Homemade Almond Butter Cups (Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan & Dairy-Free)
When it comes to indulgent treats, nothing beats the combination of creamy almond butter and rich chocolate. These homemade Almond Butter Cups are not only ridiculously delicious but also vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free—so they fit into a variety of dietary lifestyles. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with your loved ones!
One of my favorite parts of this recipe is that my husband and I created them together. Cooking with your partner is such a beautiful way to connect and make something sweet (literally and figuratively) in your home. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these almond butter cups are a must-try!
Ingredients
Almond Butter Filling
½ cup unsalted almond butter
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp coconut flour
Chocolate Exterior
2 cups chocolate chips (I love Lakanto sugar free chocolate chips)
1.5 tbsp coconut oil
Optional Toppings
A pinch of Baja Gold Sea salt (highly recommended for that sweet-salty combo!)
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace: Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set it aside.
Make the Almond Butter Filling: In a bowl, mix together the almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut flour until well combined. Freeze this mixture for about 20 minutes, allowing it to firm up.
Shape the Filling: Remove the filling from the freezer and form it into 12 flat discs (about 2 teaspoons per disc). Set them aside while you prepare the chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate:
Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
Place a heat-safe glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the rim of the bowl sits securely on the pot without touching the water.
Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl, stirring occasionally until smooth and shiny. This double-boiler method ensures the chocolate melts evenly without burning.
Assemble the Cups:
Add about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate to the bottom of each cupcake liner.
Place an almond butter disc on top of the chocolate layer.
Cover each almond butter disc with another 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate, ensuring the almond butter is fully coated.
Optional Toppings: Sprinkle a pinch of mineral sea salt or shredded coconut on top of each cup for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Chill and Set: Place the assembled cups in the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
Enjoy!: Once firm, your almond butter cups are ready to eat! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks (though I doubt they’ll last that long).
Why You’ll Love These Almond Butter Cups
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, these are a breeze to whip up.
Customizable: Add toppings like chopped nuts, goji berries, flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of almond butter on top for extra flair.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These cups are a crowd-pleaser for holidays, parties, or just a cozy weekend treat.
Healthy Meets Indulgent: They’re sweetened naturally, packed with good fats from almond butter, and free of refined sugar.
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about making your own treats from scratch, especially when they’re as delicious and wholesome as these Almond Butter Cups. The combination of creamy almond filling and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven, and the fact that they’re refined sugar free, gluten free and paleo-friendly makes them even better.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Cooking can be such a joyful, grounding experience—especially when it involves chocolate! If you try these, I’d love to see your creations. Tag me on social media @IAmMelissaPeters.
Wishing you all the sweet delights,
xo, Melissa
P.S. For more recipes and lifestyle inspiration, stay tuned to the blog!