Vegan Peanut Butter Cups

Got a craving for chocolate and peanut butter but not loving the ingredient list of store-bought options? Welcome to a sweet solution that’s as budget-friendly as it is delicious! Imagine biting into a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth vegan peanut butter cup that satisfies your taste buds without the high price tag.

We’re giving the classic chocolate peanut butter cup a vegan twist, preserving all the creamy, chocolatey goodness you adore. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’re just moments away from flavortown! It’s smart indulgence at its best.

So, grab your spoon (and maybe a friend or two) and let’s get started. These homemade vegan peanut butter cups aren’t just treats—they’re clever, tasty celebrations of healthier, cost-effective choices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Welcome to your new snack obsession: our vegan peanut butter cups! These little beauties perfectly blend indulgence with wholesome goodness, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health or your budget. Ready to fall in love? Here are a few more reasons why these healthy peanut butter cups will become your go-to treat:

• Cost-Friendly: Who says you can’t have gourmet on a budget? These peanut butter cups deliver big on taste without a big bill. Made with wallet-friendly ingredients, they’re your new best friend for affordable indulgence.
• Healthier Ingredients: Say hello to cups full of goodness! Each one is packed with simple, vegan-friendly ingredients, so you can indulge without the ick of weird additives or preservatives. It’s just pure, simple joy in every bite.
• Easy to Make: No magic wand needed here! A few basic kitchen tools and some simple steps are all it takes to whip up these delightful peanut butter cups. Get ready to dazzle your taste buds without any fuss.
• Customizable: Fancy a pinch of sea salt or a dash of crunchy peanuts? This recipe is your canvas, ready to be painted with your favorite flavors. Tailor each batch to your heart’s desire and let your culinary creativity shine!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re lighting up a vegan potluck or sweetening up a family dinner, these peanut butter cups are made to be loved by everyone. Vegan or not, they’re bound to be the star of the show!
• Great for Meal Prep: Whip up a batch on Sunday, and you’re all set for a week of treat-yourself moments. These peanut butter cups are the perfect pick-me-up for any day, ready whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Key Ingredients

Let’s dive into the pantry and see what’s stirring! Each ingredient in our vegan peanut butter cups is more than just a bystander—they’re the unsung heroes making every bite better than the last.

• Vegan Chocolate Chips: This isn’t just any chocolate—it’s the chocolate that dreams are made of. Rich, velvety, and absolutely vegan, these chips set the stage for a truly indulgent experience.
• Coconut Oil: A little bit of this tropical treasure goes a long way. It smooths out our chocolate to perfection and gives the peanut butter filling that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all crave.
• Peanut Butter: Opt for the creamy, no-stir kind for a fuss-free experience—it’s the heart of the filling, offering a creamy contrast to the crisp chocolate shell. If you’re looking to explore beyond peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter make excellent alternatives. For a nut-free option, consider using tahini or pumpkin seed butter, which provide a unique flavor and creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla acts like your recipe’s best supporting actor, enhancing flavors and bringing a subtle warmth to the peanut buttery middle.
• Powdered Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness, powdered sugar helps the peanut butter filling firm up and achieve that classic confectionary texture.
• Sea Salt, Sprinkles, Chopped Peanuts: Here’s where you can jazz things up! Whether it’s a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dash of festive colors, or a crunchy peanut topping, each adds a final touch of flair to your creations. Keep reading for even more topping ideas below!

Now that we’ve got all our stars lined up, let’s get to the fun part—putting them all together.

How To Make

Ready to become a snack-making superstar? These vegan peanut butter cups are your ticket to the big leagues, and guess what? It’s easier than you think! Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these simple ingredients into snack magic.

Step 1: Start by lining a muffin tray with those cute little silicone cupcake liners. They’re not just for show; they make sure your peanut butter cups pop out effortlessly once they’re done.

Step 2: Add coconut oil to vegan chocolate chips.

Step 3: Melt them together until smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Spoon half of this chocolate mixture into the liners, filling them just a bit. This is the base of your cups, so make it a good one! Pop the tray into the freezer for a few minutes to let the chocolate set.

Step 5: While the base chills, mix up your peanut butter, a touch of coconut oil, a splash of vanilla, and powdered sugar. This isn’t just filling—it’s the soul of your peanut butter cups.

Step 6: Take your tray out of the freezer and spoon the peanut butter mixture over the set chocolate. Flatten it a bit to make room for more chocolate—it’s all about the layers!

