butter Layer
In a bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter with the powdered sugar and stir until silky and lump-free. Distribute the peanut butter evenly into the chocolate shells using a piping bag or a spoon. Gently shake the tray to settle the filling into an even layer. This provides that luscious center you’re craving.
Step 5: Seal with Chocolate and Chill
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter to fully enclose the filling. Smooth the tops if needed, then refrigerate again for about 30 minutes to set. Once firm, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a brilliant finishing touch that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only adds to the presentation but also enhances the flavor contrast with the sweet chocolate and peanut butter. For an extra special touch, try dusting a little cocoa powder or crushed peanuts on top to add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter cups are rich and satisfying, so they pair wonderfully with light, fresh accompaniments. Try serving them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A hot cup of black coffee or herbal tea also complements their chocolatey goodness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Arrange your vegan peanut butter cups on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper tied into little bows. You can also use mini cupcake liners in fun colors or sprinkle some edible gold dust on each cup for a festive touch that turns these homemade treats into show-stoppers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once set, keep your Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week, making them a convenient and delicious snack to enjoy whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freezing works like a charm! Place the cups in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They stay delightful for up to two months when frozen, letting you enjoy your favorite indulgence anytime.
Reheating
Because these are delicate and best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, simply let frozen cups thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast inside the smooth chocolate shell, giving you little bursts of nutty crunch in each bite.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with a touch of cornstarch until it’s fine and powdery. Just be careful to keep it light to maintain the smooth filling consistency.
Is it necessary to use flaky sea salt on top?
While optional, flaky sea salt really enhances the sweet and salty balance that defines peanut butter cups. If you don’t have it, a small pinch of regular salt sprinkled lightly can work, but flaky salt offers a better burst of flavor.
Can I substitute the vegan chocolate with chocolate chips?
Yes, vegan chocolate chips can be used as long as they melt well. If they contain stabilizers, you may need to stir longer to achieve smooth melting, but they’ll work just fine.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
Make sure no water or steam gets into the chocolate while melting, as even a small amount can cause it to seize. Use a dry bowl for your bain-marie and stir gently and consistently to keep it smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or lengthy processes to recreate a beloved treat with wholesome, plant-based goodness. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful cups that feel like a warm hug in chocolate form. Once you make them, I bet they’ll become your new favorite dessert to whip up anytime sweet cravings call!
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Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (CopyCat Reese’s) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 peanut butter cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious homemade copycat version of Reese’s famous treat. Made with smooth peanut butter and rich vegan chocolate, they are perfect for a plant-based diet and easy to prepare with simple ingredients. These no-bake treats are set in muffin cases and finished with a touch of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- 300 g vegan chocolate
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 175 g smooth peanut butter
- 40 g powdered sugar (confectioner’s/icing sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tray: Line a muffin tray with 9 muffin cases to hold the peanut butter cups securely during assembly and setting.
- Melt the Chocolate: Finely chop the vegan chocolate and place it in a heat-resistant bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan filled about a quarter with simmering water (bain-marie). Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Create Chocolate Base: Spoon one tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin case. Swirl and tilt the case to coat the sides with chocolate evenly. Place the tray in the fridge and allow the chocolate to set for at least 10 minutes.
- Make Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir well with a spoon until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Fill the Cups: Use a piping bag or spoon to distribute the peanut butter filling evenly over the hardened chocolate base in each muffin case. Gently shake the tray to level the filling.
- Add Chocolate Tops: Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer to cover it completely. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to set firmly.
- Finish and Serve: Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the fridge and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor contrast. They are now ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use powdered sugar to ensure a smooth, creamy filling without graininess.
- Make sure the peanut butter is smooth, not chunky, for best texture.
- The flaky sea salt on top adds a delicious balance to the sweetness.
- Store finished peanut butter cups in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a quicker set, place the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of the fridge.
