Joan'S Peanut Butter Cups
Creamy, rich peanut butter cups with a crunchy butterscotch topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for parties or homemade treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine and peanut butter together.
- Stir in powdered sugar thoroughly.
- Pat the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Melt butterscotch chips and chocolate chips together.
- Spread the melted chips over the peanut butter layer.
- Cool until set.
- Cut into squares with a warm knife.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure both the margarine and peanut butter are fully melted before mixing in the powdered sugar. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened chocolate instead of chocolate chips. For a slight twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before cooling. These treats can be made ahead of time and are perfect for gatherings, especially alongside Aunt Ceil'S Custard Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into small squares for easy serving, and consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. These peanut butter cups also complement a spread of sweets like Luscious Fruit Salad or cookies for a dessert table. They are great for parties or as a sweet treat during movie nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To enjoy them later, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as chocolate can become too melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joan'S Peanut Butter Cups contains roughly 181 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of processed?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, so it may require a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
Is it necessary to use margarine, or can I substitute with butter?
You can absolutely substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor. Just be sure to use unsalted butter if you're concerned about salt content, as this can affect the overall taste of the peanut butter cups.
How can I make these peanut butter cups healthier?
For a healthier version, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, and reduce the amount of powdered sugar by half. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the mixture for added texture and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).