Peanut butter and chocolate lovers, rejoice! This recipe for dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups has only 4 ingredients, no added sugars and is less than 1 net carb per cup!
This post contains affiliate links which earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Did you guys see the photo I posted of these bad boys last week?! I’m SO excited to finally share this homemade peanut butter cups recipe with you!! There are a ton of recipes out there on the web for unreal peanut butter cups, but I think these ones are extra special for a few reasons:
- there is NO added sugar, not even the un-refined kind!
- they are DARK chocolate – dark, dark!
- they’re gluten-free and low-carb!
- they’re mini – mini is always better!!
Are these mini peanut butter cups actually sugar-free?
In the interest of full transparency, there is some sugar in this recipe, but that’s just the sugar that comes from the 90% chocolate. I believe there is only 2 grams of sugar in a 30 gram serving of 90% chocolate! Also, I did some calculations (see kids, math DOES come in handy in the real world) and in this whole recipe, there’s only 18 grams of carbs. That’s less than 1 gram of net carbs per peanut butter cup! Not too shabby for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
I’ve been making these so much lately, I should probably take a break. Probably. Which means I probably won’t…at least not for a while. I’d say I’d stop making them when I get sick of them, but I’m pretty sure that’s not even possible!? Anyway. You’ve got to try them. Just a word of warning – once you start – you really can’t stop. Last night you would have found me rooting under the fridge trying to fish one out that rolled away. I was NOT going to let that one get away!
Do you have to use 90% chocolate for this recipe?
A few other little things to point out: I only use Lindt 90% chocolate . I’ve tried a few other brands but they are too bitter for my liking. I’m not being paid to say this! Feel free to use whatever brand you like best, and you can also use a 70% or 80% bar, just keep in mind this will change the amount of sugar in the cups.
Another thing. I only use all-natural peanut butter in these. Just nuts. I assume that if you used the more processed kind, these would be DELICIOUS. But this would also change the sugar content, and add a few other ingredients to the mix.
How do you make dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups?
First things first, you need to get yourself a mini muffin tin! I always use this one.
Line the muffin tin with mini cupcake liners, then melt the chocolate with coconut oil. Once it’s melty and smooth, pour about 1 tsp of the chocolate in the bottom of each cup. Freeze that chocolate for about 5 minutes, then add the peanut butter on top. Smooth it out a bit, then add the remaining chocolate on top. Freeze again and add some sea salt flakes on top.
Just like that, they’re ready!
Oh, and have I mentioned that they’re only 4 ingredients? Another checkmark for the WINNING category!
I’m done gushing about these cups. I think. We’ll see.
Now go make some!
You all know I LOVE my three ingredient treats. Check out a few other scrumptious ideas for sweet treats on the blog!
And if you’re in need of low-carb goodies, I’ve got:
Print
Dark Chocolate Mini Peanut Butter Cups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cups 1x
Description
Peanut butter and chocolate lovers, rejoice! With only 4 ingredients, no added sugar and < 1 net carb per cup, you can have a ton of these mini peanut butter cups without too much guilt!!
Ingredients
- 3oz 90% dark chocolate*, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter
- Sea-salt flakes, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 24-count mini muffin tin with paper liners and set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate along with the coconut oil, and heat on high in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth.
- Pour 1 tsp of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of each paper liner. Place in the freezer for about 5 minutes to harden up. Remove from the freezer, and place 1/2 tsp peanut butter on top of the chocolate bottoms. Smooth it out a bit with the back of a spoon. Divide the remaining melted chocolate mixture among the cups, on top of the peanut butter (about 1/2 tsp each). Freeze until solid again, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle some sea salt on the tops of the peanut butter cups once frozen. Enjoy from frozen!
Peanut butter cups will store best in the freezer, in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. You can also store them in the fridge, but they’ll be much softer and may not hold their shape as well.
Notes
- 90% chocolate is fairly low carb; you may substitute the chocolate for a less-dark chocolate but the sugar and carb count will be higher
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: freeze
- Cuisine: american
Keywords: dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups // healthy peanut butter cups recipe // homemade peanut butter cups recipe

These look amazing, Katherine! Who could ever turn down a peanut butter cup, especially one without all the extra sugar? I LOOOOVE dark chocolate, the darker the better, so I’m totally going to try these!
★★★★★
Yeeees I could never turn down a peanut butter cup!! Just the best, right!? The darker the better for me too. Have you tried the 99% yet!? Cheers, Kelsie!
I’m so making this with almond butter 🙂 So healthy and totally guilt free!
★★★★★
They would be delicious with almond butter! I think I’ll try that next!
I’ve been wanting to make homemade candy and this. is. it!! Nothing like dark chocolate and peanut butter!! YUM!
It’s a great place to start 😉 My only warning is that once you start, you can’t stop! Thanks Annie!
Looks like I’ll be making these soon! I have a serious addiction to chocolate and PB, and dark chocolate is my weakness. Love that these are less processed and use minimal ingredients! Can’t wait to try them!
★★★★★
I am SO addicted to peanut butter and chocolate, too. I will actually sometimes just eat a spoonful of peanut butter with some chips on top! Haha thanks pal. I hope you love them!
