I Tried the Viral Baked-Bean-Filled "Beanut-Butter" Cups, and I Don't Regret It

By Jenny Sugar

Published on 6/6/2022 at 7:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

As a huge fan of chocolate peanut-butter cups, I was equal parts horrified and intrigued when I saw this TikTok recipe for chocolate beanut-butter cups by @TheVulgarChef. Instead of peanut butter, these chocolate treats are filled with beans — canned baked beans, to be exact.

Beans and chocolate? Really? Initially, the idea was a big "no" for me. (Many commenters on the TikTok post agree with me, writing, "This is a community guideline violation" and "I'm calling the police.") But in the end, I thought: "Why not?" Baked beans are soft and slightly sweet, and they could complement the chocolate well. (That, and I'll try any dessert once.)

After putting in all the work to make these beanut-butter cups, I was still skeptical and hesitant to take the first bite. Once I did, however, it wasn't all that bad. The beanut-butter cups tasted a lot like regular peanut-butter cups, just not as sweet. I also liked the squishier, more moist texture of the beans (sounds gross, I know, but it was a plus!). I definitely prefer peanut-butter or almond-butter cups, but these were still worth trying — even if it was only to know how this odd combination tastes.

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Beanut-Butter Cups Recipe

Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time2 hours
Yield9 cups

Jenny Sugar, POPSUGAR Fitness

INGREDIENTS

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Grab a silicone mold (I bought this three-pack of nine-cup molds from Amazon for $10).

    2. Melt 2/5 cup of chocolate chips in a small microwaveable bowl for 20 to 45 seconds, then stir until smooth. Fill the nine cups with the melted chocolate, and use the back of a small spoon to spread the chocolate to coat the bottom and sides of each cup. Place the mold in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to harden.

    3. Take the mold out of the freezer and divide the beans evenly among the cups. Freeze again for at least 20 minutes.

    4. Melt the remaining chocolate chips for 20 to 45 seconds in the microwave, and spread the chocolate to cover the tops of each of the cups. Freeze one last time for at least 20 minutes.

    5. Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw on the counter for 15 minutes. It's normal to see a little water condensation on the cups (as shown in the top photo).

    6. Enjoy! Store leftovers in the freezer or fridge.