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This homemade, healthy, peanut butter cup recipe is made with wholesome ingredients. They're sure to become a favorite treat in your household, just as they are in mine.
Peanut butter cups have a special place in my heart. They hit every craving, are my niece's favorite treat, and are the perfect bite to satisfy any sweet tooth. Indulging in your favorite treats doesn't have to come with a side of guilt. In fact, when you take the reins and make them yourself, you not only satisfy your cravings but also nourish your body with wholesome ingredients.
One of the greatest benefits of making treats from scratch is the transparency it offers. You know exactly what goes into each one, ensuring that only the finest, healthiest ingredients find their way into your body. This recipe allows for customization too; from choosing between cacao wafers or dark chocolate to picking your favorite nut butter, the power is in your hands to tailor these treats to your dietary needs and preferences.
Before we dive into this healthy peanut butter cup recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the health benefits packed into these delectable peanut butter cups:
Ingredient Benefits:
Nut Butter: Natural nut butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, which support heart health and provide sustained energy.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and nutrients like zinc and manganese, which help support the immune system and maintain healthy bones.
Almond Flour: Rich in vitamins and minerals, almond flour is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. It’s also low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
Cacao Wafers: Cacao wafers are made from pure cacao and are packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow. They are also a good source of iron, magnesium, and fiber. Cacao contains compounds that can elevate mood and improve cognitive function.
Dark Chocolate: High in antioxidants, dark chocolate can improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow. It also contains iron, magnesium, and fiber.
Coconut Oil: Known for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil can boost metabolism and provide a quick source of energy.
Maldon and Celtic Sea Salt: Provides essential minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for electrolyte balance, nerve function, and hydration.
Recipe: Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Note: I prefer to use silicone molds for this, but a mini muffin pan with parchment paper works just as well.
Ingredients
Filling:
½ cup smooth natural unsalted nut butter of your choice
2 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ - ⅓ cup fine almond or coconut flour
Pinch of salt
Coating:
7 oz cacao wafers or dark chocolate
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Maldon or Celtic sea salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Molds: Use silicone molds or line a mini muffin pan with parchment paper.
Make the Filling: Mix the nut butter, maple syrup, ¼ cup almond flour, and a pinch of salt until it forms a stiff paste. Depending on your nut butter, you may need to add more almond flour if the mixture is too loose.
Chill the Filling: Refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes until it is stiff enough to shape.
Shape the Filling: After 15 minutes, roll the chilled mixture into a log and cut it into 18 small disks or patties with a diameter just slightly smaller than the base of your silicone mold. Place the patties back in the refrigerator.
Melt the Chocolate: Melt the cacao wafers or dark chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth over a double boiler. The coconut oils helps the chocolate harden and provides a nice shine to the final product.
Fill the Molds: Spoon about a teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each cup, making sure to spread the chocolate to completely cover the bottom and sides of your silicone molds.
Add the Filling: Place a peanut butter patty into each cup and press it down gently so that some of the chocolate comes up the sides.
Cover with Chocolate: Spoon more chocolate, about 1-2 teaspoons, over the top to cover the filling evenly.
Garnish and Set: Sprinkle with Maldon or Celtic sea salt and refrigerate until set (about 20 minutes).
Enjoy your healthy homemade peanut butter cups! They're sure to become a favorite treat in your household, just as they are in mine.
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