These homemade healthy peanut butter cups with silky chocolate are so easy and better for you than store-bought versions!
Peanut butter cups may be the perfect sweet treat. I mean, let's be real... Chocolate is divine on its own. I've never understood people who claim they're "not big on chocolate." What the WHAT?! Have they even ever had good chocolate? Real chocolate?
And while chocolate is my kryptonite, chocolate + peanut butter -- now that's my sweet tooth heaven.
Easy Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Growing up, I always loved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I especially loved the smaller mini peanut butter cups that used to come in a box, frolicking inside and co-mingling all loosey goosey – before the minis started being individually wrapped.
I'm not sure what it was that made those different than the individually wrapped minis you get in bags/boxes at the store today, but man alive, those original minis were amazing!
So now I'm (reportedly) all grown up, but my love for this candy hasn't wavered.
As with most store-bought items, I've made my own version at home a few times now. These homemade healthy peanut butter cups only have 3 ingredients, can easily be made vegan, paleo, and/or dairy-free, and any way you make them, they are absolutely delicious!
How do I make this recipe paleo?
To make this PALEO, use almond butter instead of peanut butter
How do I make these peanut butter cups dairy-free and vegan?
To make these dairy-free and vegan desserts, use vegan chocolate.
Easy 3-Ingredient Healthier Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup chocolate I prefer this dairy-free vegan chocolate
- ¾ cup peanut butter for paleo: substitute with almond butter
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil divided
Instructions
- Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners -- OR a 24-cup mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners. The liners give the sides of each peanut butter cup that classic ridged edge look.
- Melt the chocolate and 1½ tablespoons coconut oil over a double boiler until just melted. If you don't have a double boiler, simply melt in a glass bowl over a simmering pot of water.
- Pour chocolate mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner, just enough to create an even base layer. This is about 1 teaspoon for mini cupcake liners, and about 2-3 teaspoons for regular sized cupcake linersPlace in the refrigerator to chill.
- Meanwhile, melt 1½ tablespoons coconut oil in a large bowl in the microwave. Whisk in the peanut butter until well blended. Set aside.
- Once the first chocolate layers have hardened, remove from the refrigerator and pour just enough of the peanut butter mixture to create a middle layer in each cupcake liner. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
- Once the peanut butter layer is firm, pour another teaspoonful (or 2-3 teaspoons for regular cupcake liners) of the remaining chocolate mixture to create a top layer for each peanut butter cup. Refrigerate for another 10 minutes.
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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julie Christy says
I just made these! I used a regular sized 12 muffin pan, so I made 12 big ones! I did make a bit more of the chocolate part as I used the majority of the chocolate on the bottom layer! My husband's favorite candy is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. These are definitely healthier made with natural peanut butter! They tasted very good. Only issue I had was the peanut butter layer did not set up. So next time I think I will try adding a bit more coconut oil with the PB layer.
Decor Aid says
These look FABULOUS - can't wait to make them, even if they won't look as pretty as yours!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thank you! And all it takes is a cupcake wrapper to make the sides look pretty :)
Lindsay says
Oh yes to these!
Nicole @ Work|Wear|Wander says
These look seriously delicious! I can't wait to try them!
Warren @ Blog to Taste says
Sometimes I feel like your posts are written specifically for me. This post speaks to me. I love Reese's, but it might be dangerous if I start making my own.
Lindsay says
Oh my goodness if I had all these ingredients I would totally be making these tonight! YUM!
Hannah says
I'd love to make my own chocolate peanut butter cups. They would be fun to make, although I would be tempted to eat them all myself :)
Jenn says
Oh yummy! I've always loved peanut butter cups but haven't had them in some time since I stay away from dairy. These sound simple enough to make at home. I cannot wait to try these. Thanks for sharing.