Indulge your sweet tooth with this Giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Indulge your sweet tooth with this GIANT REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUP! is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $7.11 total, $0.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (for the chocolate shell, melt until smooth)
- 30 g Unsalted Butter (adds shine and stability to the chocolate shell)
- 200 g Smooth Peanut Butter (main filling, use creamy for smooth texture)
- 50 g Powdered Sugar (sweetens the peanut butter filling without adding texture)
- 30 g Unsalted Butter (softened, folded into the peanut butter filling for creaminess)
- 0.25 tsp Salt (enhances the sweet‑salty balance)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (adds depth to the filling)
- 2 tbsp Crushed Peanuts (optional garnish for extra crunch)
Instructions
Prepare the Mold
Line the 9‑inch pie tin with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
Time: PT2M
Melt the Chocolate Shell
Combine the semi‑sweet chocolate chips and 30 g butter in a microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring between each burst, until fully melted and smooth.
Time: PT5M
Create the First Chocolate Layer
Pour about one‑third of the melted chocolate into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. Place the tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Peanut Butter Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, 30 g softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract until a glossy, pliable paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Add the Peanut Butter Layer
Remove the tin from the freezer. Spoon the peanut butter filling over the set chocolate layer, spreading it evenly. Return the tin to the freezer for another 10 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Seal with Final Chocolate Layer
Take the tin out of the freezer. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter, covering it completely. Tap the tin gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
Time: PT2M
Unmold and Portion
Lift the parchment paper to release the solid block, place on a cutting board, and cut into 12‑16 squares or bars. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Peanuts, Milk, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, coconut oil
- Instead of Smooth Peanut Butter: natural peanut butter, almond butter
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: granulated sugar (processed in blender)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegetable shortening
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract
- Instead of Crushed Peanuts: toasted almond slivers
Equipment Needed
- 9‑Inch Pie Tin
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Freezer
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Small Scoop or Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt chocolate gently to avoid burning.
- Allow each chocolate layer to fully set in the freezer before adding the next.
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly to prevent gaps.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a glossy finish, temper the chocolate using a microwave method (heat to 45 °C, cool to 27 °C, then re‑heat to 31 °C).
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the final chocolate layer for a gourmet salty‑sweet contrast.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate seeped through the peanut butter layer.
Make sure the first chocolate layer is fully set and use a slightly thicker chocolate coating. Adding a thin layer of melted chocolate over the peanut butter before the final layer can also seal gaps.
Filling is too runny and spreads.
Chill the peanut butter mixture for 5‑10 minutes before spreading, or add a little extra powdered sugar to firm it up.
Candy sticks to the pan when unmolding.
Line the pan with parchment paper and let the chocolate set completely in the freezer. Run a thin knife around the edges before lifting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Not recommended; chocolate may soften and filling can become oily.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the entire block up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated; bring to room temperature 10 minutes before serving.
- If freezing for longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in American candy culture?
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, introduced in 1928 by H.B. Reese, quickly became an iconic American confection, representing the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter. They are celebrated as a nostalgic treat and are a staple in Halloween, movie nights, and holiday gift baskets across the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the United States?
While the classic Reese's is the standard, regional twists include adding sea salt in the Pacific Northwest, using crunchy peanut butter in the Midwest, and incorporating maple syrup in New England. Some specialty shops also offer dark‑chocolate or white‑chocolate versions for local flavor preferences.
How is a giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup traditionally served in American households?
Giant versions are often cut into bite‑size squares and served as a party platter, paired with coffee or milk. They are also popular as a make‑ahead dessert for birthdays, where each piece is individually wrapped in wax paper for gifting.
What occasions or celebrations is the giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup traditionally associated with in American culture?
These oversized treats are common at Halloween parties, Super Bowl gatherings, birthday celebrations, and as a festive addition to holiday cookie trays. Their indulgent nature makes them a crowd‑pleaser for any casual or festive event.
What authentic ingredients are used in a traditional Reese's Peanut Butter Cup versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses milk chocolate, creamy peanut butter, sugar, and a small amount of salt. Acceptable substitutes include dark or semi‑sweet chocolate for a richer flavor, natural peanut butter for a less sweet profile, and powdered sugar or honey to adjust sweetness.
What other American desserts pair well with giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
They pair beautifully with classic American desserts such as vanilla ice cream, chocolate brownies, or a warm caramel sauce drizzle. Serving them alongside a chocolate milkshake or a slice of banana pudding creates a nostalgic flavor combo.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
Common errors include overheating the chocolate, which causes seizing; not allowing each chocolate layer to fully set before adding the filling; and using a filling that is too warm, which can cause the chocolate to melt. Following the freezing steps precisely prevents seepage and ensures clean layers.
Why does this recipe use a freezer to set the chocolate layers instead of a refrigerator?
Freezing solidifies the chocolate quickly, creating a firm barrier that prevents the peanut butter from melting into the shell. A refrigerator cools more slowly, which can allow the filling to seep through and blur the layers.
Can I make giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cups ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare them up to three days in advance. Store the finished block in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze; thaw in the fridge before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 specialize in?
The YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 specializes in playful, family‑friendly recipes that turn classic snacks and desserts into larger‑than‑life versions, often using simple kitchen tools and clear step‑by‑step demonstrations.
How does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝's approach to American candy recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 focuses on scaling up familiar treats, emphasizing visual appeal and hands‑on techniques like molding and freezing, whereas many other channels stick to traditional portion sizes or more elaborate pastry methods.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
