Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Name: Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Chopped almonds; Sea salt flakes

Highlighted under: Oven Cooking

I absolutely adore indulging in these Chocolate Almond Butter Cups! They combine the rich, decadent taste of chocolate with the creamy texture of almond butter, resulting in a delightful treat that satisfies any sweet tooth. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to myself, these cups are surprisingly easy to make. Whenever I need a quick dessert fix or a snack to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is my go-to. Plus, they store beautifully in the fridge, ready to be devoured anytime.

Created by

Xanthe Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-13T00:22:35.002Z

Creating these Chocolate Almond Butter Cups has turned into a delightful activity that I relish with my friends. The combination of melting chocolate and smooth almond butter is simply magical! I remember the first time I made these; I experimented with different fillings before landing on this perfect balance. It’s always a pleasure to see the joy on their faces when they take their first bite.

One tip I learned is to use high-quality chocolate for coating, as it makes a world of difference in flavor. I often opt for dark chocolate for its rich taste, which contrasts beautifully with the sweet almond butter inside. Trust me, this recipe is bound to become a favorite!

        Why You’ll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy almond filling
Easily customizable with different nut butters
Perfect treat for any occasion or as a quick snack

      

Key Techniques for Perfect Cups

To achieve the perfect Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, it's crucial to melt the dark chocolate gently. Use the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval. This prevents the chocolate from seizing, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler, which allows for better heat control. Once melted, let it cool slightly before pouring into the molds to achieve a better texture when it hardens.

When preparing the muffin tin, ensure that each cupcake liner is positioned securely to prevent them from collapsing. A silicone muffin tin can work wonders here, as they provide a bit of flexibility when it comes to removing the cups once set. Fill the liners only halfway with chocolate at first; this will help create a defined base for your almond butter layer. Remember, the key to a well-balanced treat is ensuring both chocolate and almond butter layers are proportional.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of dark chocolate is essential here; I recommend using chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, balanced flavor. This higher cocoa content enhances the chocolatey depth and pairs beautifully with the nutty almond butter. If you prefer a sweeter profile, opt for semi-sweet chocolate. You can also experiment with flavored chocolate or even use milk chocolate for a creamier bite, but adjust the sweetness of your almond butter mixture to keep it balanced.

Using high-quality almond butter will significantly affect the texture and taste of your cups. A creamy, smooth almond butter blends well into the mixture and is easier to spoon into the chocolate cups. If you're looking for alternatives, feel free to substitute with another nut butter like cashew or peanut butter. However, keep in mind that peanut butter has a stronger flavor, which may overshadow the chocolate experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Almond Butter Cups are a fantastic make-ahead treat, ideal for meal prepping or snack-stashing. After they've set in the fridge, simply transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll maintain their freshness for up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long! You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

If you want to infuse variety, consider adding different toppings before chilling. A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor profile dramatically. You could also incorporate crushed nuts, a sprinkle of coconut, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for an appealing contrast. Have fun experimenting with flavors—each variation could introduce a delightful twist!

Ingredients

For the Cups

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup almond butter
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Optional Toppings

Chopped almonds
Sea salt flakes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.

Prepare the Molds

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into each liner, just enough to cover the bottom.

Add the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the almond butter, honey, and sea salt until well combined. Spoon a dollop of the almond butter mixture into each chocolate-lined cup.

Seal with More Chocolate

Top off each cup with the remaining melted chocolate, ensuring the almond butter is completely covered. Sprinkle with optional toppings if desired.

Chill and Serve

Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate has set completely. Enjoy!

Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pro Tips

Experiment with different nut butters for unique flavors
peanut butter works wonderfully too!

Tips for Customization

Customization is key in making these Chocolate Almond Butter Cups your own! You can easily switch the almond butter with other spreads, such as cashew or sunflower seed butter, to cater to different tastes or dietary restrictions. For a festive twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or even a touch of espresso powder into the almond butter mixture for an extra flavor kick.

If you prefer a crunchier texture, add a layer of chopped nuts within the cups before sealing with chocolate. This added texture not only enhances the mouthfeel but also adds an appealing visual element. Be sure to keep your layers even, so each cup has a consistent experience when bitten into.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chocolate is hardening too quickly and is difficult to manage, it's likely that it has cooled down too much. Try re-warming it slightly in the microwave, using short bursts of heat, to achieve a drizzlable consistency again. This could also happen if the chocolate comes into contact with any water. Always ensure your bowls and utensils are completely dry before starting.

Should the cups not come out of the liners easily, check that they had fully set in the refrigerator. It’s essential to allow ample time for the chocolate to firm up, preferably around 20-30 minutes. If you're using paper liners and they seem to stick, consider trying silicone ones next time, as they often release more cleanly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter taste, so feel free to switch it out based on your preference.

→ How long will these keep in the fridge?

They can stay fresh for about 1 week in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Just use dairy-free chocolate chips and a maple syrup or agave for sweetening.

→ What can I use instead of almond butter?

You can try other nut or seed butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter.