These Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a tasty treat that won’t make you feel guilty! With rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, they are both sweet and satisfying.
I love how easy they are to make—just mix, pour, and chill! Plus, I can enjoy a few without worrying about my snack habits. Trust me, they will disappear fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate Chips: Use chocolate with 70% cacao or more for a rich flavor. If you don’t have dark chocolate, try semi-sweet chocolate chips, but they will be a bit sweeter. I personally love using high-quality brands for the best taste!
Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: Look for peanut butter without added sugars or oils for the healthiest choice. If you have nut allergies, almond or cashew butter works well as a substitute. I enjoy mix-ins like a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Coconut Oil: It helps with the texture and smoothness of the chocolate. If you can’t find coconut oil, you can use unsalted butter instead. Just keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey: This sweetener can be adjusted based on your taste. If you’re looking for a non-liquid alternative, agave nectar works too, or you can use stevia for a lower-calorie option.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate is key to these peanut butter cups, and doing it right is so important to avoid burning it. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl. Start with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and half of the dark chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well between intervals. Keep doing this until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Patience is key!
This method prevents burning and ensures a velvety texture for your chocolate layer. Enjoy the smooth result in your peanut butter cups! 🌟
How to Make Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no sugar added)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the freezer. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes to whip up these delightful treats, but part of that time is hands-off while they chill, which is super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with 8-10 paper cupcake liners. This will make it easy to remove the peanut butter cups once they’re ready. It’s like giving them a cozy little home!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and half of the dark chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until the mixture is smooth and melted. Just be careful not to overheat it!
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate into each lined cup. Spread it evenly across the bottom of each liner. Now, pop the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
4. Mix the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate base is setting, mix together the peanut butter, remaining coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This mixture is going to be delicious!
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
Once the chocolate has set, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Spoon about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture onto the hardened chocolate layer in each cup. Gently press it down to flatten.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Next, melt the remaining dark chocolate chips in the microwave like you did before. Spoon this melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, making sure to cover it completely. Your cups are really starting to take shape!
7. Finish with a Touch of Salt:
Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cup for a little extra flavor. This is where the magic happens—it balances out the sweetness perfectly!
8. Chill Until Firm:
Return the muffin tin to the freezer for at least 20 minutes or until the chocolate is completely firm. This part feels like waiting for a surprise unveiling!
9. Unwrap and Store:
Once set, carefully remove the peanut butter cups from the liners. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!).
10. Enjoy Your Treat!
These delightful cups are best enjoyed chilled, so pop one out and savor the rich flavors. You’re going to love these as a healthier sweet snack, and they’re perfect for sharing—if you want to! 😉
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind that it will make the cups sweeter. For a healthier treat, I recommend sticking to dark chocolate, which has more antioxidants and less sugar!
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Cups?
Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed cold, and this will help maintain their firmness. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container!
Can I Substitute Another Nut Butter?
Absolutely! Cashew butter or almond butter would make great alternatives to peanut butter. Just ensure that they’re creamy and smooth for the best texture in your cups!
What If My Chocolate Is Too Thick to Pour?
If your melted chocolate is too thick, try adding a tiny bit more coconut oil to loosen it up. Just melt it again briefly, and it should be ready to pour!
