Description

These Healthy Peanut Butter Cups are a delightful homemade treat made with natural ingredients like cocoa powder, coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and smooth peanut butter. Perfectly layered and chilled to set, they offer a rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor without the refined sugars or additives found in store-bought versions. Ideal as a guilt-free snack or dessert, these cups are simple to prepare and naturally sweetened.

Ingredients

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Chocolate Layer

1 cup cocoa powder (regular or dark)
½ cup coconut oil (melted)
½ cup pure maple syrup (room temperature)
½ tsp salt

Peanut Butter Layer

⅓ cup smooth peanut butter
3 Tbsp pure maple syrup (room temperature)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, ½ cup of the pure maple syrup, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended with no lumps.
Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the smooth peanut butter and the remaining 3 tablespoons of maple syrup until creamy and fully combined.
Layer the Cups: Line a 12-cup muffin tray with cupcake liners. Spoon 2 teaspoons of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of each liner and smooth it out into an even layer. Then add 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture gently in the center of each chocolate layer, pressing down slightly. Top each cup with 2 teaspoons more of the chocolate mixture, smoothing over the peanut butter layer with the back of a small spoon until flat and even.
Chill and Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight to allow the peanut butter cups to harden fully. Once set, optionally sprinkle with coarse sea salt for an added flavor contrast. Keep the cups refrigerated between servings to maintain firmness.

Notes

Use cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
Maple syrup can be replaced with honey if desired, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
For a nuttier texture, crunchy peanut butter can be used instead of smooth.
Store peanut butter cups in the fridge for up to one week for best freshness.
These cups are naturally gluten free and vegetarian.