Savour the Sweetness: Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Are you craving a sweet and salty treat that’s both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than our raw vegan peanut butter cups recipe!
This recipe features the irresistible combination of rich, creamy peanut butter and decadent vegan chocolate, all made with raw ingredients for maximum nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re a hardcore raw food enthusiast or simply looking for an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt, these peanut butter cups are sure to hit the spot.
Not only are these vegan peanut butter cups easy to make, but they are also entirely gluten-free and dairy-free – perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone who wants to enjoy a guiltless indulgence. Plus, our recipe includes plenty of substitutions and variations so you can customize it to your personal taste preferences.
So get ready to experience the mouthwatering combination of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate in a healthier way. Follow along with our detailed instructions and tips for perfect results, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of the classic Reese’s peanut butter cups but looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further, because this raw vegan peanut butter cups recipe has got your back. Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe.
First of all, it is an easy make that requires only 10 ingredients, and therefore, it is the perfect go-to dessert for when you’re in a rush or just want something quick and hassle-free. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so you can enjoy these chocolate peanut butter cups guilt-free without compromising on taste.
Secondly, this recipe is not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. The combination of the salty-sweet peanut butter filling with the rich and indulgent chocolate coating creates a mouthwatering treat that will satisfy all your dessert cravings. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Thirdly, not only are these raw vegan peanut butter cups nutritious and tasty, but they also allow for versatility and creativity within cooking. You can even substitute some of the ingredients with variations to create different flavors or textures according to your liking.
Lastly, this recipe allows you to indulge in sweet treats while also nourishing your body with natural, wholesome ingredients such as dark chocolate, pitted dates, natural peanut butter, and coconut oil.
All in all, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re having guests over, need a snack to perk up your day or just want something decadent yet healthy after dinner. So why not try making these delicious raw vegan peanut butter cups today? I guarantee that they will be an instant crowd-pleaser!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients for this Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups Recipe. You’ll need:
For the Chocolate Cups:
- 2 cups of vegan chocolate chips or chunks
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of pink salt
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup of natural peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
For the Optional Cookie Dough Topping:
- Recipe for vegan cookie dough topping can be found separately or store-brought vegan cookie dough can be used.
You’ll also need a 12-cup muffin tin to make these delicious treats.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve read why this Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups Recipe is a must-try, let’s dive into how to make it.
Step 1: Making the Chocolate Layer
To begin, melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp of pink salt, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix everything well until smooth.
Step 2: Sweetening the Peanut Butter Layer
In a food processor, combine 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 12 pitted dates, and 1 tbsp of maple syrup. Blend until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
Step 3: Assembling the Cups
Pour a little bit of the chocolate mixture into each mold of a muffin tin (made for at least 12 cups) lined with paper cups, and freeze for about 5 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
Scoop a small amount of peanut butter mixture (around 2 tbsp) on top of each chocolate base. Then, pour another thin layer of chocolate over the peanut butter mixture, filling up around two-thirds of the cup.
Freeze again until hardened.
Step 4: Adding Toppings (optional)
For an extra flair, you can add toppings like chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top of the hardened chocolate as desired!
Step 5: Enjoying Your Delicious Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Store in an airtight container or freeze for later! You can also serve immediately with vegan cheesecake recipe or some fresh fruits.
With these easy make and healthy peanut butter cups, you won’t believe how simple it is to create such salty-sweet goodness right at home!
Substitutions and Variations
As much as we love the classic version of these raw vegan peanut butter cups, it’s always fun to switch things up and try new variations. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to make this recipe even more versatile and exciting:
1. Nut butter alternatives: While peanut butter is the traditional filling for these cups, feel free to experiment with other nut butters like almond, cashew or hazelnut butter. They will all work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. Natural sweetener swaps: Instead of using maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar if you’re not strictly vegan. If you prefer a lower glycemic index option, use wildflower honey or stevia instead.
3. Cocoa powder types: You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother and less acidic flavor or raw cacao powder for natural sweetness and more health benefits.
4. Chocolate coating variations: If you’d like some texture contrast in your cups, try drizzling melted dark chocolate over the filling instead of dipping them entirely in chocolate. Another option is to sprinkle some chopped peanuts or coconut flakes on top of the chocolate coating for extra crunch.
5. Cheesecake-inspired twist: For a decadent dessert that tastes like cheesecake bites, add some vegan cream cheese and a touch of vanilla extract to the filling mixture before dividing it into the muffin tin. Top with a few blueberries or raspberries before adding the melted chocolate coating.
6. Reese’s Pieces inspired treats: If you’re missing those nostalgic PB cups from childhood, why not make your own vegan version with Reese’s Pieces? Simply chop them coarsely and mix them with the peanut butter filling before scooping them into the muffin tin. Top with melted chocolate as usual.
7. Gluten-free adaptations: All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it should be safe for most people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if making homemade peanut butter and check labels on commercially-made ingredients like maple syrup or chocolate chips.
