Meet your new snack crush: vegan peanut butter cups! They offer all the yum without any compromise—just chocolatey, peanut buttery perfection in every bite.
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Got a craving for chocolate and peanut butter but not loving the ingredient list of store-bought options? Welcome to a sweet solution that’s as budget-friendly as it is delicious! Imagine biting into a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth vegan peanut butter cup that satisfies your taste buds without the high price tag.
We’re giving the classic chocolate peanut butter cup a vegan twist, preserving all the creamy, chocolatey goodness you adore. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’re just moments away from flavortown! It’s smart indulgence at its best.
So, grab your spoon (and maybe a friend or two) and let’s get started. These homemade vegan peanut butter cups aren’t just treats—they’re clever, tasty celebrations of healthier, cost-effective choices. For other peanut butter-lovers like us, don’t miss out on these chocolate peanut butter pie and edible peanut butter cookie dough recipes!
Welcome to your new snack obsession: our vegan peanut butter cups! These little beauties perfectly blend indulgence with wholesome goodness, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health or your budget. Ready to fall in love? Here are a few more reasons why these healthy peanut butter cups will become your go-to treat:
Cost-Friendly: Who says you can’t have gourmet on a budget? These peanut butter cups deliver big on taste without a big bill. Made with wallet-friendly ingredients, they’re your new best friend for affordable indulgence.
Healthier Ingredients: Say hello to cups full of goodness! Each one is packed with simple, vegan-friendly ingredients, so you can indulge without the ick of weird additives or preservatives. It’s just pure, simple joy in every bite.
Easy to Make: No magic wand needed here! A few basic kitchen tools and some simple steps are all it takes to whip up these delightful peanut butter cups. Get ready to dazzle your taste buds without any fuss.
Customizable: Fancy a pinch of sea salt or a dash of crunchy peanuts? This recipe is your canvas, ready to be painted with your favorite flavors. Tailor each batch to your heart’s desire and let your culinary creativity shine!
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re lighting up a vegan potluck or sweetening up a family dinner, these peanut butter cups are made to be loved by everyone. Vegan or not, they’re bound to be the star of the show!
Great for Meal Prep: Whip up a batch on Sunday, and you’re all set for a week of treat-yourself moments. These peanut butter cups are the perfect pick-me-up for any day, ready whenever your sweet tooth calls.
Key Ingredients
Let’s dive into the pantry and see what’s stirring! Each ingredient in our vegan peanut butter cups is more than just a bystander—they’re the unsung heroes making every bite better than the last.
Vegan Chocolate Chips: This isn’t just any chocolate—it’s the chocolate that dreams are made of. Rich, velvety, and absolutely vegan, these chips set the stage for a truly indulgent experience.
Coconut Oil: A little bit of this tropical treasure goes a long way. It smooths out our chocolate to perfection and gives the peanut butter filling that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all crave.
Peanut Butter: Opt for the creamy, no-stir kind for a fuss-free experience—it’s the heart of the filling, offering a creamy contrast to the crisp chocolate shell. If you’re looking to explore beyond peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter make excellent alternatives. For a nut-free option, consider using tahini or pumpkin seed butter, which provide a unique flavor and creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla acts like your recipe’s best supporting actor, enhancing flavors and bringing a subtle warmth to the peanut buttery middle.
Powdered Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness, powdered sugar helps the peanut butter filling firm up and achieve that classic confectionary texture.
Sea Salt, Sprinkles, Chopped Peanuts: Here’s where you can jazz things up! Whether it’s a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dash of festive colors, or a crunchy peanut topping, each adds a final touch of flair to your creations. Keep reading for even more topping ideas below!
Now that we’ve got all our stars lined up, let’s get to the fun part—putting them all together.
How To Make
Ready to become a snack-making superstar? These vegan peanut butter cups are your ticket to the big leagues, and guess what? It’s easier than you think! Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these simple ingredients into snack magic.
Step 1: Start by lining a muffin tray with those cute little silicone cupcake liners. They’re not just for show; they make sure your peanut butter cups pop out effortlessly once they’re done.
Step 2: Add coconut oil to vegan chocolate chips.
Step 3: Melt them together until smooth and dreamy.
Follow up with Step 4: Spoon half of this chocolate mixture into the liners, filling them just a bit. This is the base of your cups, so make it a good one! Pop the tray into the freezer for a few minutes to let the chocolate set.
Step 5: While the base chills, mix up your peanut butter, a touch of coconut oil, a splash of vanilla, and powdered sugar. This isn’t just filling—it’s the soul of your peanut butter cups.
Step 6: Take your tray out of the freezer and spoon the peanut butter mixture over the set chocolate. Flatten it a bit to make room for more chocolate—it’s all about the layers!
