Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Vegan Style
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love making these Vegan Peanut Butter Cups at home because they bring back fond memories of my childhood treats, but this time, I enjoy them without any guilt! Each bite is a heavenly balance of creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate, and they are surprisingly easy to whip up. I appreciate knowing exactly what goes into them, and it's a simple recipe that requires just a few wholesome ingredients. Whether for a quick snack or a special dessert, these cups never fail to satisfy my cravings.
When I first attempted making these Vegan Peanut Butter Cups, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple the process was. The trick to achieving the perfect texture is to use high-quality chocolate and natural peanut butter. I mixed the peanut butter with a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, ensuring a balanced flavor without being overly sugary.
My friends loved them so much that they kept asking me for the recipe, which only made my heart swell with joy. These cups are perfect for a homemade gift or just to enjoy yourself, and I recommend letting them chill in the freezer for a while to set up perfectly before diving in!
Why You'll Love These
- Decadent chocolate coating with smooth peanut butter filling
- Refined sugar-free and full of wholesome ingredients
- Quick to make and perfect for sharing or snacking
Understanding the Ingredients
The beauty of these Vegan Peanut Butter Cups lies in their simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Natural peanut butter is essential for creating that creamy texture and rich flavor without any added preservatives or sugars. Opt for peanut butter that contains only peanuts (and salt, if you prefer) to maintain the health benefits while keeping it vegan-friendly. If you're allergic or prefer another nut, almond butter makes an excellent substitute!
Pure maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener that complements the peanut butter perfectly. It adds a subtle depth to the flavor while keeping the sugar refined. If you need an alternative sweetener, agave nectar or date paste can work well, but remember that they may slightly alter the flavor. Additionally, the dark chocolate should be dairy-free and have a high cocoa content to ensure a rich finish while keeping the treat vegan.
Perfecting the Technique
Melt the chocolate slowly using a double boiler to achieve that glossy, smooth consistency essential for coating the cups. Stirring continuously prevents the chocolate from seizing; if it does, you can rescue it by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil, continuing to stir until it becomes smooth again. This technique also helps avoid overheating, which can lead to burnt chocolate, ruining the flavor and texture.
When filling the muffin liners, ensure that you don’t overfill with the peanut butter mixture. About one tablespoon per cup is ideal, as this allows for the chocolate to fully envelop the peanut butter, creating a satisfying bite. Once you pour the remaining chocolate over, gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to smooth out any imperfections and eliminate air bubbles.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your own Vegan Peanut Butter Cups.
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Combine these ingredients for an irresistible treat!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create delicious Vegan Peanut Butter Cups.
Melt the Chocolate
In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips along with the coconut oil over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
Prepare the Molds
Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Pour a small amount of the melted chocolate into each liner, just enough to cover the bottom.
Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and sea salt until well mixed. Scoop about a tablespoon of this mixture into each chocolate-filled liner.
Top with More Chocolate
Cover the peanut butter filling with the remaining melted chocolate, ensuring each cup is well sealed.
Chill and Set
Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set.
Once set, your Vegan Peanut Butter Cups are ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra twist, feel free to add crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling.
Storage and Shelf Life
These Vegan Peanut Butter Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Layer the cups between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to three months. This method preserves their creamy texture and rich flavors, making them perfect for a quick treat on busy days.
If you’re planning to transport these cups or serve them at a gathering, keep them chilled. This helps maintain their form and ensures that the chocolate remains firm, making them ideal for sharing. Simply transfer them back to the fridge shortly before serving for the best presentation.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or add-ins. For an extra crunch, consider mixing some chopped nuts or seeds into the peanut butter filling. You could even swirl in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every bite. If you’re a fan of flavor combinations, a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the taste profile deliciously.
For a more indulgent variation, try adding a layer of your favorite vegan caramel sauce in between the chocolate and peanut butter layers. This will give your peanut butter cups a gooey, luxurious texture that’s hard to resist. Just take care to balance the moistness so that the chocolate coating holds well.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nut butters?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter can be great alternatives.
→ How should I store these peanut butter cups?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure that all ingredients, particularly the chocolate, are labeled gluten-free.
→ Is there a way to make these more sweet?
You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your preference for sweetness.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Vegan Style
I love making these Vegan Peanut Butter Cups at home because they bring back fond memories of my childhood treats, but this time, I enjoy them without any guilt! Each bite is a heavenly balance of creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate, and they are surprisingly easy to whip up. I appreciate knowing exactly what goes into them, and it's a simple recipe that requires just a few wholesome ingredients. Whether for a quick snack or a special dessert, these cups never fail to satisfy my cravings.
What You'll Need
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips along with the coconut oil over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Pour a small amount of the melted chocolate into each liner, just enough to cover the bottom.
In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and sea salt until well mixed. Scoop about a tablespoon of this mixture into each chocolate-filled liner.
Cover the peanut butter filling with the remaining melted chocolate, ensuring each cup is well sealed.
Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set.
Extra Tips
- For an extra twist, feel free to add crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 4g