Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter

Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup almond butter, creamy; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional); 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sweetening chocolate)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love whipping up these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter whenever I crave a sweet treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It's incredible to experience the delightful blend of rich chocolate and creamy almond butter in one bite. Best of all, I can customize the sweetness and quality of ingredients, making these cups a guilt-free pleasure. Whether I enjoy them as a snack or share them with friends, these homemade delights never fail to impress and satisfy my sweet tooth with a healthy twist.

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:34:14.257Z

Making these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter allowed me to experiment with flavors and textures, and I was thrilled with the outcome. I found that using high-quality dark chocolate adds a depth that perfectly contrasts with the creaminess of almond butter. Each layer of melted chocolate and nut butter creates a satisfying experience, making them the ideal snack to keep on hand.

I've shared them with family and friends, and the response is always overwhelmingly positive. A key tip is to let the first chocolate layer set in the fridge before adding the almond butter. This helps maintain the shape and ensures a delightful bite every time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate shell with a creamy almond butter center
Easy to make and customize to your taste
Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt

      

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Shell

Creating a chocolate shell that perfectly encapsulates your almond butter filling is crucial for achieving that classic peanut butter cup experience. When melting the dark chocolate chips, it's vital to keep a close eye on the process. Chocolate burns easily, so it's best to microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly in between until the chocolate reaches a smooth and glossy consistency. If you notice it starting to clump or seize, reducing heat or moisture in the air can help.

Choosing high-quality dark chocolate significantly impacts the flavor of your cups. Look for chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa solids for a rich, intense taste. If you're sensitive to sugar, consider using unsweetened dark chocolate chips and controlling the sweetness with your honey or maple syrup in the filling. This way, you can balance that decadent chocolate flavor with the natural nuttiness of almond butter.

Getting the Right Texture for the Filling

The filling's texture should be creamy yet firm enough to hold its shape when bitten into. Mixing the almond butter with honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness while ensuring that the consistency stays spreadable. If you opt for honey, remember that a little goes a long way. You can adjust the sweetness based on your preferences, but be cautious not to make it too sweet, as this could overpower the rich chocolate outer layer.

If you're using a natural almond butter without added stabilizers, it might be a bit runny. To remedy this, try chilling it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before you fill the cups. This will thicken it slightly and make it easier to scoop and layer without running into the melted chocolate.

Storing and Enjoying Your Peanut Butter Cups

Once your homemade peanut butter cups are set, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month. For longer storage, consider freezing them—they can last up to three months in the freezer. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

These cups are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Try crumbling them over yogurt or ice cream for an added treat or incorporating them into a dessert charcuterie board. If you’re feeling creative, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts on top of the chocolate layer before freezing for an extra crunch and flavor contrast.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup almond butter, creamy
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sweetening chocolate)

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your peanut butter cups:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Prepare the Cups

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner, tilting the pan to coat the bottom.

Freeze the Base

Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes, until the chocolate is set.

Add Almond Butter

In a small bowl, mix the almond butter, honey, and sea salt. Remove the mold from the freezer and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the almond butter mixture on top of the chocolate base.

Finish with Chocolate

Cover the almond butter layer with another tablespoon of melted chocolate and spread it evenly over the top.

Set and Enjoy

Return the muffin tin to the freezer for at least 15 minutes until fully set. Enjoy your homemade cups!

These cups are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pro Tips

For a variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the almond butter for an extra kick of flavor.

Customization Options

In addition to almond butter, you can explore different nut butters to find the flavor profile that suits your palate best. Cashew butter or hazelnut butter can provide unique tastes while maintaining a lovely creamy texture. For a touch of fun, try mixing in flavors like vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon in your almond butter mixture for a new twist on each batch you create.

If you're looking for a lower-calorie or dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil mixed with a dairy-free chocolate option instead of traditional chocolate chips. This not only maintains that beloved chocolate shell but adds a unique, subtle coconut aroma to the cups that can be quite delightful.

Troubleshooting Tips

One common issue that may arise is the chocolate cracking when you bite into the cups. This often results from the chocolate layer being too thin or the cups being stored in a way that causes moisture to form on the surface. To prevent this, ensure you apply a generous layer of chocolate at the bottom and allow them to set in a cool, dry place, avoiding the refrigerator until fully hardened.

Alternatively, if your almond butter filling is overly sweet or not sweet enough, you can adapt your ingredient ratios easily. Simply taste test as you prepare your filling and adjust with extra almond butter or a touch more sweetener as needed. This personalized approach is one of the joys of making these cups from scratch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that using milk chocolate will make the cups sweeter.

→ Is almond butter interchangeable with peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter for a classic taste.

→ How long can these cups last in the fridge?

They can last up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use vegan chocolate and eliminate honey, opting for maple syrup instead.