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 sunflower butter; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 12 cupcake liners

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making homemade treats, and these Reese’s Cups with sunflower butter have become a favorite in my house. The creamy sunflower butter adds a unique twist to the classic chocolate-and-peanut-butter combination. Plus, making them from scratch means I can control the sweetness and ingredients, ensuring they satisfy my cravings without being overly indulgent. This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon, and I promise, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion.

Created by

Kate Phillips

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:49:34.863Z

When I first decided to make these homemade Reese’s Cups, I knew I wanted to use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter to create a nut-free option. The addition of a pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavors of both the chocolate and the sunflower butter, giving these treats a great taste without being overly sweet. I was amazed at how easily they came together, and the result was absolutely delicious!

One of my favorite tips is to let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for a few minutes before adding the next layer. This helps create that perfect contrast of texture between the smooth chocolate and the creamy sunflower butter filling. Trust me, giving them that chill makes all the difference in achieving a perfect bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor balanced with creamy sunflower butter.
Nut-free option perfect for allergy considerations.
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Mastering the Chocolate Layer

Melting chocolate can be tricky if you don’t keep an eye on it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. This method helps prevent scorching and ensures a perfect pour consistency for your Reese’s Cups. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler—just be sure to keep the water at a gentle simmer, not boiling.

When you spoon the melted chocolate into the cupcake liners, aim for a nice, even layer that covers the bottom. This creates a solid base for the creamy sunflower butter. If the chocolate starts to thicken as you work, simply reheat it briefly in the microwave until it returns to a pourable state. And remember, chilling the chocolate briefly in the fridge helps it set without being too hard, creating a nice contrast with the filling.

Perfecting the Sunflower Butter Filling

The sunflower butter gives a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate, making it a fantastic alternative for those with nut allergies. When mixing the filling, ensure that all ingredients are well-blended; this helps in achieving a smooth texture that spreads easily, making each bite enjoyable. I recommend using natural sunflower butter without added oils or sugars for the best flavor and sweetness control.

If you want to tweak the sweetness, adjust the powdered sugar amount to taste. Remember to mix thoroughly, as the sugar needs to dissolve fully for an even taste throughout the filling. If it’s too thick, a small splash of milk can help achieve the perfect creamy consistency, making the filling slightly easier to spoon into the chocolate base.

Chilling and Serving Suggestions

After assembling your cups, refrigerate them until they are completely set—about 15 to 30 minutes should do the trick. This step is crucial for achieving that snap when biting into your homemade Reese’s Cups. Once set, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. Simply layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

For serving, I'd suggest enhancing your presentation by drizzling some extra melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling a bit of sea salt for a sophisticated touch. These cups make a great party treat or a personalized gift. You can even try using different flavored chocolates or add-ins such as crispy rice for added texture, which takes these homemade delights to another delicious level!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your own delicious homemade Reese’s Cups.

Ingredients

1 cup sunflower butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 cupcake liners

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own homemade Reese’s Cups.

Prepare the Cupcake Liners

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Create the Bottom Layer

Spoon a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner, spreading it to cover the bottom. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.

Mix the Sunflower Butter Filling

In a bowl, combine sunflower butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well blended.

Add the Filling

Remove the liners from the fridge and spoon a tablespoon of the sunflower butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer.

Top with More Chocolate

Pour another tablespoon of melted chocolate over the sunflower butter layer, ensuring each cup is well covered. Tap the tin gently to level the chocolate.

Cool and Set

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until fully set. Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Cups!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before the chocolate sets to enhance the flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Using sunflower butter not only makes these cups nut-free but also adds a distinct flavor profile that's both rich and satisfying. It's a great substitute for peanut butter, especially for those with allergies. Additionally, homemade versions allow you to control the quality and type of ingredients, ensuring they align with your dietary needs.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips form the perfect outer layer, balancing the sweetness of the sunflower butter filling. If you prefer a darker chocolate, feel free to use bittersweet chocolate instead. Keep in mind that this will alter the overall sweetness level slightly, so adjust the powdered sugar in the filling if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate layer is not setting, it may be due to too much moisture introduced while melting. Make sure to use completely dry bowls and utensils. To salvage melted chocolate that won’t set, try adding a bit more chocolate to thicken it, ensuring it’s the same type melted as before.

For filling that’s too thick, incorporate a teaspoon of milk or coconut oil until you achieve a smoother consistency. Just be cautious not to make it too runny; the filling should hold its shape when spooned into the liners.

Variations and Customization

Feeling adventurous? You can customize your Reese’s Cups by adding flavor extracts such as almond or hazelnut to the sunflower butter mixture. For a unique twist, try adding mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut into the sunflower butter filling for an extra flavor burst.

If you're looking to incorporate different textures, consider folding in crispy rice cereal into the chocolate layer before it sets. This adds a fun crunch and makes each bite even more satisfying. Experimenting with different flavors and textures can lead to a delightful new favorite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use almond or cashew butter instead of sunflower butter?

Yes, you can substitute it with almond or cashew butter; just keep in mind they will change the flavor profile.

→ How should I store the Reese’s Cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes, just ensure the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.

→ What can I use instead of powdered sugar?

You can blend granulated sugar until powdered as a substitute.