I ain’t gonna lie. They’re my weakness – right up there with chewy chocolate chunk cookies or cheesecake. And just because you’re doing the 21 Day Fix or just eating cleaner, healthier… doesn’t mean your treat time has to be a huge cheat, too! Make these peanut butter cups at home, and let their natural sweet richness feed your chocolate cravings guilt-free.
Donald really did all the mixing and pouring with this one, and left me to directing and picture taking LOL. We made these peanut butter cups with all-natural no sugar added peanut butter, but they could also be made with almond butter. Make sure to read your labels. Not all “all-natural” nut butters mean “no sugar”. So, check your ingredients list ;-).
We made our own chocolate using coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also use honey or even stevia if you prefer. Either way, once frozen, this chocolate would be the bomb chopped up and sprinkled over frozen banana berry “ice cream” or greek yogurt, or even eaten alone!
While we used a regular sized muffin tin to make 12 large cups (not filling the cup completely), you could absolutely make thicker, more bite-sized portions using a mini muffin tin. The first time Donald made a single dollop in the middle with chocolate surrounding it entirely (picture above). The second time he made 3 even layers, spreading the peanut butter evenly. Either way is scrumptious — just keep in mind they do start to melt in your hands pretty quickly, so the second option can get a little messier LOL.
Peanut Butter Cups Recipe:
To make the chocolate:
1 cup extra virgin coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup 100% pure maple syrup
Filling:
1/2 cup nut butter (all natural, no sugar added)
Directions:
In a medium-large bowl, combine the first 3 ingredients and whisk until smooth to make the chocolate. Fill each muffin cup 1/3 of the way with chocolate. Freeze for 15 minutes. Remove from freezer and spoon half a tsp of peanut butter into center (optional: spread evenly or leave as dollop in center). Freeze for another 15 minutes. Remove from freezer and add final 1/3 layer of chocolate on top of each cup. Return to freezer, and freeze for 2 hours. You can eat them directly out of the freezer – even if just a bite at a time (like Donald likes to do)!
Remember, you’ll store them in the freezer until ready to eat! They melt pretty quickly, so enjoy promptly or serve as a topping on your frozen treat!
These clean eating alternatives to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have been my saving grace since all the Fall/Holiday candies started arriving home from our children’s class parties and celebrations. I love that we can healthfully feed our sweet tooth cravings without completely neglecting our eating plan for staying and getting fit!
I think Donald was pleasantly surprised they tasted so good, too!!
What are some of your clean(er) treats to get through the Holiday months?
Angel Ballance 