These Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a tasty treat that packs a punch! Made with rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, they’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
I love that I can enjoy these without the guilt! They’re easy to make and a hit with everyone. Just melt, layer, and chill—it’s hard to stop at just one! 🍫🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate Chips: I recommend using chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa. It has great flavor and is rich in antioxidants. If you’re allergic to chocolate or want a different taste, try using carob chips as a substitute.
Peanut Butter: Natural creamy peanut butter is my go-to since it has no added sugars or oils. If you have a nut allergy, sun butter (made from sunflower seeds) is a fantastic alternative that works just as well.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps the chocolate set nicely. If you prefer, you can swap it for unsalted butter or even a light olive oil. Just remember, the texture may vary slightly.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add a delightful sweetness. If you’re vegan, go with pure maple syrup. For a lower-calorie option, consider using stevia or agave syrup in smaller amounts.
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Set Perfectly?
Getting that chocolate just right is key for this recipe! Follow these steps for the best results:
- Start by melting your chocolate gently in the microwave. Use short bursts (20 seconds) to avoid burning it.
- Coat the muffin tins evenly but remember to leave enough chocolate for the tops!
- After the first layer hardens in the freezer, ensure your peanut butter mixture is well combined for easy spreading.
- When sealing the peanut butter, make sure to smooth those edges to lock it in!
Chilling the cups fully helps them set firm, so don’t rush the chilling time. Enjoy these chilled for that satisfying snap when you bite in!
Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher for health benefits)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- A pinch of sea salt (plus extra flaky sea salt for topping)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (preferably unsweetened and unsalted)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or raw honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time. Once you’ve assembled the cups, they need to chill for at least 30 minutes to solidify in the freezer. So, overall, you’ll need about 45 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with paper or silicone cupcake liners. This will make it easy to remove the cups later—no mess!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave this mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each interval. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Once melted, spoon about 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the chocolate into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Tilt the muffin tin gently to ensure the chocolate evenly coats the base. Pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes to harden.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate is setting, prepare the peanut butter filling! In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Fill with Peanut Butter:
Once the chocolate base is hardened, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture onto each hardened chocolate base. Be cautious not to overfill them.
6. Seal with Chocolate:
Next, cover the peanut butter layer with another tablespoon of melted chocolate. Make sure to seal the edges well and smooth out the tops with the back of a spoon. This keeps everything nicely contained!
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops of each cup. This adds a delicious balance to the sweetness.
8. Chill to Set:
Return the muffin tin to the freezer and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to set firmly. Patience is key!
9. Store and Enjoy:
Once they are set, move the peanut butter cups to an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy them. Eating them chilled provides the best texture!
These healthy dark chocolate peanut butter cups combine rich, antioxidant-packed dark chocolate with creamy natural peanut butter and just a touch of sweetness, making them a guilt-free indulgence! Enjoy every bite! 🍫🥜
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Absolutely! While using milk chocolate will result in a sweeter treat, it will still be delicious. Just be mindful that it may contain more sugar and fewer health benefits compared to dark chocolate.
How Long Can These Peanut Butter Cups Be Stored?
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw slightly before enjoying if they’re frozen!
Can I Substitute Almond Butter for Peanut Butter?
Yes, almond butter works great as a substitute! If you prefer other nut or seed butters, just ensure they are smooth and well-mixed for the best results.
What Should I Do If My Chocolate Hardens Too Quickly?
If your melted chocolate hardens before you’ve finished assembling the cups, simply place the bowl back in the microwave. Heat in 10-second intervals, stirring until it’s re-melted and smooth again.
