Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Discover the rich, creamy taste of Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups, perfectly sweet and dairy-free treats for any occasion. These delightful little cups combine the comforting nuttiness of peanut butter with the vibrant sweetness of jam, all enveloped in luscious vegan chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a charming snack to share, these cups offer a decadent indulgence without any animal products, making them a must-try for vegans and dessert lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless indulgence: You only need a handful of simple ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying treat.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The interplay between creamy peanut butter, fruity jam, and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering harmony.
- Dairy-free and vegan-friendly: No animal products here, so everyone can enjoy these cups guilt-free.
- Versatile for any occasion: Serve them as party favors, cozy snacks, or guiltless desserts anytime.
- Customizable and fun: Easy to adapt with different jams and toppings to suit your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, spotlighting a few key ingredients that each play an essential role. From creamy peanut butter to sweet jam and smooth vegan chocolate, every element contributes to texture, taste, or color, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
- Peanut butter: Use natural, creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture and pure nutty flavor.
- Vegan chocolate chips or bars: High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate that melts beautifully and tastes rich.
- Jam or fruit preserves: Choose your favorite fruit jam like raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry for a vibrant, fruity burst.
- Maple syrup or agave: Optional sweetener to enhance the peanut butter’s natural sugars if desired.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to highlight the peanut butter and balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Coconut oil: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a glossy finish.
Variations for Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to your own tastes or dietary needs. Swapping ingredients or adding extras is simple and encourages endless delicious variations.
- Nut butter swap: Try almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a new flavor twist.
- Jam flavors: Mix up different fruit jams or even use fruit curds for a tangy surprise.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, vegan granola, or cacao nibs on top for texture.
- Sweetener adjustments: Use coconut sugar or skip sweetener entirely for a more natural peanut butter taste.
- Chocolate variety: Use white vegan chocolate or blend multiple types for a multicolored effect.
How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Step 1: Prepare Your Chocolate
Melt your vegan chocolate chips with a little coconut oil over a double boiler or gently in the microwave, stirring often until smooth and silky.
Step 2: Form the Chocolate Shells
Using silicone mini cupcake molds or paper-lined muffin tins, spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each cup. Swirl it around the sides and bottom to create a thin, even shell. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Filling
Mix your peanut butter with a touch of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt until creamy. Drop a spoonful into each hardened chocolate shell, spreading it gently but leaving room for the jam layer.
Step 4: Add the Jam Layer
Top the peanut butter with a small dollop of your chosen jam or fruit preserve, keeping the layers distinct for a beautiful flavor combination.
Step 5: Seal with Chocolate and Chill
Cover each cup with more melted chocolate to seal in the fillings. Tap the mold lightly to smooth the surface and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cups to fully set and harden.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
- Quality matters: Use the best vegan chocolate and fresh peanut butter for superior flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients: Keep peanut butter soft for easy spreading and mixing.
- Temperature control: Don’t overheat chocolate—melt it slowly to prevent seizing.
- Use silicone molds: For easy removal without cracking the chocolate cups.
- Seal well: Make sure the top chocolate layer fully covers peanut butter and jam to avoid leakage.
How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Garnishes
Top with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, a tiny swirl of jam, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance appearance and add a final layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these chocolate cups with fresh berries, a cup of herbal tea, or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream to complement the sweetness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cups on a decorative platter lined with parchment or edible flowers, package them in cute gift boxes for parties, or serve them alongside other vegan treats for a dazzling dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain their shape and flavor.
Freezing
Freeze the cups by placing them on a tray in a single layer. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored frozen for up to two months and thawed in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Avoid reheating to preserve texture; instead, let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying, allowing them to soften slightly.
FAQs
Are Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients such as certified gluten-free chocolate and jam, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture, just be sure the pieces are not too large to affect the smooth layering.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil in the chocolate?
You can use vegan butter or a neutral-tasting vegetable oil, but coconut oil helps the chocolate set firmly and adds shine.
Can I make these without jam?
Yes, you can omit the jam and create pure peanut butter chocolate cups, or replace it with a swirl of vegan caramel or fruit puree.
How long does it take to prepare Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups?
Active preparation takes about 20 minutes, plus chilling time of 30-40 minutes to fully set the cups.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups are a delightful treat that brings together the best of creamy, sweet, and rich flavors in an effortless, dairy-free dessert. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. Give this recipe a try and experience firsthand why these cups quickly become a favorite in any vegan dessert collection!
Related Posts
PrintVegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups
Vegan Peanut Butter & Jam Chocolate Cups are a rich, creamy, and dairy-free treat combining smooth natural peanut butter, vibrant fruit jam, and luscious vegan chocolate. Perfect as a guilt-free dessert or snack, these easy-to-make cups are fully customizable and ideal for vegans and dessert lovers seeking a perfectly balanced sweet indulgence without any animal products.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (melting only)
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 18-24 mini cups
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake (chilling required)
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Natural creamy peanut butter, approximately 1 cup
- Vegan chocolate chips or bars (dark or semi-sweet), about 1 ½ cups
- Your favorite fruit jam or fruit preserves (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, blueberry), ½ cup
Optional Ingredients
- Maple syrup or agave nectar, 1-2 tablespoons (optional, for sweetness enhancement)
- Sea salt, a pinch
- Coconut oil, 1 tablespoon (for melting chocolate)
Variations & Toppings (Optional)
- Alternative nut butters: almond, cashew, sunflower seed butter
- Different jam flavors or fruit curds
- Crunchy toppings: crushed nuts, vegan granola, cacao nibs
- Alternative sweeteners: coconut sugar, or no sweetener
- White vegan chocolate or mixed chocolates for a colorful effect
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chocolate: Melt the vegan chocolate chips or chopped bars together with the coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth, silky, and fully melted.
- Form the Chocolate Shells: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each cavity of silicone mini cupcake molds or paper-lined muffin tins. Use the back of the spoon or a small brush to swirl the chocolate evenly on the sides and bottom, creating a thin shell. Place the molds in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to harden.
- Add the Peanut Butter Filling: Mix the peanut butter with maple syrup (if using) and a pinch of sea salt until creamy and well combined. Spoon a dollop of the peanut butter mixture into each chocolate shell, spreading gently and leaving room for the jam layer on top.
- Add the Jam Layer: Carefully add a small dollop of your chosen jam or fruit preserve atop the peanut butter layer, keeping the layers distinct for a neat and flavorful combination.
- Seal with Chocolate and Chill: Cover each cup with more melted chocolate to seal the fillings inside. Tap the mold lightly to smooth out the chocolate surface. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set and cups are firm.
Notes
- Use the highest quality vegan chocolate and fresh peanut butter for best flavor.
- Keep peanut butter at room temperature for easier spreading and mixing.
- Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid overheating or seizing.
- Silicone molds make it easier to remove the cups without cracking.
- Ensure the top chocolate layer completely seals the fillings to prevent leakage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to one week.
- Freeze cups on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags for up to two months.
- Allow frozen cups to thaw in the fridge and come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Sugar: 10-12 g
- Sodium: 50-70 mg
- Fat: 12-14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6-8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Protein: 4-5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan chocolate cups, peanut butter cups, dairy-free dessert, gluten-free vegan treats, no bake chocolate cups, peanut butter and jam cups
