Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Cashew Butter

Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups with Cashew Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup cashew butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Simple Recipes

I absolutely love making my own homemade peanut butter cups, especially when I use cashew butter for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. This indulgent treat is not only easy to whip up, but it also allows me to control the ingredients, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as I want it to be. With just a few simple steps, I can create these creamy, chocolate-coated delights that satisfy my sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this fun and rewarding recipe together!

Created by

Kitty Lawrence

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:33:35.317Z

My journey with homemade peanut butter cups started out of curiosity. I wanted to recreate that same experience I had growing up but with healthier alternatives. The moment I switched traditional peanut butter for creamy cashew butter, it revolutionized the flavor profile. It's a rich, nutty alternative that complements the chocolate beautifully.

What I’ve found is that using high-quality chocolate makes a significant difference in taste. I prefer dark chocolate for its depth and richness; plus, it balances the sweetness of the cashew butter. Trust me, once you try this combination, you won't want to go back!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy cashew butter adds a unique twist to the traditional recipe
Rich dark chocolate coating offers a deliciously decadent experience
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the cashew butter, which provides a smooth and creamy texture that differs from traditional peanut butter. Cashew butter has a milder flavor, allowing the sweetness of honey or maple syrup to shine through. When choosing your cashew butter, ensure it's well-stirred and free of added sugars or oils for the best result. This way, you maintain the integrity of the flavors while achieving a perfectly creamy blend.

Dark chocolate is another crucial element. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips, ideally with at least 60% cocoa content, to balance the sweet cashew filling. The chocolate should melt smoothly, and if it begins to thicken or seize while melting, consider adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to restore its silky texture. This addition not only enhances the chocolate’s shine but also helps it set better once cooled.

Techniques for Perfect Peanut Butter Cups

When melting the chocolate, use a microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, and stir in between to prevent overheating. It's important to achieve a glossy, smooth consistency without any lumps. Alternatively, you can melt chocolate using a double boiler to have more control over the heat. Just ensure that no water gets into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.

Assembling your peanut butter cups requires precision. When pouring the first layer of chocolate, be sure to cover the base and sides of the liners to create a sturdy shell. This step is crucial for preventing the filling from leaking out. After pouring the cashew mixture, leaving a small border before topping with more chocolate ensures a balanced bite with every piece.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Peanut Butter Cups

1 cup cashew butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own peanut butter cups:

Prepare the Cashew Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine cashew butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.

Assemble the Cups

Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners. Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Use a spoon to coat the sides slightly, then freeze for 10 minutes.

Fill with Cashew Mixture

Remove the tray from the freezer and spoon a layer of the cashew mixture on top of the chocolate layer, filling them about 3/4 full. Pour more melted chocolate on top to cover.

Final Freeze

Return the muffin tray to the freezer and let it set for about 15 minutes. Once set, remove the cups from the liners and enjoy!

These peanut butter cups can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider including crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the final freeze.

Storing and Serving

Once your homemade peanut butter cups are fully set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure they're separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove from the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving for the best texture.

For serving, consider pairing these treats with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas, which complement the rich flavors beautifully. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the flavor profile. For a fun presentation, try coating half in coconut flakes or finely chopped nuts before the final freeze.

Variations and Dietary Swaps

Feel free to experiment with different nut butters if cashew butter isn’t your preference. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work well; just keep in mind they will alter the taste slightly. For a lower sugar option, swap the honey or maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, ensuring to adjust the quantity based on sweetness preference.

Moreover, if you want to enhance the flavors, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cashew mixture. These spices can elevate the overall experience. For those interested in richer flavors, consider mixing in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the cashew filling, which will create a chocolate cashew centerpiece that adds depth to each cup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nut butters?

Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter would work nicely as substitutes.

→ How do I store these peanut butter cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for longer shelf life.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes, just replace honey with maple syrup and choose dairy-free chocolate.

→ What can I do if the chocolate is too thick?

Add a small amount of coconut oil to the melted chocolate to thin it out.