These healthy peanut butter and jelly cups are a fun twist on the classic snack. They have a creamy layer of peanut butter and a sweet jelly filling, all wrapped in a chocolatey shell!
They’re perfect for a quick treat or a tasty dessert, and great for kids too. I enjoy making a batch and keeping them in the fridge for when I need a little sweetness in my day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: Use natural creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture and no added sugars. If you’re allergic, try almond or sunflower seed butter instead; they work great too!
Coconut Oil: This adds healthy fats and helps your cups set nicely. If you don’t have it, melted butter or a neutral oil will work as substitutes, but coconut oil has a unique flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey: These sweeteners enhance the flavor. For a lower-calorie option, consider using stevia or agave syrup. Just adjust the amount, as they can be sweeter!
Dark Chocolate: Pick chocolate that is 70% cocoa or higher for a deeper flavor and less sugar. If you want a dairy-free option, use dairy-free chocolate chips!
Fruit Jam or Jelly: Low-sugar or homemade fruit spreads add a fresh taste. You can also use nut-free fruit purees if you’re avoiding jams for allergy reasons.
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Melt Smoothly?
Melted chocolate is key for coating these cups smoothly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat chocolate chips in 20-second increments. Stir each time until evenly melted.
- Avoid overheating the chocolate; it can burn. If it’s not melting well, try adding a tiny bit of coconut oil to help it along.
- For a double boiler method, place a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir until melted.
- Once melted, use it immediately for the best coverage over your peanut butter and jelly cups.
These tips should help ensure your Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups come out perfectly, with a lovely chocolate top! Enjoy your delicious and healthy treat!
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter And Jelly Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1/4 cup fruit jam or jelly (preferably low sugar or homemade, e.g., mixed berry or raspberry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. Additionally, you’ll need to chill the cups in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until they are set, so plan on a total of around 2 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This makes it easy to remove your peanut butter and jelly cups once they are set!
2. Mix the Peanut Butter Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and sea salt. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. This is your delicious peanut butter base!
3. Create the Base Layer:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture into each cupcake liner. Spread it evenly along the bottom and slightly up the sides of the liners to form a nice base.
4. Add the Jelly Filling:
Now, add about 1 teaspoon of your fruit jam or jelly right in the center of each peanut butter base. Press it down gently so it stays in place. This step gives your cups that classic PB&J flavor!
5. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips. Heat them in 20-second intervals, stirring after each to help them melt evenly until smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
6. Cover with Chocolate:
Now, carefully pour or spoon the melted chocolate over each peanut butter and jelly filled cup. Make sure to cover the filling completely and fill the cup to the top.
7. Smooth and Tap:
Lightly tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove any air bubbles and to smooth the top of the chocolate layer. This ensures your cups look nice and even!
8. Chill to Set:
Place the muffin tin in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the cups have fully set and the chocolate is firm.
9. Remove and Store:
Once they are set, gently remove the peanut butter and jelly cups from the cupcake liners. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Healthy Peanut Butter And Jelly Cups are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them cold for a delicious, nutritious treat.
These delightful cups feature a creamy peanut butter base, a burst of jelly in the center, and a satisfying chocolate topping—perfect for indulging without the guilt!
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cups a little extra texture, making them even more delightful. Just make sure it’s natural with no added sugars or oils for a healthier treat!
How Can I Store These Cups?
Store the cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They can also be kept in the freezer for longer storage. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil can work as substitutes. However, use coconut oil if you want to maintain the firmness of the cups when chilled.
Can I Use Different Types of Jelly?
Yes! You can choose any flavor of jelly or jam that you prefer. Just be mindful of the sweetness level; if it’s particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the maple syrup or honey in the peanut butter mixture.