Step 7: Reheat your remaining chocolate if it’s gotten too shy and thick, then pour it over the peanut butter layer. This is the top hat on your elegant little treat.
Step 8: Now’s the time to sprinkle a little personality on top—sea salt for the sophisticated, sprinkles for the fun-loving, or chopped peanuts for the crunch enthusiasts.
Step 9: Pop the tray back into the fridge until everything’s nicely set. Patience, my friend, is a virtue here. Once they’re ready, pop them out of the liners and enjoy your creation. You’ve just crafted pure joy!
Topping Ideas
Why stop at fantastic when you can go fabulous? Jazz up your vegan peanut butter cups by sprinkling these fun and flavorful toppings either inside the layers or as a finishing touch on top. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:
Crushed Peanuts: For that classic crunch, great either sprinkled inside or on top.
Sea Salt: A light sprinkle on top enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances the sweetness.
Coconut Flakes: Toast them lightly and add them as a decorative topping.
Almond Slivers: Elegant and crunchy, perfect for mixing into the middle or garnishing the surface.
Chopped Dates: Mix into the filling for extra sweetness and a chewy texture, or sprinkle on top for visual appeal.
Freeze-Dried Raspberries: Crush and scatter inside for a burst of tartness or dust on top for a vibrant pop of color.
Cinnamon Sugar: A sweet and spicy addition, perfect for mixing into the peanut butter or dusting on top.
Pumpkin Seeds: Mix in for a crunchy texture or use as a colorful topping.
Sprinkles: For some fun colors, add your favorite vegan sprinkles.
With these ideas, each batch of your vegan peanut butter cups can be a new flavor adventure. Mix, match, and discover your favorite combinations!
FAQs
Is peanut butter vegan?
Yes, peanut butter is typically considered vegan since it’s made solely from peanuts, which are plant-based. However, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients list, as some brands might add honey or other non-vegan ingredients.
Are Reese’s peanut butter cups vegan?
No, Reese’s peanut butter cups are not vegan. They contain milk as one of their main ingredients, which is not suitable for a vegan diet.
Are Justin’s peanut butter cups vegan?
Justin’s offers a range of peanut butter cups, and their dark chocolate peanut butter cups are indeed vegan. They’re made with dark chocolate and do not contain any animal products, making them a great choice for vegans.
How long do homemade vegan peanut butter cups last?
Homemade vegan peanut butter cups can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for peanut butter cups?
Yes, for those with nut allergies, you can use seed butters like sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter as delicious and safe alternatives in your peanut butter cups.
Whip up a batch of these homemade vegan peanut butter cups and watch them disappear faster than you can say "more, please!" Perfectly combining guilt-free indulgence with vegan goodness, these treats are a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends.
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Distribute half of the melted chocolate among the muffin cups, filling each about a third of the way. Place the tray in the freezer for at leaast 5 minutes until the chocolate stiffens.
To make the peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, add the peanut butter and coconut oil and microwave for 30 seconds to melt. Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until well combined. If desired, add a scoop of vegan protein powder.
Remove the tray from the freezer. Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the chilled chocolate in each cup, and flatten the surface with the back of a spoon.
Top each cup with the remaining melted chocolate, covering the peanut butter layer completely, and before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle sea salt, sprinkles, or chopped peanuts over the top.
Refrigerate the tray until the chocolate is firm, at least 1 hour.
Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy!
Notes
Peanut Butter Consistency: Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture in your filling. If you’re using natural peanut butter, ensure it’s well mixed to avoid oil separation in your cups.Layering Technique: To create even layers of chocolate and peanut butter, gently tap the muffin tray on the counter after adding each layer. This helps remove any air bubbles and ensures the layers settle flat and even.Storage: Store your vegan peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months, then let them thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your peanut butter filling. Adding a small amount of cinnamon, nuts, or dried fruit can add a unique twist that stands out!
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Leave a Comment
Love peanuts in any form! Love these even more for being vegan. Thanks for the recipe.
These are the perfect sweet treat to grab as an indulgent snack or dessert…love it!
This is one of my favorite recipes to make. It’s delicious and easy, and I love that you made it vegan. Thank you!
Made these for a friend who’s lactose intolerant — she LOVED them! Thanks for the excellent recipe!
So delicious! The best flavor combo
You had me at peanut butter but then the topping suggestions! Will be making!
I made these for a game night with friends and everyone LOVED them! They’re so easy to make, too!
these cups are such a nice sweet treat! love that they’re on the healthier side too!
Yes, please! These peanut butter cups are even better than ones you buy at the store. Omg, so delish!
These are awesome… peanut butter and chocolate has to be the best combo ever! These are easy to make and everyone loves them!