Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto peanut butter cups, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chocolate Layers:
This recipe has two chocolate layers. One goes on the bottom of the mold, and one goes on top. Both use the same ingredients:
Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips – I use this brand for just about any recipe that calls for chocolate chips, but you could use any any sweetened sugar-free chocolate. I don’t recommend using unsweetened chocolate (designed for baking) for keto peanut butter cups, as it’s very bitter and (surprise!) not sweet at all. Coconut Oil – This helps the chocolate set better. You want the kind that’s solid at room temperature. And don’t worry, you can’t really taste it! Vanilla Extract – This is optional, but I think it adds great flavor.
Peanut Butter Layer:
This layer is our peanut butter center! You’ll need some of the same ingredients as the outer layers and some different ones:
Peanut Butter – The brand you use here matters, because many natural peanut butters are very runny. You want thick and creamy natural peanut butter, like this sugar-free brand I use. Avoid “regular” peanut butter that has added sugar — make sure to check the label! Other types of nut butter, like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, work okay, but they are typically more runny, so the texture of the inside isn’t my favorite with them. Coconut Oil – Here it helps with the texture. Powdered Besti – Sugar free peanut butter cups doesn’t mean they are unsweetened! This natural sweetener mimics the taste and texture of conventional powdered sugar without the carbs and calories. But the most important part is that it dissolves easily and doesn’t crystallize (unlike most sugar alternatives), so your filling tastes silky smooth. If you want to try something else, use my sweetener conversion chart, but keep in mind that most brands can leave a slightly grainy texture if they contain powdered erythritol, especially after storing for a while. Definitely avoid granulated, liquid, or super concentrated versions, because they will throw off either the moisture balance, texture, or both. Peanut Flour – I use this to thicken the peanut butter filling without diluting that peanut butter taste! Another plus is that peanut flour is very fine, so unlike other keto flours, it won’t make the inside gritty. If you need an alternative, super fine almond flour or finely ground sunflower seed flour do work, but the inside still comes out less smooth. Optional Ingredients – Vanilla and sea salt.
How To Make Keto Peanut Butter Cups
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Since these homemade keto peanut butter cups don’t contain any preservatives or processed ingredients that store-bought ones have, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge to stay firm. They last for weeks that way… if you manage to not eat them all by then. 😉 Freeze: These little treats freeze very well for up to 6 months. You can thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying, but I actually think they taste amazing slowly melting in your mouth straight out of the freezer!
Creative Ways To Use Them
These keto chocolate peanut butter cups don’t last long at my house! Beyond just snacking, here are some other fun ways I like to use them:
Ice Cream – Chop and sprinkle these treats over my keto ice cream for a decadent topping. Cheesecake – My all-time favorite way to use these sugar free peanut butter cups is for my keto chocolate peanut butter cheesecake recipe, but you could also use them as a topping for a classic keto cheesecake, too. Halloween – These are fun to dress up in Halloween-themed wrappers for trick-or-treat bags. They also go perfectly on a keto charcuterie board if you want to add something sweet! Easter – Use a fun Easter-themed mold like this to make egg and bunny shapes. So cute! Keto Oatmeal – Customize your keto overnight oats by tossing in some chopped peanut butter cups, or use them to garnish warm keto oatmeal.
More Chocolate & Peanut Butter Recipes
If you loved these keto peanut butter cups, here are more ways I like to combine chocolate and peanut butter:
My Tools For This Recipe
Muffin Pan – My muffin tin is warp-resistant, which is awesome because it means these sugar free peanut butter cups will come out perfectly shaped, without any lopsided surprises! Double Broiler – I prefer using a double boiler over a microwave for melting, because it gives me more control over the heat and helps chocolate melt evenly without burning. Parchment Liners – These give you that classic Reese’s peanut butter cups look, but you could also use special candy liners as well.
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