Homemade Reese’s Cups with Sunflower Butter

Name: Homemade Reese’s Cups with Sunflower Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sunflower butter; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of sea salt

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making my own snacks, and these Homemade Reese’s Cups with Sunflower Butter have become a go-to in my kitchen. The creamy richness of the sunflower butter combines beautifully with the silky chocolate coating, creating a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and healthier than store-bought options. Crafting them myself allows me to control the sweetness and ingredients, plus they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether I’m enjoying them as a pick-me-up or serving them at gatherings, they never fail to impress.

Created by

Abigail Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:41:34.025Z

During my quest to create healthier snack alternatives, I stumbled upon the concept of using sunflower butter instead of traditional peanut butter in these delightful cups. Not only does it offer a slightly different flavor, but it’s also a fantastic option for those with nut allergies. My favorite part is watching the chocolate melt seamlessly over the creamy filling, creating a mesmerizing and delicious treat.

After experimenting with different ratios of chocolate and sunflower butter, I learned that adding a pinch of sea salt truly enhances the flavors. It brings out the natural sweetness while adding a satisfying contrast, making each bite irresistibly enjoyable. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate enveloping creamy sunflower butter
Nut-free alternative that's safe for many dietary needs
Quick and easy to make, perfect for snack cravings

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a successful homemade Reese's cup is the balance between the rich chocolate and the creamy sunflower butter. Using semi-sweet chocolate chips provides a rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling. The addition of powdered sugar not only sweetens the sunflower butter but also helps achieve that thick, fudgy consistency that makes each bite so satisfying. The vanilla extract and sea salt enhance the overall flavor profile, making these treats irresistible.

If you're looking for alternatives, feel free to substitute the sunflower butter with other nut butters, provided there are no allergy concerns. Almond butter or cashew butter can work well, although they may alter the final flavor slightly. Remember that whether you use sunflower, almond, or cashew butter, selecting a naturally sweetened version with minimal additives will yield the best results in flavor and texture.

Perfecting the Technique

Melting chocolate can be tricky, and it’s important to do so gently to avoid seizing. Using a microwave-safe bowl and melting the chocolate in 30-second intervals helps to control the heat. Stir the chocolate thoroughly after each interval until it’s completely melted and glossy. Alternatively, you can employ the double boiler method on the stovetop for more precise temperature control. Keep an eye on the chocolate to prevent overheating, which can cause it to become clumpy and lose its smooth texture.

When lining the muffin tin, ensuring the liners are secure is crucial as it can affect how easily you remove the cups later on. Using a sturdy muffin liner helps to better hold the shape of the chocolate cups. While pouring the melted chocolate, be sure to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides of each liner; this creates a solid base for the sunflower butter filling and prevents leakage during chilling. If any cracks or holes appear after chilling, just reheat a little chocolate to fill in the gaps.

Ingredients

For the Cups

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sunflower butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.

Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to make the cups easier to remove once set.

Create the Chocolate Layer

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner, ensuring it covers the bottom. Use a brush or spoon to spread it up the sides a bit.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the sunflower butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and well combined.

Add the Filling

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sunflower butter mixture into each chocolate-lined cup, smoothing the top.

Complete with Chocolate

Top each filled cup with the remaining melted chocolate, ensuring the sunflower butter is completely covered.

Chill and Set

Refrigerate the muffin tin for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.

Enjoy!

Once set, gently remove the cups from the muffin tin and enjoy your homemade treats!

Pro Tips

If you want to add a crunch, feel free to mix in some crushed pretzels or graham crackers into the sunflower butter filling for added texture.

Storage and Serving Tips

Once your homemade Reese's cups have set, they're best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains their texture, preventing the chocolate from becoming too soft. They can be kept for about two weeks, but I suggest enjoying them within the first week for optimal taste and texture. If you're planning to serve them at a gathering, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for a more enjoyable texture.

For a fun twist, consider garnishing the tops of your cups with sea salt or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra visual appeal. You can also experiment by adding crushed nuts or sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate before chilling. This adds a nice crunch and visual contrast, making your homemade treats even more enticing for guests.

Scaling and Variations

If you're looking to make a larger batch for a party or event, simply double or triple the recipe while maintaining the same ratios for each ingredient. Utilize larger muffin tins or consider using silicone molds for easy release. Just be sure to adjust your chilling time; larger cups may require a bit longer to set properly in the fridge.

For a flavor variation, try adding ingredients like cocoa powder to the sunflower butter mix for a chocolate-infused filling. Alternatively, mix in a hint of your favorite extract, like almond or coconut, to add a unique twist. You could also incorporate mini chocolate chips into the sunflower butter filling for added texture and bursts of chocolate flavor in each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nut butters instead of sunflower butter?

Yes, feel free to substitute with almond butter or peanut butter if you don't have nut allergies.

→ How should I store the homemade Reese’s cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer shelf life.

→ What type of chocolate can I use?

You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate according to your preference.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Just use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan.