Thai Peanut Butter Cups
Voila! Peanut butter cups with a flavorful secret inside.
It doesn't take much: coconut milk, Thai chilis, galangal, lemongrass, peanut butter, sugar, lime, and chocolate. Aren't those tiny molds in the lower right adorable?
Chop the lemongrass into two-inch segments.
Amanda used her meat pounder -- probably the most widely adaptable tool in her kitchen! -- to bruise the lemongrass and release its juices.
What a flavor base: Thai chilis, galangal, and lime zest join the bruised lemongrass.
Along with the sugar, it all gets stirred into a pot of coconut milk to simmer and infuse.
Press down on those solids -- you want every last bit of flavor!
The peanut butter goes straight into the cooled and strained coconut milk. Good things are happening.
It doesn't look like much yet, but keep whisking...
...And you'll get this: perfectly creamy and just thick enough to hold its shape.
The filling gets poured into a piping bag, which we'll come back to later.
Meanwhile, Amanda chops up a veritable mountain's worth of chocolate.
The shards and slivers get placed into a microwave-safe bowl for melting.
It's a good idea to melt chocolate slowly to prevent scorching. Almost there!
That's more like it.
Amanda takes on a deep look of concentration as she uses a pastry brush to paint a layer of chocolate inside the candy cups.
Not too thick, not too thin.
Once the chocolate has cooled and hardened, she uses the pastry bag to pipe a spiral of filling into each cup.
A spoonful of chocolate seals in the peanut butter goodness.
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Author Notes: Take your favorite spicy Thai peanut butter sauce and put it in a chocolate candy cup and voila: two great tastes that taste *really* great together (to coin a phrase). We make these every year with our collection of holiday confections and they're a big hit with grown ups and kids alike despite the heat and spice. Part of its appeal is the excitement of seeing something that looks familiar, but then being surprised by the decadent, mischievous filling. I admit, it's a little bit of work, but for such tasty results, I think you can make the time.
You'll wind up with more filling than you need for 36 cups, but once you taste the filling, I don't think you'll have trouble thinking of ways to eat it. - vrunka
Food52 Review: WHO: vrunka lives in Portland, OR and blogs at http://www.tinysandwiches.com.
WHAT: Homemade peanut butter cups that put Reese's to shame with a complex base of Thai flavors.
HOW: You infuse coconut milk with all your favorite curry flavors: galangal, lime zest, lemongrass, and Thai chilis. But the similarities end there -- the strained milk is blended with peanut butter and piped into tiny chocolate cups.
WHY WE LOVE IT: These treats are definitely for grown-ups! Not-too-sweet and with a hint of spice, we'll never turn to the storebrought stuff again. - A&M
Makes 36 cups
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 stalks lemon grass, cut into 2-inch segments and bruised with the back of a knife
- 4 large coins galangal, bruised with the back of a knife
- 3-5 Thai chilis
- 2 teaspoons lime zest, grated
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 pounds bittersweet chocolate
- 36 small candy cups
- 36 small strips of candied ginger (optional)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (optional)
- In a small sauce pan, bring the coconut milk to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the lemon grass, galangal, chilis and lime zest. Muddle the spices with the back of a spoon. Continue to simmer very low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and strain out the solids.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut milk and lime juice. Mix thoroughly and spoon into a piping bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until it solidifies slightly.
- Meanwhile, chop the chocolate into chunks. You may temper the chocolate for a nice, finished look. For directions on how to do that, see David Liebowitz’s website. http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2005/08/tempering-choco/ You may also simply melt the chocolate by placing it in a large bowl and microwaving it for 30 seconds at a time. Stir well between each round in the microwave.
- Once the chocolate is ready, prepare your chocolate cups. Keep all the cups in a stack, but loosen the top one. With a pastry brush (silicone works great), coat the inside of the cup with melted chocolate. Set aside and continue doing the same with all of the cups. Whatever chocolate is leftover, set aside and you can retemper (or just remelt) for the topping later.
- Once the chocolate in the cups has hardened, take your peanut butter mixture and pipe it into the cups, leaving about ¼ inch at the top. Remelt or retemper the chocolate and either put it in another piping bag or leave it in the bowl. Top the candy cups by piping the chocolate in a spiral from the outside in. Or you can simply spoon the chocolate from the bowl and gently spread it over the tops of the cups.
- You may optionally top each cup with a roasted peanut and a sliver of candied ginger. Drop them on the top while the chocolate on top is still melted so that they’ll stick.
- These peanut cups are considerably creamier than the store-bought kind so it’s best to eat them in a single bite. They’ll keep for a couple days in a cool, dark place (they’ll last a bit longer in the fridge).
