Homemade Reese’s Cups with Sunflower Butter

Name: Homemade Reese’s Cups with Sunflower Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 cup sunflower butter; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely love making my own Reese’s cups, especially when I can swap in sunflower butter for a nut-free twist. It’s a fun, hands-on recipe that brings out the kid in me while allowing for some creativity in the kitchen. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy sunflower butter creates a deliciously smooth texture that's hard to resist. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just as a sweet treat at home, these homemade goodies are sure to impress everyone who tries them!

Created by

Primrose Cavendish

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:16:36.786Z

When I first tried making these homemade Reese’s cups, I was surprised at how easy and satisfying the process was. The key is to properly temper the chocolate, which gives it that delightful snap when bitten into. Using sunflower butter instead of peanut butter not only makes it safer for those with nut allergies, but it also adds a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. I experimented with different ratios of chocolate to sunflower butter and found the perfect balance that leaves you wanting more.

Another tip I discovered is to let the first chocolate layer set completely before adding the sunflower butter and the top layer of chocolate. This prevents any mixing and ensures that each bite has distinct layers. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness of the sunflower butter to match your taste by mixing in honey or maple syrup. Trust me; these homemade cups will become a staple in your home!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy sunflower butter
Nut-free sweetness making it safe for everyone
Customizable with different chocolate types and filling sweetness

      

Perfecting the Chocolate Cups

When melting chocolate, it’s crucial to use a microwave-safe bowl to prevent overheating. I recommend using a tempered glass bowl for even heat distribution. Stirring every 30 seconds helps maintain control over the temperature, ensuring that the chocolate remains smooth and glossy without burning. If your chocolate begins to seize up, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to restore the texture. Once fully melted, the chocolate should be shiny and pourable, ideal for creating an even coat in your molds.

Swirling the melted chocolate up the sides of each liner not only creates a thicker shell but also ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite. Carefully listen for a gentle sound as you pour—this means you're on the right track. After refrigerating for 10 minutes, keep an eye on the chocolate; pressing lightly should leave an imprint without sticking to your finger, indicating it’s ready for the filling.

Creating the Sunflower Butter Filling

When combining the sunflower butter with honey or maple syrup, make sure to use a smooth variety to achieve the desired creamy consistency. This step is critical as a chunkier sunflower butter will not blend as seamlessly and might leave an undesirable texture in your cups. If you're looking for a sweeter filling, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or syrup to your taste; just remember that sweetness levels can affect how well the mixture holds together.

As the mixture incorporates, ensure it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. A quick tip: if the mixture feels too thick, you can microwave it for 5-10 seconds to make it easier to blend. Once you’ve reached the desired texture, spooning it into the chilled chocolate cups should be a breeze, creating an inviting layer of flavor beneath the final chocolate topping.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

For the Chocolate Cups

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

For the Sunflower Filling

1 cup sunflower butter
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt

Once all the ingredients are ready, let's start assembling your delicious treats!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your own homemade Reese’s cups:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark and milk chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.

Prepare the Cup Molds

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Pour a tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner, swirling to coat the sides. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together sunflower butter, honey (or maple syrup), and salt until smooth and well combined.

Add the Filling

Remove the chocolate cups from the fridge, and spoon a tablespoon of the sunflower mixture into each cup, smoothing it out evenly.

Top with Chocolate

Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the filling in each cup, making sure to cover it completely. Shake the tin gently to level the tops.

Chill and Enjoy

Refrigerate the cups for another 10 minutes until fully set. Once set, remove from the muffin tin, and enjoy your homemade treats!

But don’t forget, they’re best enjoyed after a little time in the fridge to let those flavors meld!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some sea salt on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.

Storage and Shelf Life

These homemade Reese’s cups can last up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you're planning to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cup tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, and they'll be good for up to three months. Remember to allow them to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before consuming, which helps maintain their rich texture.

If you notice the cups developing condensation after thawing, try letting them sit at room temperature for a short while before enjoying to restore that initial smoothness. This tip ensures that you’re biting into the delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cups so irresistible.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for the cups. Using white chocolate can provide a sweeter contrast to the sunflower filling, while dark chocolate enhances the rich intensity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling for a gourmet touch, complementing the sweetness while adding an exciting flavor dimension.

You can also switch up the filling by adding crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, or even chocolate chips to the sunflower butter mixture. Not only does this add texture, but it also gives you the opportunity for flavor variations that can suit different occasions or personal preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate works beautifully and adds a richer flavor to the cups.

→ How long do these homemade cups last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, just ensure that the chocolate you use is dairy-free and void of any animal products.

→ Is there a substitute for sunflower butter?

You can substitute with any nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, if allergies are not a concern.