Step 7: Reheat your remaining chocolate if it’s gotten too shy and thick, then pour it over the peanut butter layer. This is the top hat on your elegant little treat.

Step 8: Now’s the time to sprinkle a little personality on top—sea salt for the sophisticated, sprinkles for the fun-loving, or chopped peanuts for the crunch enthusiasts.

Step 9: Pop the tray back into the fridge until everything’s nicely set. Patience, my friend, is a virtue here. Once they’re ready, pop them out of the liners and enjoy your creation. You’ve just crafted pure joy!

Topping Ideas

Why stop at fantastic when you can go fabulous? Jazz up your vegan peanut butter cups by sprinkling these fun and flavorful toppings either inside the layers or as a finishing touch on top. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

• Crushed Peanuts: For that classic crunch, great either sprinkled inside or on top.
• Sea Salt: A light sprinkle on top enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances the sweetness.
• Coconut Flakes: Toast them lightly and add them as a decorative topping.
• Almond Slivers: Elegant and crunchy, perfect for mixing into the middle or garnishing the surface.
• Chopped Dates: Mix into the filling for extra sweetness and a chewy texture, or sprinkle on top for visual appeal.
• Freeze-Dried Raspberries: Crush and scatter inside for a burst of tartness or dust on top for a vibrant pop of color.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A sweet and spicy addition, perfect for mixing into the peanut butter or dusting on top.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Mix in for a crunchy texture or use as a colorful topping.
• Sprinkles: For some fun colors, add your favorite vegan sprinkles.

With these ideas, each batch of your vegan peanut butter cups can be a new flavor adventure. Mix, match, and discover your favorite combinations!

FAQs

More Vegan Chocolate Treats

• Vegan Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispies
• Vegan Chocolate Truffles
• Vegan Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Balls
• Chocolate-Dipped Banana Popsicles

Looking for more sweet snack ideas? Dive into other chocolate-kissed recipes like our protein-packed mug cake, sweet and satisfying chocolate cookie dough balls, or cozy pumpkin-baked oatmeal bites.

More of a liquid luxury lover? Sip on our creamy banana milkshake or rich dairy-free hot chocolate.

And if it’s baked goods you’re after, our vegan double-chocolate donuts, fluffy vegan chocolate cupcakes, and moist chocolate zucchini bread are sure to satisfy all of your cake-y cravings.

Send This Recipe to My Inbox

Drop your email below to receive this recipe in your inbox. Plus, we’ll send you our favorite seasonal plant-based recipes weekly!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

Email *

Submit

Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Cups

Author: Michelle Cehn

5 from 10 votes

Whip up a batch of these homemade vegan peanut butter cups and watch them disappear faster than you can say "more, please!" Perfectly combining guilt-free indulgence with vegan goodness, these treats are a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes minutes

Total Time 8 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
• ▢ 2 teaspoons coconut oil, optional
• ▢ ½ cup peanut butter , the creamy no-stir kind
• ▢ 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Optional Toppings:

• ▢ chunky sea salt
• ▢ sprinkles
• ▢ chopped peanuts

Instructions

• Line a muffin tray with silicone cupcake liners.
• In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Distribute half of the melted chocolate among the muffin cups, filling each about a third of the way. Place the tray in the freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate stiffens.
• In another bowl, melt the peanut butter with coconut oil. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until well combined.
• Remove the tray from the freezer. Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the chilled chocolate in each cup, and flatten the surface with the back of a spoon.
• Top each cup with the remaining melted chocolate, covering the peanut butter layer completely.
• Optionally, sprinkle a little sea salt over the chocolate topping of each cup.
• Refrigerate the tray until the chocolate is firm, about 1-2 hours.
• Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy!

Notes

Peanut Butter Consistency: Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture in your filling. If you’re using natural peanut butter, ensure it’s well mixed to avoid oil separation in your cups.

Layering Technique: To create even layers of chocolate and peanut butter, gently tap the muffin tray on the counter after adding each layer. This helps remove any air bubbles and ensures the layers settle flat and even.

Storage: Store your vegan peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months, then let them thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your peanut butter filling. Adding a small amount of cinnamon, nuts, or dried fruit can add a unique twist that stands out!

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

Course — Dessert, Snack

Cuisine — American

Love this Recipe? Leave a Rating!And follow @Vegan on Instagram for more.