4-ingredient Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

A pile of 4-ingredient peanut butter cups garnished with coarse salt.

5 from 2 votes

4-ingredient Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

These 4-ingredient peanut butter cups are so easy, delicious and the perfect dessert to make ahead of Christmas, Easter, Halloween or any family gathering. Or whenever you need quick desserts or snacks to grab and go on a busy week, these better-than-Reese's peanut butter cups are simply the BEST! Plus, they are fully vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Prep Time20

Cook Time0

Minimal chilling time1

Total Time1 20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 4-ingredient recipe, healthy vegan dessert, peanut butter cups, vegan dessert

Servings: cups

Calories: 289kcal

Author: Jessica Laroche

Equipment

Muffin pan
Muffin liners
Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

¾ cup unsweetened natural peanut butter
⅓ cup brown sugar or cane sugar
2 cups dark chocolate chips I used the chocolate chunks from Enjoy Life
1 tablespoon refined coconut oil divided

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add the chocolate chunks and coconut oil, then melt using the microwave (start with 1.5 minute, then add 20 seconds at a time). Let the bowl sit on the counter for about one minute, then whisk until smooth and uniform. Warm up for another 10-20 seconds if needed. You can also melt on the stove in a double boiler.
Line a muffin pan with 12 muffin paper liners. Transfer 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate to each paper, then use the spoon to spread the chocolate all over the bottom surface. Transfer to the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the peanut butter and sugar in another medium bowl, whisk until combined and set aside.
When the chocolate bottoms are set, then divide the peanut butter mixture between the 12 cups (about a heaping tablespoon each). You can leave the peanut butter layer in a ball or gently press it so it covers the whole surface. Then, warm up the rest of the chocolate sauce if needed and divide the rest in between the cups by pouring it over the peanut butter (about 1 generous tablespoon each). Sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired, and transfer in the fridge for an hour or until set before enjoying.

Video

Notes

Make sure to use paper liners for easy unmolding. Silicone molds would work too!
You can shape the peanut butter cups the way you want since it is a no-cook recipe. You could make mini cups if you have a mini muffin pan too.
Make sure NOT to warm up the chocolate mix for too long or it could cook it and make the chocolate harder. The idea is to mostly melt it in the microwave (1.5-2 minutes) and let it rest for one extra minute on the counter for the chocolate to finish melting.
Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.

Nutrition