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4.84 stars (6 ratings)

Vegan Peanut Butter Cups

Vegan Peanut Butter Cups are easy to make, with only 4 ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now! Everyone's favorite candy, made vegan.
Prep Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 292kcal
Author: Nora Taylor

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line a 12 cup standard size muffin tin with paper liners.
  • Place half of the chocolate chips (1 cup) and half of the coconut oil (1 tablespoon) in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then another minute and stir until melted and smooth. If you do not have a microwave, you can use the double broiler method to melt.
  • Scoop about half of a tablespoon melted chocolate, and place it in each liner. Use a small spoon to spread it around and up the sides just a little bit. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • While the chocolate hardens in the freezer, add the peanut butter and powdered sugar to a bowl and mix with a spoon or fork until well combined and a sort of dough is formed. Taste for sweetness, and add more sugar if desired. If using unsalted peanut butter, add a tiny pinch of salt.
  • Remove the pan from the freezer. The chocolate should be quite firm and not melty anymore. Place a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate in each cup, and press down a bit with your hands. It does not need to be flattened completely. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Melt the other cup of chocolate chips and the last tablespoon of coconut oil, as you did before. Scoop 1/2 tablespoon on top of the peanut butter and spread immediately with a small spoon if needed and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if desired. Because the peanut butter was in the freezer, the chocolate will harden quickly. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
  • Storage: Store the peanut butter cups in the refrigerator or freezer, as they will melt rather quickly at room temperature because of the coconut oil. If you want them to be more shelf stable, substitute melted vegan butter for the coconut oil, or leave it out completely.

Video

Notes

  1. Many brands of chocolate chips are vegan, simply check the ingredients list for milk fat, butter oil or any other animal based ingredients.
  2. Instead of chocolate chips, you can also use vegan chocolate bars, which may be easier to find depending on where you live. 
  3. Calories estimate is for 1 peanut butter cup if you make 12.
  4. These can be made into mini peanut butter cups! Use a mini muffin pan and mini liners for smaller treats.
  5. I have found that when making candy, it's best to use regular peanut butter, not the natural kind. Natural can be so runny or very thick, and is not as consistent. For the best filling, use regular creamy peanut butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 12 servings | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 22g | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3mg