5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups Healthy Recipe (SCD)

These 5 ingredient peanut butter cups deliver the best flavor without all of the unhealthy ingredients you would find in the popular Reese’s Cups candy. With just 5 ingredients you can create a delicious and guilt-free version of your favorite treat. 

I have always loved the taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but after changing my diet to align with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, the store-bought version was off-limits.

So, I decided to make a healthier version of my favorite candy using simple ingredients and the best part is that this is such an easy recipe to recreate.

These healthy peanut butter cups are the real deal and after giving this easy dessert a try, it is bound to be your favorite recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups Recipe contains affiliate links to help you find the products I use to make this recipe. If you click a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you.

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter has a rich, smooth chocolate flavor and aroma without the added ingredients commonly found in chocolate bars, such as sugar, milk solids, and other additives.

This ingredient replaces semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate, or milk chocolate usually found in the bottom and top of the peanut butter layer, perfect for those on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.

Natural Peanut Butter

Use natural peanut butter for the best results. The peanut butter filling blends with the “chocolate coating” to bring this candy cup recipe to the next level.

I use unsweetened peanut butter for the peanut butter mixture because it contains natural ingredients that are deemed SCD-legal.

Plus, it adds a rich flavor that brings out the true essence of peanut butter which is why I use it when I bake peanut butter bars with cacao butter.

The same goes for this peanut butter ice cream, and these peanut butter cookies made without adding coconut flour or almond flour.

You can use a food processor to make your own if you prefer but I just buy natural peanut butter because it simplifies the process. 

All Natural Honey

The texture and flavor of honey mixed with the creamy peanut butter create a delightful harmony that enriches these peanut butter cups with a touch of natural sweetness.

The all-natural honey not only infuses a mild, floral essence but also adds a subtle hint of complexity to the peanut butter mixture.

Vanilla Extract

The infusion of pure vanilla extract serves to introduce a delightful, aromatic dimension to the melted peanut butter.

This subtle addition elevates the flavor profile by imparting a hint of warmth and depth, enhancing the overall taste of these peanut butter cups.

Salt

It enhances the sweetness of the natural honey and the richness of the peanut butter, creating a dynamic contrast that tantalizes your taste buds. You can use a flaky sea salt or regular table salt if you prefer.

Peanut Butter Cup Recipe Optional Swaps

If you aren’t following a strict diet and want to switch up this recipe you can easily do that but I would suggest trying this recipe as is before deciding to change anything.

These easy homemade peanut butter cups are perfect the way they are but if you are trying to accommodate certain restrictions the below tips may help.

If you are making vegan peanut butter cups, swap out the honey with maple syrup for an even swap or coconut oil for the addition of healthy fats and less sweet flavor. 

You could also swap out the peanut butter these pb cups call for with your favorite nut butter or seed butter such as cashew butter and almond butter with similar results. 

If chocolate isn’t off limits you can use a tablespoon of melted chocolate to give these delicious homemade peanut butter cups a chocolate layer.

Or create a new recipe by adding dark chocolate, and cocoa powder with a teaspoon of melted chocolate to create dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

You could also pour half of the chocolate mixture as the bottom layer, add peanut butter then add the remaining chocolate for a more traditional peanut butter cup look. 

For more protein add a teaspoon of peanut butter protein powder before you pour the mixture into the muffin liners.

You could also use a mini muffin tin or small cupcake holder with small paper liners to get more treats out of this recipe. 

How to Make 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

Begin by gently melting the cocoa butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, ensuring it transforms into a smooth, liquid consistency.

It’s crucial to maintain even melting, so be sure to stir it consistently during this process to avoid any potential complications.

You can choose to use the double boiler method or heat in a microwave-safe bowl at 30-second intervals on low heat if you prefer but the stovetop method works great as long as you keep an eye on it. 

Once the cocoa butter is fully liquefied, pour mixture of remaining ingredients in until they are thoroughly combined.

You will have a very drippy peanut butter consistency. Then, carefully pour the mixture into a muffin cup pan lined with parchment paper liners.

Allow your delectable creation to set by placing the muffin tin in the freezer for a total time of about 2 hours.

This will ensure your peanut butter cups have the perfect texture.

You may want to bring them down to room temperature before serving but they are great cold so I suggest giving them a try this way. 

To keep your peanut butter cups fresh and ready for indulgence, store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

This step will help maintain their ideal consistency and flavor until you’re ready to savor them.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter cups are a delicious treat to enjoy anytime, without the guilt. They are also delicious when added to other recipes.

Mix some in your next batch of cookie dough for an extra burst of flavor in your favorite peanut butter cup cookies or add to your oat mixture for delicious peanut butter oatmeal cookies.

Place these candy cups in the center of your peanut butter blossoms for a new spin on this beloved cookie.

Pack these snacks for road trips or stock your fridge for the new year to avoid temptation. 

More Recipes You’ll Love

Learn how to make homemade yogurt for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Plus, find out how to make a delicious gluten-free pie crust using simple ingredients and easy steps to make your holiday baking a breeze.

Get this SCD crockpot apple cobbler recipe and learn how to make the best dairy-free coffee ice cream while you’re here.

If you have enjoyed this recipe, sign up for the free newsletter to get recipes right to your inbox, or follow along on social media so you never miss a recipe again.