Peanut butter and chocolate – irresistible! With less than one net carb – I would be all over these! My math: If each one is less than one net carb, then I can eat ten and the net carbs would round up to zero! 🙂
So irresistible right!? Hahha I like your math a lot. I’m using it to justify heading to the freezer right now for a couple more! 😉
I saw the photos alright! Best combo ever and a satisfying treat for the sweet tooth 😉 . Take care.
Such a good combo, right!? Thanks Stacey!
I’m a huge fan of the chocolate – peanut butter combo, but most store-bought treats are way too sweet. So yay to this creation and the perfect balance of luxurious dark chocolate and rich peanut butter. Excellent!
★★★★★
These are much less sweet, Ben! If you love dark chocolate you’ll definitely like these. Thanks friend!
YASSSS!!! I follow a low carb lifestyle and have been super craving some peanut butter cups! This recipe looks sooo yummy, I can’t wait to indulge!
★★★★★
Ooooh perfect!! You’ll love these then!! Thanks Aleta!
These are my kind of treat! The darker the chocolate the better in my book, and the less sugar the better! I just love big chocolate – peanut butter flavor and these have it all!
★★★★★
You would definitely like these, Marcie! The darker the better for me too! Thanks friend 🙂
Oh, these are really speaking to me. I’m a dark chocolate gal and I eat peanut butter by the spoonful. It’s kind of a childhood habit I never outgrew. Thanks for this!
★★★★★
I ALWAYS eat peanut butter by the spoonful, haha! To the point where it’s almost painful to swallow? Or is that just me? Anyway, you’re welcome! Ha
Katherine – these are my kind of PB cup! Super dark chocolate, I’m there, all natural peanut butter, – nothing better! I feel like you made these just for me! Thanks!
★★★★★
YES I just love, love dark chocolate. Thanks Laura! In a way, I did make these for you! 😉 Hope you love them!!
I’ve been wanting to try my own peanut butter cups!! YUM!!! I love the extra flaky sea salt on top. Plus I love Lindt chocolate as well – the darker the better for me! 🙂
★★★★★
I know you love your dark Lindt chocolate too, Haylie!! You definitely have to try these – I just know you’d love them!! 🙂 Cheers!
Wow! You’ve hit on my perfect treat right here, Katherine! Absolutely delicious and ZERO guilt! Love!!
★★★★★
YES it really is perfect, other than the fact I can’t stop eating them! Hah! Thanks Marissa!!
These are too good to be true! The perfect snack to keep on hand when those sugar cravings hit 🙂 Peanut butter and chocolate is my FAVORITE combo!!
Yes exactly!! They are perfect when you just need that little sweet something after dinner 🙂 Peanut butter and chocolate is simply THE BEST.
Ooh I am such a dark chocolate fan..and of course when it’s paired with peanut butter I mean who can resist? Been trying to watch the carbs but I seriously have to have dessert every night! So can’t wait to try these 🙂
★★★★★
Hah I HAVE to have something sweet every night too, Heather. Thanks!!
These look so good!! They are the perfect snack food, because you feel like you’re cheating when you really aren’t. Besides, don’t we all need our daily dose of dark chocolate for health purposes? 😉
The creamy peanut butter center is absolute perfection! I love everything about this recipe. Now I just need to find a little self-control, so I don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting.
★★★★★
I absolutely love dark chocolate! The addition of peanut butter to these makes it just sweeter.
★★★★★
Sweet and salty is the best combination in my opinion. The fact that you made these with dark chocolate is even better!
★★★★★
I’m not a big sweets eater but I would never turn down a peanut butter cup with dark chocolate. They look so yummy. And I really like the idea of a mini mini treat. Just enough to satisfy that sweets and chocolate craving. I’m pinning!!
★★★★★
Ok seriously – these look amazing like let me stop what I’m doing right now amazing and let me go make a batch!! How many grams of fat in each cup? Printing out this recipe now. My kids are going to love these!!
★★★★★
Thanks Amanda!! I haven’t actually calculated the fat content (sorry) but it would be easy to figure out!! Not a ton, if that helps. I will figure it out and update the recipe at some point 🙂 Either way, you will love them!
Wow these peanut butter cups look amazing! Plus love that they have no refined sugar!! Making these asap
RIGHT!? I love the no refined sugar too. Thanks Sam!!
I am on a low carb diet and was looking for easy low carb desserts. These cups look and taste fantastic!
★★★★★
Thanks Ruchi! It’s nice when you don’t have to add sweetener to it too!
Definitely my kinda a snack. I love dark chocolate cups that are so healthy. And chocolate paired with peanut butter … oh my… just YUMMY! Photos are amazing. I’m drooling right now.
★★★★★
Chocolate and peanut butter is just the best, right? I can’t get enough! Thanks Natalie!!
those crystals on dark chocolate are looking so great really eagerly looking forward to make this recipe thanks for such wonderful recipe 🙂
★★★★★
Thank you – the sea salt with the chocolate is a great combo!
Pingback: Keto Peanut Butter Cookies | Love In My Oven
This was fantastic! I just made it today and enjoyed it with my children. Ty for a great recipe
Don’t have mini cupcake liners (only regular). Have you ever made without liners; just spraying the tin?
(Also, just curious why 46 of 47 comments are by people that haven’t yet made these? Assume I can leave a comment AFTER i try the recipe?)