Four Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan)

These peanut butter cups are SO popular (in my house at least) and taste unreal! It’s the combination of the dark chocolate with the creamy peanut butter that makes them so moorish. Literally all you need is 4 ingredients and 10 minutes out of your day – and you’re left with the most delicious vegan treat.

It’s time to indulge in the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and velvety smooth peanut butter with my vegan chocolate peanut butter cups. These cups are made with cacao powder for that intense chocolatey goodness, refined coconut oil for a flawless texture, and just the right amount of maple syrup to sweeten the deal. The result? A heavenly experience that balances the boldness of cocoa with the comforting familiarity of peanut butter. I assure you, there’s pure bliss in every bite.

peanut butter cups

Peanut Butter Cups Ingredients

I really wanted to go through each ingredient and explain why each adds so much to these vegan peanut butter cups. So here it is, broken down for you (because I’m nice like that!).

  1. Cacao / Cocoa Powder (8 tbsp):
  2. Flavor: Cacao or cocoa powder provides the rich, deep chocolate flavor that is characteristic of chocolate peanut butter cups.
    • Texture: It helps create a smooth and velvety texture in the chocolate mixture.
    • Appearance: Adds a dark, appetizing color to the chocolate layer.
  3. Coconut Oil (8 tbsp, refined to avoid coconut flavor):
    • Texture: Coconut oil makes the chocolate mixture smooth and glossy when melted. It’s what gives the chocolate layer a nice snap when you bite into it.
    • Ease of Handling: Coconut oil helps the chocolate layer melt smoothly and makes it easy to pour into molds or shape around the peanut butter filling.
    • Solidifying Agent: When chilled, coconut oil hardens, which is essential for forming the outer chocolate shell.
  4. Maple Syrup (4 tbsp):
    • Sweetness: Maple syrup adds a natural, pleasant sweetness to the chocolate layer, balancing the bitterness of cocoa and enhancing the overall flavor.
    • Stickiness: It helps bind the chocolate layer together, creating a cohesive cup that holds its shape.
  5. Natural Peanut Butter (smooth):
    • Flavor: Peanut butter provides a delicious, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
    • Texture: It adds a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts nicely with the firm chocolate shell.
    • Protein and Healthy Fats: Peanut butter adds a touch of nutrition to the treat, making it more satisfying.

The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures in your chocolate peanut butter cups, making them a delicious treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

Four Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan)

Four Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan)

Georgina Burgess
These are SO popular and taste unreal! It’s the combination of the dark chocolate with the creamy peanut butter that makes them so moorish. Literally 4 ingredients and 10 minutes out of your day – and you’re left with the most delicious vegan treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack

Ingredients
  

  • 8 tbsp Cacao / Cocoa Powder
  • 8 tbsp Coconut Oil (use refined to avoid coconut flavour)
  • 4 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • Natural Peanut Butter (smooth)

Instructions
 

  • Melt the coconut oil over a low heat, then whisk in the cacao powder and maple syrup
  • Line a cupcake tray with cases
  • Pour a small amount of the chocolate into the bottom of each case (I do this with a spoon) – about half a cm, and place the tray in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to set
  • Take out the tray and add a dollop of peanut butter into each case on top of the bottom layer of chocolate (you choose how much you'd like!)
  • Pour a smaller amount of chocolate on top of the peanut butter (a thinner layer than the bottom layer) and then place back in the freezer to set for about 15 minutes
  • Take out and enjoy! Keep refrigerated (they will melt quite quickly at room temperature)
Keyword vegan dessert, vegan snacks

How Healthy Is Peanut Butter For You?

Peanut butter can be a nutritious addition to your diet, offering lots of essential nutrients like heart-healthy fats, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Its plant-based protein makes it valuable for muscle maintenance (especially for us vegans), while the predominance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats supports our cardiovascular health.

The presence of plant sterols in peanuts may aid in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, contributing to lower heart disease risk. However, it’s crucial to watch portion sizes, as peanut butter is very calorie-dense, and opting for natural varieties with minimal added ingredients is wise.

For those without peanut allergies, this creamy spread can be a super tasty and incredibly nutritious part of a balanced eating plan, offering both lots of amazing flavor and health benefits.

Peanut Butter Balls

If, like me (and pretty much everyone in the world, right?) you LOVE peanut butter, you’ve got to try my peanut butter balls!

Chewy Peanut Butter Balls (Vegan and Gluten Free)
These 4 ingredient Chewy Peanut Butter Balls are the BEST energy booster! Chewy, sweet + filling = everything you need in a snack. If you like peanut butter, then these are definitely for you! They're the perfect plant based snack, totally vegan, gluten free and soy free.
Check out this recipe
Peanut Butter Balls

Is Peanut Butter Good or Bad For Cholesterol?

Peanut butter can have both positive and negative effects on cholesterol, depending on the type and how it’s consumed. Let’s break it down:

  1. Healthy Fats: Peanut butter contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. These fats can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation. They are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
  2. Plant Sterols: Peanuts and peanut butter also contain plant sterols, which can help reduce cholesterol absorption in the digestive tract, leading to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
  3. Protein and Fiber: Peanut butter is a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. A higher intake of dietary fiber can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, particularly by reducing LDL cholesterol.

However, it’s essential to consider the following:

  1. Calories: Peanut butter is calorie-dense due to its fat content. If consumed excessively without considering portion sizes, it can contribute to weight gain, which may negatively impact cholesterol levels.
  2. Added Ingredients: Some commercial peanut butter products may contain added sugars, hydrogenated oils, or high levels of salt. These can have detrimental effects on health, including cholesterol levels.
  3. Individual Variation: People respond differently to dietary factors. Some individuals may see a more significant improvement in cholesterol levels with the inclusion of peanut butter, while others may not experience significant changes.

In summary, if you choose natural peanut butter with minimal added ingredients, consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and consider its caloric content, it can be a part of a heart-healthy eating plan. However, if you have specific cholesterol concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

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