Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening; Optional: sea salt, sprinkles, or crushed peanuts for topping

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart is a no-bake, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that blends creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate into one delicious bite. I shape a soft peanut butter filling into hearts and coat it in smooth, rich chocolate for a treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or anytime I want a homemade candy that tastes just like a peanut butter cup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to make, requires no oven, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The peanut butter center is perfectly soft and sweet, and the chocolate shell adds just the right amount of richness. It’s fun to shape them into hearts, but I’ve also made them as circles or bars when I want to switch things up. Whether I’m giving them as gifts or keeping them all to myself, they never last long Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Creamy peanut butter
Powdered sugar
Graham cracker crumbs
Butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Coconut oil or shortening (to help the chocolate melt smoothly)
Optional: sea salt, sprinkles, or crushed peanuts for topping

Directions

I mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until it forms a thick, moldable dough.
I press or shape the mixture into heart molds, or flatten it and use a cookie cutter to make heart shapes.
I place the hearts on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for about 20–30 minutes until firm.
While the hearts chill, I melt the chocolate chips with a little coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
I dip each peanut butter heart into the melted chocolate, then place them back on the tray to set.
If I’m adding toppings like salt or sprinkles, I do it before the chocolate hardens.
I refrigerate the finished hearts until the chocolate is fully set, then serve or store.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 peanut butter hearts, depending on size. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes of chilling, so the whole recipe comes together in under 1 hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the peanut butter mixture for a twist. I’ve used dark chocolate for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter version. For crunch, I stir in crushed pretzels or chopped nuts into the filling. If I want to make it vegan, I use plant-based chocolate and dairy-free butter.

Storage/Reheating

I store these hearts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to a month. I let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. I don’t reheat them since they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temp. Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but I make sure it’s stirred well and not too runny. Natural peanut butter may make the filling softer, so I chill it a bit longer before dipping.

How do I keep the chocolate from cracking?

I let the peanut butter hearts sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dipping, and I make sure the chocolate isn’t too hot when I coat them.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

I like using semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, but any melting chocolate or baking chocolate works well as long as it melts smoothly.

Can I make these without molds?

Definitely. I press the peanut butter mixture into a dish and use a cookie cutter, or just cut them into bars or squares.

Are these safe for people with nut allergies?

Only if I substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter. I always double-check all ingredients to be safe.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts are one of those sweet treats I can make anytime and always enjoy. They’re rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced between salty and sweet. Whether I shape them into hearts for a holiday or make them as simple bars for a quick dessert, they bring all the flavor of a classic peanut butter cup—only better and homemade.