Foods Ditch the super sugary store-bought candy and make your own! Here’s how easy it is to make sugar-free homemade peanut butter cups.
I will totally admit I have a major sweet tooth. Sigh. Even now that I know just how bad junk food is for you, I still stare longingly at the brightly colored packages of candy in the check out aisle.
However, sugar and I just don’t agree. My body is much happier when I am avoiding sugar.
Still, I feel a need to have a treat now and again. (More like every night after dinner.) Old habits can be difficult to break.
It’s been about two years since I ventured into using sugar-free, natural alternatives. It has been great to get in that sweet fix while still keeping away from the sugar.
Sugar-Free Homemade Peanut Butter Cups (actually good for you!)
Peanut butter cups were always my favorite. Even my kids know mama can’t resist them.
I started playing with recipes a while back and I am happy to say I think I have perfected this one to be completely yummy. (In fact, my kids love them too!)
You will want to keep these cups in the freezer, though, because coconut oil will melt. I love keeping a batch in a bag so I have a quick treat to pull out.
Sticking to dietary restrictions means I need to think ahead and have snacks planned out so I don’t fail. Having treats like these on hand helps me keep eating the way I want to while not denying myself yummy food! For me, this is the best way to keep committed to my “diet” plan so I eat and feel as well as I can.
These sugar-free homemade peanut butter cups are quick to put together so they are perfect to stock up in the freezer!
A few notes:
- Asilicone muffin cup liner works beautifully for these, as you can easily pop the candy out of the liner and it shapes them just like the familiar store-bought type.
- Look for peanut butter with no added sugar or oil. Just peanuts and maybe salt. If you have to avoid peanuts, you can still make these with your favorite nut butter!
- Use your favorite sweetener, and adjust amount to taste.
- You’ll notice the cocoa is mixed in to the peanut butter mixture. If you’d prefer to make these the traditional way (coated in chocolate), omit the cocoa powder from the peanut mixture. Form the candies in the molds as directed. While they chill, mix 2/3 cup each cocoa powder and coconut oil in a saucepan, and powdered or liquid sweetener to taste; melt over low heat and stir until combined. After the candies are solid, pop them out of the molds and dip each in the chocolate mixture. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and return to freezer to set. You can double-dip them to make the chocolate layer thicker.
Sugar-Free Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup salted butter half a stick
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sweetener*
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, over low heat, mix coconut oil, butter and peanut butter together until melted.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until well incorporated.
- Pour into lined muffin pan and let cool in freezer.
- Pop out of muffin pan and store in a bag in the freezer.
- This recipes make 12 peanut butter cups.
- *I use powdered monk fruit, but powdered xylitol or Truvia work well. Adjust sweetener to your taste; start with a little and taste the mixture, and add more if needed until it's as sweet as you want it.
Nutrition
I have been really happy using powdered monk fruit as an alternative as I can’t tolerate stevia. However, this recipe does work well with the stevia blends.
Tell me, what are some of your sugar free treats?
Give these sugar-free homemade peanut butter cups a try and let me know what you think about them in the comments below!
Oh YUM! Great recipe!
These look so good! Definitely a favorite combination!
Oh boy..do those ever look scrumptious !!
Yum, yum, yum! These sound delicious!
My boyfriend would have a field day with this! Thanks so much!
Yum! these look really good! I’m a huge fan of peanut butter cups so it’s nice to see some natural version our there!
My hubby LOVES peanut butter cups but I no longer allow stuff like that in the house. I’m gonna try and make these for him. Thanks for sharing!
Yummmmmay! I have GOT to start making things like this! I am just like you with enjoying a sweet treat after dinner. Thanks for the recipe!!
Oh my goodness, I am a sucker for all things Peanut Butter. I will definitely have to try making this!
oh my what a treat and sugar free too oh my now that is amazing
This recipe sounds really good. I don’t know if I could quit sugar although my body would certainly love it.
Yep, saving this one for my diabetic hubby!!
What a nice little treat to have on hand!
Oh. My. Goodness. These would be dangerous to have in my house. I love that they are low sugar too. Yum!
This is perfect timing considering one of my summer goals is to go sugar free for a week.
I bet these would be fab made with coconut sugar!
Yes, I’m sure they would be!
I made it in mini muffin pan with powdered sugar, and it is melt in your mouth DELICIOUSNESS!!! My whole family loves it. Thank you for recipe.