Decadent & Healthy Mini Reese’s Copycat Peanut Butter Cups: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & 21 Day Fix Approved!
Say goodbye to store-bought guilt! These incredibly cute, genuinely delicious, and surprisingly healthy mini Reese’s copycat peanut butter cups require no treat swap for many dietary plans. Made completely gluten-free and dairy-free, they’re the perfect solution for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whip up a double batch and keep them stashed in your freezer for whenever that irresistible peanut butter and chocolate craving strikes! This post contains affiliate links for products I love.
Let me make a confession: I am undeniably, irrevocably, head-over-heels in love with peanut butter. If you’ve spent any amount of time following my culinary adventures, this revelation probably comes as no surprise! My affection for peanut butter knows no bounds – whether it’s generously spread as a filling, drizzled as a luscious topping, or simply enjoyed straight from the jar with a spoon. And let’s be clear, there’s absolutely no judgment here! #peanutbutterlover
However, this passionate affair sometimes leads me astray, especially when it comes to portion control. It’s easy to get carried away when something tastes so incredibly good. That’s precisely where these ingeniously portion-controlled mini peanut butter cups step in to save the day!
Why These Healthy Mini Peanut Butter Cups Are a Game-Changer
Seriously, why didn’t I think of creating these sooner? For the past few weeks, this incredible recipe has been patiently waiting in the wings, briefly mentioned in my Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge post. I was so eager to share it with you, but life (and endless recipe testing!) got in the way of giving it its own dedicated space. But now, the wait is over, and these mini marvels are finally getting the spotlight they deserve right here!
While I adore my peanut butter fudge recipe, there’s a unique magic in these individual cups. The distinct layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, perfectly separated yet harmoniously combined in each bite, create an experience that truly makes me weak in the knees. It’s that pure, unadulterated peanut butter and chocolate bliss, elevated. (See? I told you it was a love affair!)
The Incredible “No Treat Swap” Benefit (21 Day Fix & WW Friendly!)
Now, get ready for arguably the BEST part about these Healthy Copycat Mini Peanut Butter Cups, especially for those of you following structured eating plans like the 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers: On the 21 Day Fix, each one is incredibly just 1 ½ teaspoons! This means no precious yellow treat swap is needed! YES! If you’re a FIXer, you know exactly how amazing and liberating that is. Technically, if you’re following a plan like Bracket A, you could enjoy two of these delightful mini cups without dipping into your weekly allotted treat swaps. This allows you to save those valuable swaps for other indulgences, perhaps a relaxing glass of wine, or a different kind of healthy dessert.
Compare this to the Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge I mentioned earlier – while absolutely delicious and worth every bite, that recipe *does* count as a treat swap. These mini cups offer a fantastic, guilt-free alternative for when you want that classic peanut butter cup experience without using up a swap. It’s truly a win-win!
Enjoying Your Healthy PB Cups All Year Long
While this recipe was initially inspired by the abundance of Reese’s peanut butter eggs that grace grocery store shelves every spring, my love for a good peanut butter cup knows no seasonal boundaries. These treats are perfect all year long! If you find yourself equally smitten, just like me, feel free to easily double or even triple this recipe. You can use the handy scale tool in my recipe card to adjust ingredient quantities automatically. Keeping a generous stash of these healthy mini peanut butter cups in your freezer means you’re always prepared to indulge wisely, saving your allotted teaspoons and satisfying your cravings whenever they strike.
Pro Tip: You don’t necessarily need specialized mini muffin tins for these. A regular baking sheet lined with mini cupcake liners will work perfectly fine. Just ensure they are stable enough to hold the liquid chocolate and peanut butter layers!
Are these mini peanut butter cups dairy-free and gluten-free?
Absolutely! One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its versatility and dietary friendliness. The rich chocolate layer is crafted using simple, wholesome ingredients: creamy coconut oil, your choice of natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, a splash of pure vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors, and unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolatey goodness. Similarly, the dreamy peanut butter layer is made with natural peanut butter, a touch of coconut flour or peanut butter powder for texture, and a hint more maple syrup or honey for sweetness. This thoughtful combination makes them perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or gluten, and they even fit seamlessly into a Paleo diet!
Will these taste like coconut because of the coconut oil?
Rest assured, the coconut flavor is easily avoidable. If you’re concerned about any lingering hint of coconut, simply opt for *refined coconut oil*. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor profile, meaning it won’t impart any coconut taste to your delicious peanut butter cups, allowing the chocolate and peanut butter to truly shine. Unrefined (virgin) coconut oil, on the other hand, retains a distinct coconut flavor, which some might enjoy but can be overwhelming for others.
What if I have a peanut allergy?