- Your Best Chocolate & Spice Contest Winner!
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11 days ago kmpmilano
Oh great, just what I need: another addiction.
I only had big cups and the result was about 15 or so. I can see how bite-size would be better cos the big ones were pretty intense. Plus my galangal was ancient and I toned down the chili cos not everyone in my house is a spicy fan. They were still fantastic; I'm looking forward to making them again with a bit more heat and some fresh galangal.
4 months ago Burf
These are awesome! I had an eye on a 9-week old pup, so my coconut milk mixture stayed on the heat a little longer, but it made the PB filling a little firmer than was probably intended. FANTASTIC. I used the mini liners because it's what I had. The hardest part was painting the bottom chocolate on those little buggers, but it was a small price to pay. I'll definitely make these again.
4 months ago vrunka
SO glad you enjoyed them! I agree that it's kind of a pain to paint the little cups. I've learned that the key to making it less tedious is to keep the cups in a stack (for structure) and to really get a lot of chocolate on the brush so that you can "paint" the bottom and sides in one big swirl.
6 months ago ThereseTetzel
Instead of making cups could you make the filling into truffles and dunk them into chocolate?
6 months ago vrunka
Hi Therese, The filling on these is quite soft so I don't think that would work. But I have experimented with adding melted white chocolate to the mix -- this makes it firm enough to cut when it's cooled, but does dull the flavor a little. I've also thought about adding coconut oil to get it to set up more, but haven't experimented with that yet. If you do try dipping the centers, let me know how it goes!
6 months ago RavensFeast
It's worth mentioning that these are made by a beloved Portland chocolatier called Alma Chocolates. Sarah's known for her Thai Peanut Butter Cups: http://www.almachocolate...
6 months ago vrunka
Hi RavensFeast -- I've seen Alma's version, but I've never tried them. I'm sure they must be awesome, though, because all their chocolates are!
11 days ago kmpmilano
Ooh, I do like the idea of a little sea salt on top. I'm a bit of a sucker for adding salty to sweet.
9 months ago Cinnamin
Lemongrass and chocolate- who'd a thunk it? Now my Reese's Peanut Butter cups just look boring.
about 1 year ago midnitechef
Congrats on winning with a family favorite ;)
over 1 year ago broccolirose
Natalie is a recipe tester for Food52.
Added bonus- these are vegan!
over 1 year ago vrunka
yes, indeed!
over 1 year ago vvvanessa
Deee-licious! As a close relative, I claim first dibs on all future batches of Thai Peanut Butter Cups!
over 1 year ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
These have a great blend of sweet and savory with a nice little kick from the spices. I claim second dibs!!
over 1 year ago lapadia
I claim long distance dibs!!! :)
over 1 year ago Kitchen Butterfly
Leaving me with.....distance-cannot-separate-a-girl-and-her-food dibs! I'm in Nigeria....so what :-)
over 1 year ago vrunka
haha! Looks like I need to buy some stamps! Kitchen Butterfly, you're in NIgeria?! You should be able to get some great local (or local-ish) peanut butter and chocolate!
over 1 year ago lakelurelady
Congrats vrunka! Brilliant recipe.
over 1 year ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Huge congrats vrunka! These look so yummy!
over 1 year ago Marlin Darlin
Congrats! this is the bomb! Can't wait to try these.
over 1 year ago Midge
Congrats vrunka!! A brilliant recipe and well-deserved win!
over 1 year ago Panfusine
YAAY!! COngratulations Vrunka!
over 1 year ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Congrats Vrunks, love the Thai flavors in these.
over 1 year ago AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Congrats, vrunka!
over 1 year ago NakedBeet
Look forward to making these—love the lemongrass and thai flavor angle!
over 1 year ago vincentinparis
Ohmygosh, the filling is really tasty. I had to substitute kaffir lime leaves for the lime zest, but I think I have been faithful to the spirit of the original recipe.
I now have a bag of it waiting in my fridge, ready to be piped as soon as I can get my hands on some chocolate. I am just hoping that I don't suck it all right out of the bag before then.
over 1 year ago vrunka
can't wait to hear how they turn out!
over 1 year ago Nico-Nico
These look so great, but I have one question. Does the peanut butter need to be commercial peanut butter that doesn't separate like Jiffy or can natural peanut butter be used?
over 1 year ago vrunka
Hi Nicole. I've used natural peanut butter and it's fine. You may get a little separation, but these are meant to be eaten in one bite so it doesn't really matter. They also don't keep for terribly long -- but that's not usually a problem!
over 1 year ago vrunka
Hi Nicole. I've used natural peanut butter and it's fine. You may get a little separation, but these are meant to be eaten in one bite so it doesn't really matter. They also don't keep for terribly long -- but that's not usually a problem!
