When your sweet tooth strikes, reach for these homemade Healthy Peanut Butter Cups. This simple recipe only needs cocoa powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter to make the BEST treat. These desserts are both tastier and healthier than the store-bought version, and they tick all the boxes— gluten-free, dairy-free, AND vegan.

Flaky salt is used to top these homemade peanut butter cups.

Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

If I could only have one, favorite candy for the rest of my life it would be a no-brainer.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups would be IT.

I love them so much that I’ve even recreated them at home and even tried my hand at Peanut Butter Eggs.

But sometimes you’re craving that delicious peanut butter and chocolate combo but with slightly HEALTHIER ingredients that you feel GOOD about eating.

Ones that are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and yes, even refined sugar-free. (So you can share them with ALL of your friends!)

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this recipe. It only requires five real food ingredients, and none of them are milk chocolate.

While the process is pretty simple to follow, the hardest part is waiting for them to finish setting. But you have to let them chill…don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make these healthy homemade peanut butter cups include:

Cocoa powder. Regular was used for this recipe, but you can use dark for a richer flavor. It won’t be as sweet because the cocoa powder will overwhelm the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Sweetener. Maple syrup is preferred, but honey or agave can be used, as well.
Oil. Coconut oil is the best option. It is slightly sweet without being overpowering.
Salt. You do need this for balance and to actually BRING out the sweetness. Add the extra bit just before serving for a delightful salty/sweet combo. (Think of salted caramel, *MUAH!*)
Peanut butter. Go for a creamy, smooth variety. If you’re using a natural type, make sure to give a good stir.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

The basic steps for making these healthier peanut butter cups are simple to follow:

Make the Peanut Butter Layer

While the process of making these peanut butter cups isn’t difficult, the order of prep is essential.

You want to be sure you mix the peanut butter mixture FIRST. The chocolate will start to harden as soon as it sits out.

Secondly, for both the layers, you want to have the sweetener at room temperature or even a little warmed up before mixing it with the cocoa powder or the peanut butter.

To start, add the creamy peanut butter and 3 tablespoons of sweetener to a small bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the ingredients until no lumps remain.

Sweetener and peanut butter are mixed together. — Add the peanut butter and sweetener to a bowl.

Peanut butter and sweetener are mixed. — Add the peanut butter and sweetener to a bowl.

Make the Chocolate Layer

Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners. These make it easy to pop the peanut butter cups out. It’s best to do this step first so you’re ready to start filling as soon as the chocolate is ready. While you could use mini muffin tins, it’s hard to get three complete layers in that small of a space.

In another medium or small bowl, add the cocoa powder, oil, ½ cup of maple syrup, and salt. Stir with a whisk until a smooth mixture forms.

Again, be sure the sweetener is at least at room temperature, so it mixes evenly with the cocoa powder.

Sweetener is added to the cocoa powder. — Add the cocoa powder, salt, oil, and sweetener to a bowl.

A whisk is used to stir the chocolate mixture. — Add the cocoa powder, salt, oil, and sweetener to a bowl.

Build the Peanut Butter Cups

You want to work fairly fast here because the chocolate will start to harden. It’s also okay if the chocolate layer is a little lumpy. It should smooth out as it hardens up.

Start by filling the muffin cups with 2 teaspoons of the chocolate mixture in the bottom of each liner. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out as much as possible.

Then, add 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter filling to the center. Carefully push it down so it spreads as close to the edges as possible.

Finally, top each one with another 2 teaspoons of the chocolate. Again, use the back of a spoon to smooth out the chocolate.

Liquid chocolate is place in the bottom of the muffin liner. — Add the chocolate to the bottom.

A scoop of peanut butter mixture is placed one top of the chocolate. — Add the chocolate to the bottom.

Refrigerate to Set

Set the tray of peanut butter cups in the fridge. These need at least 2 hours to fully set. However, you can leave them overnight to fully harden. If you’re leaving them more than a couple of hours, you can cover the tray with plastic wrap for freshness.

Before serving, sprinkle each one with some coarse sea salt if desired. Be sure to leave these cups in the fridge between servings.

Fill all the muffin liners with chocolate and peanut butter layers.

Meal Prep and Storage

How to prep ahead of time: This recipe is best made ahead of time! Whip up a batch and keep the whole thing in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
How to store: Homemade peanut butter cups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to freeze: The cups can be frozen in a freezer-safe airtight container or Ziploc freezer bag for up to 6-9 months.

What is the ratio of peanut butter to chocolate in Reese’s peanut butter cups?

Standard store-bought Reese’s cups utilize a 50/50 ratio between chocolate and peanut butter. However, the benefit to homemade peanut butter cups is that you can opt for whatever ratio you like!

Are peanut butter cups healthy?

Traditionally, peanut butter cups are not considered healthy. While this recipe isn’t full of vitamins, it is a MUCH healthier alternative to the classic favorite. It does have healthy fats, though. Plus, these vegan peanut butter cups can be enjoyed by everyone.

Do I have to refrigerate healthy peanut butter cups?

Yes, this healthy twist on peanut butter cups definitely needs to be stored in the fridge. Otherwise, the cups will melt slightly and stick together.

Chocolate peanut butter cups are topped with course salt.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

Low-Carb: Opt for natural, sugar-free peanut butter.
Nut-Free: For peanut allergies, go with a different variety of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter. For all nut allergies, try using a brand of sunflower seed butter, or even cookie butter.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Not too cold. Be sure the sweetener is at room temperature before adding it to the mixes for the smoothest consistency.
Don’t jump ahead. Make the peanut butter layer first, otherwise the chocolate will harden before you can put it together.
Get salty. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end really takes these cups over the top.
Wrap them up. To prevent the cups from sticking together or getting misshapen, keep them contained in their paper liners until ready to be eaten, just like normal Reese’s cups.
Change things around. Consider making additions and substitutions like crunchy peanut butter, cashew butter, pretzel pieces, white chocolate, or even a small dab of fruity jam to bring new flavor combinations to this classic candy.

A bite is taken out of a homemade peanut butter cup.

More Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Chocolate is such a satisfying treat no matter how you enjoy it. Try one of these healthy dessert recipes next.

For that classic peanut butter and chocolate combination, try Peanut Butter Eggs or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Easy Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding are impressive and easy to whip up and serve.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie is the perfect holiday dessert.

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