No problem at all! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you have a peanut allergy, you can easily substitute sun butter (sunflower seed butter) for peanut butter. They will still be absolutely delicious and maintain that classic nutty flavor. These cups are also fantastic with other nut butters, such as creamy cashew butter or rich almond butter, offering slightly different but equally delightful flavor profiles. Experiment to find your favorite!
What is a sweetener teaspoon in the context of the 21 Day Fix?
For those following the 21 Day Fix or Ultimate Portion Fix programs, Beachbody coach Autumn Calabrese provides clear guidelines for container usage, particularly for teaspoons, which are typically allocated for oils, nut butters, mayonnaise, and butter. However, a helpful nuance exists within the “tea and coffee bar” section of the program materials. Autumn states that you can have 1-2 teaspoons of natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in 1-2 cups of coffee per day without counting them towards your regular containers.
Historically, these specific sweetener uses weren’t explicitly counted in her published recipes. However, I’ve started noting them in my newer recipes, including this one, because I believe it’s crucial for followers to have complete clarity on their intake. While this creates a slight “gray area” for some, my interpretation (and many others’) is that if you’re not using your full daily allowance for sweeteners in coffee/tea, you have some flexibility. For example, since I only use a minimal amount of sweetener in my coffee each morning, I feel comfortable using some of those “leftover” sweetener teaspoons throughout my day in recipes like these. This approach allows for a little sweetness in your healthy treats without disrupting your overall container counts, as long as you’re mindful of your total daily intake.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Mini Peanut Butter Cups
- Chill Between Layers: Don’t rush the chilling process! Ensuring each chocolate layer is fully set before adding the peanut butter filling prevents them from mixing and creates those beautiful, distinct layers.
- Refined Coconut Oil is Key for Neutral Flavor: As mentioned, if you want to avoid any coconut taste, always use refined coconut oil.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your chocolate and peanut butter mixtures before setting! You can adjust the maple syrup or honey to your preference.
- Storage: These cups are best stored in the freezer or refrigerator. They will soften at room temperature, especially in warmer climates, due to the coconut oil.
- Experiment with Toppings: A sprinkle of sea salt is classic, but consider other healthy toppings like a tiny dash of finely chopped nuts, a drizzle of extra peanut butter, or a few cocoa nibs for added crunch.
Want more healthy chocolate recipes? Check these out!
If you’re anything like me, your love for chocolate isn’t limited to peanut butter cups. Here are some other fantastic healthy chocolate recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Instant Pot Chocolate Covered Strawberries | Instant Pot Double Boiler Hack
- 21 Day Fix Dairy Free Chocolate Fondue
- 21 Day Fix Chocolate Coconut “Mounds” Cups
- 21 Day Fix Easy Chocolate Macaroons (Allergy Friendly)
- 21 Day Fix Chocolate Pumpkin Cups
- 21 Day Fix Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Spoons
- Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge {Dairy-free, 21 Day Fix}
Healthy Copycat Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Nancylynn
12
mini cups
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
10 minutes
Ingredients
For the chocolate
- 1/4 cup coconut oil use refined if you don’t want coconut flavor
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or sub honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkle sea salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the peanut butter layer
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 -1 tablespoons coconut flour or peanut butter powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sub honey
Instructions
-
Mix the ingredients for the peanut butter layer together thoroughly in a small bowl until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
-
Line a mini cupcake pan or a baking sheet with mini cupcake liners. This recipe makes 12 mini cups.
-
Gently melt the coconut oil (you can use a microwave or stovetop in a small saucepan over low heat). Once melted, combine it with the maple syrup (or honey), cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
-
Carefully pour approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of each mini cupcake liner. Transfer the pan to the freezer for about 5 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is firm to the touch.
-
Once the chocolate has set, add about 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared peanut butter filling on top of the chocolate layer in each cup. Use the back of your measuring spoon or a small spatula to gently flatten it down evenly.
-
Generously top the peanut butter layer with another 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining chocolate mixture, ensuring the peanut butter is fully covered.
-
If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cup for a delightful sweet and salty contrast. Place the tray back into the freezer until all layers are completely set and firm. Once firm, store your delicious healthy mini peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator. Enjoy!
Notes
WW link for personal points: Mini Peanut Butter Cups. Remember to always recalculate based on your specific plan and ingredients.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
mini cup
Calories:
81
kcal
Carbohydrates:
7
g
Protein:
1
g
Fat:
6
g
Saturated Fat:
4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.4
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g
Sodium:
14
mg
Potassium:
47
mg
Fiber:
1
g
Sugar:
5
g
Calcium:
12
mg
Iron:
0.2
mg
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