Try these peanut butter chocolate cups for a quick, flavorful dessert when you are in a hurry and need something flavorful and easy to make. You can prepare these desserts ahead and refrigerate them until you are ready to serve them.
Peanut Butter & Chocolate: A Dessert Match Worth Making
When it comes to classic dessert pairings, peanut butter and chocolate reign supreme. At House of Elyn Ryn, we love creating this irresistible combination in our kitchen. We also like shortcut desserts that make entertaining easy. These cups offer both delicious flavor and ease of preparation, making them a dessert worth trying.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups: Cookie Layer
You can make this dessert in a 9 x 9-inch dish, or make it as shown in individual containers for easy serving for entertaining. You can make this dessert with or without the bottom cookie layer. It adds a contrasting crunch to the smoothness of the rest of the dessert. However, if you opt to skip it, this dessert will still be delicious.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups: Pudding Layer
This recipe uses instant chocolate pudding for easy preparation. After making it, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to let it set. Then add it to the cups as the second layer (if using the cookie layer).
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups: Topping Layer
The topping layer is the best part of this dessert. First, peanut butter mixes with milk to thin it and make it easier to mix with the whipped topping. You can use your favorite peanut butter in this recipe, but use a smooth one instead of a crunchy one. If you prefer more peanut butter flavor, add a little extra and an equal amount of milk. For example, if you add 1 extra tablespoon of peanut butter, add 1 tablespoon of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade whipped cream for the Cool Whip topping?
Absolutely! Beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar. The amount of sugar depends on how sweet you like your cream.
Can I use something other than instant pudding?
Yes, you can make homemade chocolate pudding for this recipe. See my recipe for Chocolate Tarts for a quick microwave pudding recipe that cooks in 6-8 minutes.
How do you add a House of Elyn Ryn touch?
Add garnish to take this dessert from ordinary to special. For example, drizzle melted chocolate in a lacy pattern, let it dry, and add it to the top of the dessert. Or add a peanut butter cookie for garnish — or both a cookie and a chocolate garnish.
Any styling tips for serving?
Serve this dessert in clear glass containers for a visual treat. Alternatively, serve it in white containers or special-occasion glassware.
Other Peanut Butter Desserts You Might Like
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups
Equipment
- baking sheet pan
- parchment paper
- paintbrush, spoon, or piping bag with tip
- (8) 1-cup containers
Ingredients
Cookie Layer
- 12 dark chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed (Oreos used in this recipe)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Pudding Layer
- (1) 3.4-ounce box instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk
Peanut Butter Topping
- 6 tablespoons peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups non-dairy whipped topping (Cool Whip used for this recipe)
Garnishes
- â…“ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- peanut butter cookies or another cookie for garnish
Instructions
Cookie Layer
- Mix crushed cookies and butter. Stir until well combined. Divide the cookie mixture between the 8 serving containers. This is the bottom layer.
Pudding Layer
- Mix the pudding with 2 cups of milk. Whisk or mix with a mixer until smooth. Place in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to chill and thicken the pudding. Then divide it between the 8 serving containers, placing it on top of the cookie layer.
Peanut Butter Topping
- In a small mixing bowl, add the peanut butter and milk. Stir or whisk until well blended. Fold in the whipped topping until well blended. Divide and place on top of each pudding layer.
Garnishes
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and heat for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted. Use the chocolate to create garnish decorations. See the Notes below for ideas.
- Once the garnish decorations are made, harden the chocolate by placing the cookie sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes or the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then carefully lift the chocolate pieces from the parchment paper and place them on top of each dessert.
- When you are ready to serve this dessert, garnish with peanut butter cookies and chocolate decorations.
Notes
Cookies
Chocolate Garnish
Ideas for making garnishes out of chocolate include:- Spoon the chocolate into a piping bag and draw numbers or words onto the parchment (or wax paper).
- Use a paintbrush to brush abstract chocolate patterns onto the parchment paper.
- Place a dot of melted chocolate on the parchment paper, then press a spoon into it and pull to create a chocolate streak (as shown in the picture above).