Peanut Butter Cups (Squares)
Creamy, sweet peanut butter squares with a crunchy graham cracker base, perfect for peanut butter lovers and easy to serve at parties or as a quick treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together graham cracker crumbs, confectioners sugar, peanut butter, 2 sticks of melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy. If you want to reduce the sweetness, decrease the confectioners sugar slightly. You can also substitute half the graham cracker crumbs with crushed oats for a different flavor. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan for even thickness, similar to how you would prepare the crust for Grandma Sullivan'S Graham Cracker Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the Peanut Butter Cups into squares and serve them as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra treat, drizzle some melted chocolate on top or sprinkle with sea salt for contrast. These squares are perfect for parties or as a sweet addition to lunchboxes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Peanut Butter Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Cups (Squares) contains roughly 1446 calories, with 29g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be more runny, so you might need to adjust the amount of graham cracker crumbs to achieve the right consistency. Stir well to combine the oils before measuring.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Peanut Butter Cups, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or finely ground gluten-free oats. Make sure that all other ingredients, especially the confectioners sugar, are certified gluten-free.
What can I do if the mixture is too crumbly?
If the mixture feels too crumbly and isn't holding together, you can add a little more melted butter or peanut butter until it reaches a consistency that can be pressed into the pan. Be careful not to add too much to avoid making it overly greasy.
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).