Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups All-Natural
These gluten-free and vegan chocolate peanut butter cups are made with just five ingredients: chocolate chips, natural peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil. They’re easy to make in a mini muffin tray and perfect for satisfying candy bar cravings or as a healthier gluten-free dessert.
These chocolate peanut butter cups are the easiest, most satisfying way to curb your candy bar cravings while keeping things simple and clean. Made with just five ingredients—your choice of chocolate chips, natural peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil—these treats are both gluten-free and vegan. With a mini muffin tray or cupcake liners, you’re all set to make these irresistible bites. They have the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, making them an ideal treat for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought candy.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity, both in ingredients and process, while still delivering that familiar, indulgent flavor you love in peanut butter cups. Whether you’re looking for a quick sweet snack or a satisfying gluten-free dessert, these peanut butter cups are sure to hit the spot every time.
What can I use to replace the chocolate and peanut butter in this Oreo cookie recipe if I have allergies or follow a stricter vegan diet?
If peanut butter or chocolate is off-limits, you’ve still got options for delicious vegan and allergy-friendly Reese’s cups! For the “peanut butter” center, try sunflower seed butter, tahini, or even mashed bananas with a bit of nut-free chocolate for richness. Dairy-free chocolate chips or melted vegan chocolate can replace the usual coat. Get creative and have fun!
Why You’ll Love my Healthier Peanut Butter Cup Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just five basic ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, but loved by everyone.
- Quick to Make: All you need is a mini muffin tray or cupcake liners, and you’re ready to go.
- Tastes Better than Store-Bought: Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter combine for a satisfying homemade treat.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Cups:
Chocolate Chips:You can semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or dairy-free vegan chocolate chips if you want to keep the recipe vegan. You can make dark chocolate peanut butter cups with dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free alternative, carob chips can be used as a substitute. In my opinion, semi-sweet give the best flavor. You can make them white chocolate peanut butter cups by melting white chocolate chips.
Coconut Oil: You can use coconut butter as a substitute for coconut oil. It will add a slightly different texture and coconut flavor to the recipe. For a non-coconut flavor option, use a vegan butter substitute.*
Natural Unsweetened Peanut Butter: Substitute with your favorite nut butter. If you have a peanut allergy or prefer almond flavor, almond butter can be used as a substitute. Cashew butter is another nut butter option with a milder flavor.
Almond Flour: Oat flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to almond flour. If you have nut allergies, ground sunflower seeds can replace almond flour.
Maple Syrup: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly and lower glycemic index alternative to maple syrup. If you’re not vegan and prefer honey, you can use it as a sweetener.
Flaky Sea Salt: Use Himalayan pink salt or any other type of salt you prefer for the salt sprinkle. Or you can omit it.
*I have not tested this substitution.
How to Make My Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for the best way to make homemade chocolate peanut butter cups. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prep the Chocolate
Pour the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals. Remove the bowl and gently stir with a spatula between intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 2: Pour into the Muffin Liners
Line your mini muffin pan with mini muffin liners. Pour about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cup. Tap the tray on the counter repeatedly to spread the chocolate in the cups. Place the tray in the freezer while you prepare the peanut butter mixture.
Step 3: Prep the Peanut Butter Filling
Add the natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a mixing bowl. Stir with a spatula until the peanut butter mixture is smooth and creamy.
Remove the muffin pan from the freezer. Using a spoon or small cookie batter scoop, add about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter filling to each cup on top of the chocolate layer.
Option 1: If you prefer to not see the peanut butter layer from the outside of your peanut butter cup, then leave the peanut butter filling in the middle of the cup so it is not touching any of the sides of the muffin liner.
Option 2: If you like seeing the peanut butter layer from the outside of your peanut butter cup, then gently tap the tray on the counter to spread the peanut butter filling evenly in your cups.
Step 4: Add the Final Layer of Chocolate
Pour another layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter layer. Fill the cups almost to the top. Gently tap the tray on the counter to spread the chocolate inside the cup. Then sprinkle with a dash of flaky sea salt. Return the tray to the freezer for about 30 minutes or until set.
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups Recipe Notes
Mini Muffin Liners: Mini muffin liners make it easier to remove the peanut butter cups from the mini muffin tin without sticking. If you don’t have liners, you can lightly grease the mini muffin pan with coconut oil or cooking spray, but be careful when removing the cups.
Adjusting Peanut Butter Layer Placement: As mentioned in the recipe, you have two options for placing the peanut butter layer. Choose the one that suits your preference. Option 1 keeps the peanut butter filling in the middle, while option 2 spreads it to the sides for a more visible peanut butter layer.
Freezing Time: Ensure that you freeze the peanut butter cups for at least 30 minutes or until they are completely set. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and keeping the layers intact.
Sea Salt: The flaky sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate. Adjust the amount to your taste, but be cautious not to overdo it, as sea salt can be quite potent.
Customization: Feel free to customize these peanut butter cups with additional toppings or mix-ins. Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can add extra flavor and texture.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- As a sweet snack: Enjoy these peanut butter cups as a quick grab-and-go treat.
- With coffee or tea: Pair with your favorite hot drink for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
- For parties or gatherings: Serve as a bite-sized dessert at parties, potlucks, or celebrations.
- Frozen for a cool treat: Store in the freezer for a refreshing and slightly firmer chocolate snack.
Do you love chocolate snacks? Check out more of my easy and nutritious chocolate recipes:
- Gluten-Free Oreo Peanut Butter Cup Bats
- Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Cookies
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Almond Flour Recipe
- Gluten-Free Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Chocolate Chip Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
- Gluten-Free Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Copycat
Easy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups All-Natural
Ingredients
Chocolate:
- 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1/3 cup natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- dash flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Pour the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals. Remove the bowl and gently stir with a spatula between intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Line your mini muffin pan with mini muffin liners. Pour about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cup. Tap the tray on the counter repeatedly to spread the chocolate in the cups. Place the tray in the freezer while you prepare the peanut butter mixture.
- Add the natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a mixing bowl. Stir with a spatula until the peanut butter mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove the muffin pan from the freezer. Using a spoon or small cookie batter scoop, add about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter filling to each cup on top of the chocolate layer.Option 1: If you prefer to not see the peanut butter layer from the outside of your peanut butter cup, then leave the peanut butter filling in the middle of the cup so it is not touching any of the sides of the muffin liner. Option 2: If you like seeing the peanut butter layer from the outside of your peanut butter cup, then gently tap the tray on the counter to spread the peanut butter filling evenly in your cups.
- Pour another layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter layer. Fill the cups almost to the top. Gently tap the tray on the counter to spread the chocolate inside the cup. Then sprinkle with a dash of flaky sea salt. Return the tray to the freezer for about 30 minutes or until set.
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I love peanut butter, and these did not dissapoint, I made a batch for my neighbor, they loved them, too
Awe…you’re such a good neighbor, Britt!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
These are to die for!! I have made them for friends and family and they are definitely a fan favorite!
Thank you, Jane! They are a favorite in my household, too!! 🙂
Wow the taste is exactly like reeses
Thank you so much for the review, Rick! I appreciate it 🙂
Fun to make!! They went fast! I’ll need to make more next time 🙂
I’m so glad your family loved them! We have the same problem in my house when I make these 🙂
THESE TASTE AMAZING 🤩 just like a reese’s peanut butter cup. I highly recommend trying this, you’ll never go back to store bought reese’s again!
Thank you for the review, Shelley! We love these better than storebought Reese’s cups too 🙂