Vegan Valentine Peanut Butter Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan Valentine Peanut Butter Cups are a romantic and healthier twist on the classic treat, made entirely dairy-free and perfect for sharing. With a creamy peanut butter center wrapped in rich vegan chocolate, they’re the ideal combination of sweet, salty, and indulgent. These heart-shaped confections are a thoughtful homemade gift or dessert for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where love and chocolate are in the air.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

vegan chocolate chips or chopped dairy-free chocolatecoconut oilnatural peanut butermaple syrupvanilla extractsea saltheart-shaped silicone mold or mini muffin liners (for the Valentine theme)

directions

Melt the vegan chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each mold cavity and gently tilt to coat the sides. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.

In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.

Once the chocolate base is firm, add a spoonful of the peanut butter mixture to each cavity and gently flatten.

Cover with another layer of melted chocolate, ensuring the peanut butter is fully sealed.

Tap the mold gently on the counter to smooth the tops and eliminate air bubbles.

Return to the freezer and chill for at least 30 minutes or until fully set.

Once firm, remove from the mold and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 peanut butter cups.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a fruity touch.

Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.

Mix in a bit of cocoa powder or coconut flour to thicken the peanut butter filling.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling for an extra flavor punch.

storage/reheating

Store Vegan Valentine Peanut Butter Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought vegan chocolate?

Yes, just make sure it’s labeled dairy-free or vegan.

What if I don’t have a silicone mold?

You can use mini muffin liners in a muffin tin as an easy alternative.

Is there a substitute for coconut oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil or omit it if your chocolate melts smoothly without it.

Can I make these nut-free?

Try using sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.

Are these very sweet?

They have a mild, natural sweetness from maple syrup and chocolate, but you can adjust to taste.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but smooth peanut butter is recommended for easier molding.

Do they hold up well at room temperature?

They soften slightly but stay intact—keep them cool for best results.

Can I add flavors to the chocolate?

Yes, a drop of peppermint or orange extract can add a fun twist.

Do I need to temper the chocolate?

No, it’s not necessary for this simple recipe.

Can I double the batch?

Absolutely, just be sure to have enough molds or liners ready.

Conclusion

Vegan Valentine Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious, thoughtful, and easy way to show love through homemade treats. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can create a sweet gift that’s as heartwarming as it is satisfying. Whip up a batch and share the love—vegan style.

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