August 7, 2025 Plume Ridge Bottle Shop

Matcha Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Peanut butter cups are a classic treat, they're creamy, rich, and indulgent. But if you're looking to add a unique twist to this familiar favorite, let us introduce you to the wonder that is Matcha Peanut Butter Cups. These little green gems combine the earthy elegance of matcha green tea with the nutty comfort of peanut butter, resulting in a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The caffeine from the matcha will also give you a bit of pep in your step. And they're super easy to make!

Why Matcha?

What is matcha? Well before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about matcha. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves from Japan. Unlike traditional green tea where you steep and discard the leaves, matcha is consumed whole, giving you a concentrated dose of antioxidants, amino acids, and a calm energy boost thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine.

Matcha has a slightly bitter, earthy taste with a hint of umami, which makes it an ideal complement to sweet, creamy ingredients like white chocolate or nut butters. In the world of desserts, it’s a flavor that adds both sophistication and intrigue.

Peanut Butter + Matcha = A Match Made in Heaven

At first glance, peanut butter and matcha might seem like an unlikely duo but trust us, they work beautifully together. The rich, slightly salty profile of peanut butter perfectly balances the grassy, delicate flavor of matcha. This combination not only tastes amazing but also creates a beautiful contrast in both color and texture.

Ingredients

This recipe is super simple and doesn’t require any baking. You just need a few quality ingredients:

For the Matcha Layer:

1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1 ½ tsp high-quality culinary matcha powder
1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother texture)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
2 tbsp powdered sugar or maple syrup (for sweetness)
1 tbsp coconut oil
Pinch of sea salt (optional, but recommended)

How to Make Matcha Peanut Butter Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too runny, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before using.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Using a double boiler or microwave (in 20-second intervals, stirring each time), melt the white chocolate. Once smooth, whisk in the matcha powder and coconut oil until fully combined and silky green.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone mold for easy release. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the matcha white chocolate mixture into each cup and tilt the tin slightly so it coats the bottom evenly. Place the tin in the freezer for 5–10 minutes to firm up.

Next, add about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter filling on top of the hardened matcha layer. Gently flatten it with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Then, spoon more of the matcha mixture on top of the peanut butter layer to cover it completely. Give the tray a gentle tap on the counter to level out the tops.

Step 4: Chill and Enjoy

Place the tray back in the freezer for 15–20 minutes until fully set. Once solid, you can store them in the fridge for up to 1 week—or the freezer for longer.

Tips for the Best Matcha Peanut Butter Cups

Use high-quality matcha: Culinary-grade matcha works best here. You don’t need ceremonial-grade matcha, but avoid low-quality options that are dull and bitter. The more bright and vibrant the color, the better.
Play with ratios: Like more peanut butter? Go for it. Prefer a thicker matcha shell? Add another layer on top.
Swap out ingredients: Almond butter or cashew butter can be delicious substitutes for peanut butter if you want to experiment.
Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or a bit of granola into the peanut butter layer for texture.

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.