With these creative substitutions and variations in mind, you can customize this easy-to-make and healthy dessert to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs any time of the year!
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing the raw vegan peanut butter cups can be a delightful experience for your taste buds. These sweet treats have a deep and rich flavor that is like no other, making them a perfect dessert to share with friends and family.
When serving the peanut butter cups, you can present them in a cute and playful way by stacking them on a plate and decorating them with fresh fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts or coconut shreds on top to add some extra crunch.
To pair the vegan peanut butter cups, you could serve them alongside a glass of almond milk or coconut milk to create a balanced combination that complements each other’s flavors. If you prefer something more substantial, try serving them with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or vegan cheesecake, made with almond butter and coconut oil. This would create an amazing contrast between the salty-sweet peanut butter flavor of the cups versus the richness and creaminess of the cold dessert.
The options for pairing are endless, but one thing is certain: these raw vegan peanut butter cups will always be the star of the show. Best enjoyed in moderation as they are super rich and indulgent!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have your vegan peanut butter cups ready, it’s essential to know how to keep and serve them for future enjoyment. These raw vegan peanut butter cups are perfect for making ahead, especially if you need to prepare for an upcoming party or gathering.
To make ahead, store the peanut butter cups in a covered container in the refrigerator. The cups will stay fresh for up to one week with this method. If you want to store them for a more extended period, freezing is recommended. Simply place the covered container in the freezer and take them out when you are ready to serve.
When reheating or defrosting, be gentle with the cups as they can be quite fragile. Remove from the freezer or fridge and let sit at room temperature until it reaches your desired texture, usually about 10-15 minutes. It’s important not to rush this process as microwaving or heating over high heat can dry out the cups and ruin their creamy texture.
If you are feeling creative, feel free to experiment with different recipe variations to put a spin on the traditional vegan peanut butter cup. You can try incorporating additional ingredients like almond butter or maple syrup to get an even richer flavor. Whatever your preference may be, these peanut butter cups make an excellent afternoon pick-me-up snack or dessert any time of day!
Tips for Perfect Results
Are you ready to take your raw vegan peanut butter cups recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips I recommend to get perfect results every time.
First of all, make sure you are using natural and unsweetened peanut butter. This will not only ensure that your peanut butter cups have a delicious flavor, but also make them healthier. The peanut butter should be smooth and not too oily or dry.
Secondly, when making the chocolate mixture, make sure to melt the coconut oil on low heat so that it doesn’t burn. If you’re in a rush, microwaving it for 30-second increments can work just as well. Also remember to add in the cocoa powder slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Thirdly, for a sweeter taste, try using maple syrup instead of pitted dates. If you do decide to use dates, soak them in warm water before blending them for easier processing.
To get the perfect consistency for the filling, add a small amount of coconut oil to the peanut butter mixture since natural peanut butter tends to be quite thick. Adding just a tablespoon or two will yield a smoother texture.
Lastly, if you want an extra special twist on your raw vegan peanut butter cups recipe, try using homemade peanut butter or cookie dough as your filling instead of plain peanut butter. It’s a simple way to elevate your dessert game and make it feel like you’re indulging in cheesecake or Reese’s pieces!
These tips are guaranteed to make your vegan peanut butter cups recipe taste amazing!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, my delicious recipe for Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups! Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also healthy and vegan-friendly. The combination of the sweet, salty flavors will leave you wanting more.
But let me tell you, these cups not only taste amazing, but they’re also guilt-free. They are loaded with nutritious ingredients such as coconut oil, natural peanut butter, and cocoa powder. With the power-packed ingredients, you’ll feel good knowing you’re not just eating a scrumptious treat but also nourishing your body with wholesome foods.
You can stop feeling guilty about indulging in unhealthy desserts because these vegan peanut butter cups give a whole new meaning to healthy eating. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to allow for substitutions and variations to create unique versions every time.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with its delicious flavor, healthy nutrients, and its cruelty-free origins. These vegan peanut butter cups are sure to be a hit!
Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Ingredients
Chocolate
- 4 pitted dates
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted in the dehydrator (or oven at low temp)
- 3/4 cup cacao or 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup Agave
Filling
- 3 tablespoons raw peanut butter
- 1 -2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons Agave
Instructions
- Combine dates and coconut oil in a small bowl and let soak for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to blender and add cacao powder, 1/2 cup agave and process until very smooth. (This is a bit tricky and will require some patience. I have not yet discovered the trick to completely processing the dates. Sometimes it helps to chop the them in the small pieces. If you have a high powder blender this should not be an issue.).
- In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, vanilla and 2 tbsp agave and mix well.
- Place 12 foil mini muffin cups on a large plate. Fill each cup about halfway full with the chocolate mixture. Gently spread about 1 teaspoon peanut butter in each cup. If you have more peanut butter left over after you have filled each cup, you can add more or just eat it plain! ;).
- Top the cups with the remaining chocolate, covering the peanut butter completely.
- Chill the cups in the fridge for about 2 hours before serving. They will keep for about 5 days in the fridge.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.