Three Step Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups with Real Peanut Butter!

 

So, I caved. Peanut butter cups are my weakness!! Everything in moderation, right? I figured I would take my favorite recipe for peanut butter cups (which are made lots of with butter, MILK chocolate and SKIPPY peanut butter- you can substitute the healthier ingredients for these if you want the REAL thing- but you didn't hear it from me on this blog:) ) and tweak it for a more healthier option. Once you have real peanut butter, you'll never go back (and a professor once told me that processed pb is like a recipe for a heart attack!). I need to give in once in a while so I don't give up this healthy lifestyle! I suggest you do the same. 

I remember one of my male, psychology professors told us that he has pieces of dark chocolate on his desk for all of the woman he works with. When they were in a cranky mood, he would secretly slip them one of these and their mood would turn right around! It really works! This recipe is actually for all of the men out there- you're welcome. :)

The darker the chocolate you use, the better it is for you. DARK chocolate has anioxidants in it and can help lower your blood pressure- in moderation, of course.  This recipe is made with REAL peanut butter (the ingredients on the label should read: 'peanuts'.) Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats (heart-healthy), antioxidants, folate, niacin and much more! You can even make your own PB at Whole Foods!

Serves: 12 (Or 1 if you eat them ALL!)

Ready In: 45 Min.  

Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon

                            What you will Need:

• 1/3 Cup Real Peanut Butter (Try Adam's or Justin's) 
• Dark Chocolate- About 7 or 8 oz (whatever size the large bar of chocolate you can buy is)
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• Large Cupcake Papers and Large Tin

Three Easy Steps:

1. Melt butter on stove. Add broken up pieces of chocolate and melt as well. Don't burn! Remove immediately after it's melted. In a separate, microwavable bowl, melt peanut butter in microwave for about 15 sec. Don't burn! 
2. Line cupcake papers in tin. With spoon, fill papers in order: 1 Tablespoon Melted Chocolate; 1 Teaspoon Melted PB; 1 Tablespoon Melted Chocolate.  
3. Put in freezer for about 1/2 hour then transfer to fridge where they can be stored. Enjoy!!

                       

Makes for an impressive dessert! 

Try making mini peanut butter cups too! 

Enjoy This Match Made in Culinary HEAVEN!!

Original Recipe Adopted from my Mama :)