Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter

Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 cup almond butter; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter as they are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also satisfy my sweet cravings in a healthier way. The creamy almond butter is enveloped in rich chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. When I make these at home, I can control the ingredients, ensuring that I use the finest selections for taste and quality. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner, these cups never fail to impress my friends and family.

Created by

Diana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:22:13.019Z

When I first created this recipe, I was inspired by the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination but wanted to add a nutty twist with almond butter. The result was phenomenal! The almond flavor complements the chocolate in a way that truly elevates the experience. I've experimented with different types of chocolate, and using a dark chocolate gives a luxurious taste that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

To make the perfect cups, I discovered that tempering the chocolate just right ensures that they have a satisfying snap when bitten into. This also helps the chocolate coating to set properly, giving the finished product that professional touch. I've found that a dash of sea salt on top brings out all the delicious flavors brilliantly!

        Why You'll Love These Cups
        Decadent chocolate paired with creamy almond butter
Simple and quick to make at home
Perfect for sharing or indulging personally
Customizable with different chocolates or nut butters

      

Mastering the Chocolate Coating

The chocolate coating serves as the essential outer layer that adds a luxurious texture to these cups. When melting the chocolate, use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water to ensure gentle, even melting. Stir continuously until the mixture is glossy and smooth, avoiding overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize. The addition of coconut oil not only enhances the chocolate's richness but also contributes to a softer texture once cooled, making the cups easier to bite into.

After pouring the chocolate into the muffin liners, it’s crucial to allow it to cool and partially set before adding the almond butter filling. A 10-minute stint in the freezer is ideal; this time allows the chocolate to become firm yet still soft enough to adhere to the almond butter. If the chocolate is overly hard when pouring the filling, it may crack upon assembly, leading to an undesirable texture.

Creating the Perfect Almond Butter Filling

The almond butter filling is the heart of this recipe, providing nutty creaminess that beautifully complements the rich chocolate. For optimal flavor and texture, use natural almond butter made from roasted almonds—it should be smooth and free of added sugars or oils. Mixing in honey or maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, while a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness with a savory touch.

If you’re looking for a bit of a twist, consider infusing your almond butter with spices like cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment by swapping out almond butter for other nut butters such as cashew or sunflower seed butter for a different taste profile. Just keep the proportions the same to maintain consistency in texture.

Storing and Serving Your Peanut Butter Cups

These Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to three months. If freezing, allow the cups to set completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging; this allows the chocolate to soften slightly and enhances the overall eating experience.

When serving these treats, consider presenting them on a beautiful platter alongside fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair. They're perfect for gatherings or as a delightful surprise in lunchboxes. You can also modify them by adding crunchy toppings like crushed nuts or sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate before it fully sets, elevating both the texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Coating

1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil

For the Almond Butter Filling

1 cup almond butter
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare Chocolate Coating

In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Set the Chocolate Base

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate into each liner, just enough to cover the bottom. Place the tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.

Mix the Almond Butter Filling

In a bowl, combine almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Fill with Almond Butter

Once the chocolate base is set, remove the tin from the freezer and add a spoonful of almond butter filling on top of the chocolate in each liner, spreading it evenly.

Finish with Chocolate

Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the almond butter filling in each liner, ensuring it's completely covered. Return to the freezer to set for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Once set, carefully remove the cups from the liners. Enjoy your Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Almond Butter as a delicious treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets to enhance the flavor balance. You can also add a hint of cinnamon to the almond butter mixture for an aromatic twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're watching your sugar intake, opt for sugar-free dark chocolate chips to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. Also, for the filling, you can substitute the honey with agave syrup or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar to keep the sweetness level consistent. For a dairy-free option, ensure that the chocolate chips are certified dairy-free.

For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter works exceptionally well as a nut-free alternative while still providing that creamy consistency. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it still pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Additionally, you can use coconut butter for a non-nut-based filling that adds a unique flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chocolate coating doesn't set properly and remains sticky, it may have been exposed to moisture or wasn't melted correctly. To fix this, ensure that your utensils and bowls are completely dry before melting chocolate, as even a small amount of water can cause chocolate to seize. If your chocolate is already melted but not setting, you can gently reheat it with a little extra coconut oil and try again.

When assembling the cups, if you notice that your almond butter filling is too thin or runny, consider adding a little extra almond butter or chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit before spooning it onto the chocolate. This will help it hold its shape better and avoid mixing with the chocolate below.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter flavor, which pairs nicely with the almond butter.

→ How should I store these peanut butter cups?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for a longer shelf life.

→ What can I substitute for almond butter?

You can use any nut or seed butter of your choice, such as peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.

→ Is it possible to make these vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan chocolate and maple syrup instead of honey for a completely plant-based treat.