over 1 year ago Ms. T
Wow. Brilliant flavor combo. I must try these. Congrats!
over 1 year ago vrunka
I hope you give them a try -- they're fun to make!
over 1 year ago Anna "newbie"
I agree with Panfusion "Genius."
over 1 year ago vrunka
that's very kind -- thank you!
over 1 year ago TheWimpyVegetarian
My mouth is actually watering right now! I tried (unsuccessfully) to make homemade peanut butter cups a few years ago. This recipe gives me the courage to try them again. Many congrats on being finalist this week!!
over 1 year ago vrunka
I hope you give it a try again -- it's a bit of work, but fun to do!
over 1 year ago BlueKaleRoad
Congratulations! Your peanut butter cups are inspired and I can't wait to try them.
over 1 year ago vrunka
thank you, BKR!
over 1 year ago Midge
I knew it! Congrats vrunka! What an honor to be a finalist with these beauties.
over 1 year ago vrunka
haha, you did call it! thanks and good luck to you, too!
over 1 year ago Meatballs&Milkshakes
Congrats! These look wonderful!
over 1 year ago vrunka
thanks, CRS!
over 1 year ago arielleclementine
how gorgeous! can't wait to try them!
over 1 year ago vrunka
thanks so much, arielleclementine!
over 1 year ago Anitalectric
Anita is a vegan pastry chef & founder of Electric Blue Baking Co. in Brooklyn.
These are all my favorite flavors! Bravo. And finally, a vegan contest finalist. I am a big fan of this recipe.
over 1 year ago vrunka
thank you!! they're even gluten-free, too! :)
over 1 year ago susan g
And yippee for you! This was an early save for me -- just reading the recipe sets up the craving mechanism again.
over 1 year ago vrunka
I hope you get a chance to give them a try -- they're fun to make!
over 1 year ago vrunka
woo-hoo! how exciting! it's my first time as a finalist! yippee!
over 1 year ago PistachioDoughnut
Wow! loved these ..congrats!
over 1 year ago vrunka
thank you!!
over 1 year ago Beautiful, Memorable Food
These look so fantastic! Congrats and good luck!
over 1 year ago vrunka
thanks for the nice compliment!
over 1 year ago gingerroot
Congrats, vrunka! I bet these are amazing.
over 1 year ago vrunka
thanks so much, gingerroot!
over 1 year ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Yay vrunka!
over 1 year ago vrunka
yay, thanks!
over 1 year ago EmilyC
Congrats vrunka! Great recipe!
over 1 year ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Congrats Vrunka! These look amazing! It's a spicy peanutbutter and chocolate face off this week!
over 1 year ago vrunka
haha, it's true! seems like it's a winning combination!
over 1 year ago Bevi
Congrats Vrunka - totally beautiful recipe!
over 1 year ago vrunka
aw, shucks! thanks!
over 1 year ago Panfusine
Simply genius of a recipe, Congratulations on the well deserved finalist nod!
over 1 year ago vrunka
thanks for such a nice compliment!
over 1 year ago raspberryeggplant
These look delicious! I love using Thai flavors in sweets and this is right up my alley. Plus, I love Reese's peanut butter cups, so I may have to make these this weekend. :)
over 1 year ago vrunka
I love cooking with Thai flavors, too, and it works really well in this combo. let me know how it goes if you make them!
over 1 year ago vrunka
We should definitely get together for dinner and Oven & Shaker has been on my list. A certain other Food52er happens to be coming to visit next week so maybe we could get a group together!
over 1 year ago vrunka
whoops, that was supposed to be a response to hardlikearmour way down below...
over 1 year ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Sounds great! Keep me posted.
over 1 year ago lapadia
Hi Vrunka! I totally agree with midge and my fingers are crossed :)
over 1 year ago vrunka
thanks so much, lapadia! it looks like all our finger-crossing paid off!
over 1 year ago Midge
These are brilliant. Total finalist material.
over 1 year ago vrunka
Thanks, Midge! fingers crossed!
over 1 year ago drbabs
Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Wow--fabulous!
over 1 year ago vrunka
thank you!
over 1 year ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
These sound amazing! How does one get to be a recipient of your annual candy goodies?
over 1 year ago vrunka
Well, I had a box all made up for you on New Year's Day... but we missed each other! You're first in line for next year.
over 1 year ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Argh! We did the first run, came home and drank way too much sparkling wine, went to bed about 4 am, and didn't get up until afternoon. I didn't feel human enough to socialize! We should get together for dinner out soon! Have you tried Oven and Shaker yet??