Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Copycat
A homemade copycat of Trader Joe's dark chocolate peanut butter cups using the secret ingredient that makes them taste identical to the real one. It is rich dark chocolate, smooth peanut butter filling with graham cracker crumbs, and flaky sea salt on top.
Ingredients
Chocolate Shell:
- 12 oz high-quality dark chocolate bar 70%+ cocoa, chopped
Peanut Butter Filling:
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter unsweetened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ tsp sea salt plus extra for topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Step 1: Melt Chocolate
- Chop chocolate bar into small pieces.
- Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, sea salt, and vanilla until smooth and slightly firm.
Step 3: First Chocolate Layer
- Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone mold.
- Spoon a thin layer of melted chocolate into each cup.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes until set.
Step 4: Add Filling
- Drop a small spoonful of peanut butter filling into the center of each cup.
- Press into a flat disc, leaving a gap around the edges.
Step 5: Seal with Chocolate
- Cover filling completely with remaining melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes until fully set.
- Unmold and serve cold.
Notes
- Use a chocolate bar, not chips. Chips contain stabilizers that make the chocolate waxy.
- Natural peanut butter only. No added oils or sugar.
- The graham cracker crumbs are essential for the right filling texture.
- Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.