These Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a treat you’ll love! Made with rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, they’re sweet, satisfying, and guilt-free.
There’s just something magical about that chocolate and peanut butter combo. I find myself munching on these whenever I need a quick snack. So easy to make, you’ll want them on hand all the time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate Chips: Aim for chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao for the best flavor and health benefits. You can use dark chocolate bars; just chop them up if that’s what you have. Milk chocolate is an option too, but it will be sweeter.
Natural Peanut Butter: I love using smooth, unsweetened peanut butter for a creamy texture. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try almond or cashew butter instead! Just make sure they don’t have added sugars or oils.
Coconut Oil: This helps the chocolate set and adds a nice shine. If you prefer, you can use unsalted butter or another neutral oil like avocado or sunflower oil.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup works great for taste and is vegan-friendly! Honey is a good alternative if you’re okay with it. Adjust sweetness to your liking; start with less and taste as you go.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate can easily burn if you’re not careful, so here’s a simple way to do it:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat chocolate chips in short bursts, about 20 seconds each. Stir in between to help distribute the heat evenly.
- Alternatively, consider using a double boiler. Just place a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, and let the steam gently melt the chocolate while stirring.
- Always remove the bowl from heat before the chocolate is fully melted; residual heat will finish the job.
This method will help you achieve smooth, delicious melted chocolate without any risk of burning!
How to Make Healthy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth, no added sugar or salt)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt, plus extra flaky sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing these delightful cups and then chill them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to set. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Molds:
Start by lining a muffin tin or small silicone molds with paper liners. This makes it easy to pop the cups out later and keeps everything clean!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half (1/2 cup) of the dark chocolate chips along with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat the mixture in 20-second intervals, giving it a stir between each time until it’s completely smooth and shiny.
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Once melted, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate into each liner. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the bottom. Place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate sets, prepare your peanut butter filling. In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
Remove the chocolate bases from the freezer. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture over each chocolate base. Spread it out gently, leaving a bit of space at the edges for the top layer of chocolate.
6. Final Chocolate Layer:
Now, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in the same way as before. Once melted, pour this chocolate over the peanut butter layer, completely covering it.
7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
To finish off, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cup. It adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness!
8. Chill and Set:
Return the tray to the freezer and chill for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
9. Enjoy Your Treats:
Once ready, remove the cups from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Enjoy your homemade, healthy, rich, and decadent Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups! They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things wholesome.
Can I Use Another Type of Nut Butter?
Absolutely! If you prefer almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter, those will work just as well. Just make sure they are smooth and free from added sugars or oils for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter treat. Just keep in mind that this will add more sugar and reduce the overall health benefits, so choose a high-quality milk chocolate for the best flavor!
What if My Chocolate is Too Thick to Pour?
If your melted chocolate is too thick, you can add a little more coconut oil, about half a teaspoon at a time, while stirring until you reach a pourable consistency. This will help it spread easily over the peanut butter layer.
