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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Sabrina says
My kids love peanut butter cups! Thanks for the great idea to make these at home!
Aileen (Aileen Cooks Blog) says
These look so yummy and I love that they are minis!
Miriah says
I am going to make these today! Thank you!!!
Heather says
I have a family member who is crazy about peanut butter. he is going to love these!
Liv says
I had no idea you could make those yourself!! This is wonderful - thanks so much!!
Jessica Bradshaw says
Yes!! These are perfection! I cannot wait to try these.
Bella B (xoxoBella) says
These turned out so perfect. Mine never look that pretty! You can go wrong with a PB and chocolate combination.
Kim says
I sort of love you right now. This is AMAZING. I wish I had oodles of these in front of me right now.
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
Love how simple these are! My husband adores peanut butter cups - I'll have to try these for him :D
Adriana says
Love the idea of doing this with almond butter looks so good great for gifting too =)
Karin says
These look soooo good! Peanut Butter and Chocolate are my jam!
Cait says
These look SO GOOD! Thanks for sharing.
Ashleigh says
This looks like such a wonderful treat recipe! I know what I'm making this weekend for the kids! Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer Ostroski says
Shut the front door. I am trying these tomorrow, they look absolutely amazing! I already have two out of three ingredients... yesssss!
Lauren says
These look great! Gotta love chocolate and peanut butter!