Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Name: Healthy Peanut Butter Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (9oz) dairy-free dark chocolate chips; 2 teaspoons coconut oil; 1/3 cup natural peanut butter; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon almond flour; ½ teaspoon salt (if pb is unsalted) ( 1/4 teaspoon if pb is already salted); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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These mini healthy peanut butter cups are an easy way to get that Reese's cups fix. An easy homemade candy that is gluten-free and vegan.

Three peanut butter cups stacked on top of each other on a mini white plate.

If you are a Reese's peanut butter cups fan, chances are you like anything to do with the PB and chocolate combination. A peanut butter ball, a scotcheroo, and pb and chocolate pie wouldn't make you bat an eye.

This healthier version of the favorite candy is the perfect sweet treat, and the right size too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients
Mini cups that quickly satisfy any sweet tooth
Gluten-free and dairy-free candy
Easy recipe

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.

Ingredients for peanut butter cups in small bowls on a gray surface.

Natural peanut butter - This type does not have any added sugar or oils. Check the labels before purchasing. I'm a fan of Smucker's. Cashew, almond, or sunflower seed butter can all be substituted.

Pure maple syrup - Just a touch of maple syrup gives the salty filling some sweetness. No high fructose corn syrup here!

Dairy-free dark chocolate chips - Dark chocolate typically has less added sugar than milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate bars or chips.

Almond flour - A tad of this helps firm up the drippy middle layer. Gluten-free oat flour would work here too.

Coconut oil - Just a bit of coconut oil helps turn the chocolate mixture into a silky smooth shell.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you start: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Have all ingredients out and ready.

Peanut butter and almond flour in a glass bowl.

Melted dark chocolate and coconut oil in a smooth mixture.

Step 1: Stir nut butter, maple syrup, almond flour, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Set in the freezer.

Step 2: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

Melted chocolate in the bottom of white muffin liners.

Peanut butter in the center of mini muffin cups.

Step 3: Place one teaspoon of melted chocolate in the bottom of each liner. Place in freezer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Scoop one teaspoon of the filling mixture and set in center of each paper liner.

Melted chocolate in mini muffin cups with white paper liners.

Chocolate peanut butter cups in white wrappers on a gray surface.

Step 5: Place another teaspoon of remaining chocolate on top of each center.

Step 6: Set the muffin tray in the freezer for 15-20 for minutes until healthy peanut butter cups are completely set.

Equipment

Mini muffin pan - Not just for muffins! Mini muffin tins are really so versatile. Mini tart, quiches, pizzas! the possibilities are endless.

Mini muffin liners - For easy removal and gives those PB cups their signature ridges.

Mixing bowls - At least one of the bowls should be microwave safe for melting the dairy-free chocolate.

Tips

Freezing the filling mixture for a short time helps solidify it enough to squeeze it into a flatter disc shape. This will prevent a mound of filling from sticking up on the chocolate cup's top layer.
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cup for an elevated taste experience.
Store these vegan chocolate cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Mini peanut butter cups in white wrappers spread out on a gray surface.

FAQs

Can I use a regular-size muffin cup?

Yes! Using a regular muffin pan will yield 6 large candy cups.

Can I use different nut butter?

Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter.

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