These Almond Butter and Chocolate Cups feature dark chocolate and homemade almond butter for a healthier version of your favorite sweet treat!
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Why You'll Love This
No one wants to turn on the oven in the summer heat, but sweet cravings must be satisfied! Try these Almond Butter and Chocolate Cups, a healthier twist on classic Reese's Cups with fewer ingredients. This recipe features a simple homemade almond butter that tastes just as good, if not better, than store-bought—just grab some Santé Nuts almonds to get started!
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Ingredients
Here is everything you will need for this recipe!
For the Homemade Almond Butter
- Cinnamon Spiced Almonds from Santé Nuts: Adds warmth and spice to the almond butter.
- Warm Water: Helps create a smooth, creamy almond butter consistency.
- Maple Syrup (optional): Adds natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Cocoa Almonds from Santé Nuts, chopped: Provides crunch and a rich chocolate flavor.
Dark Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Creates a rich, velvety outer layer for the cups.
- Coconut Oil: Smooths and thins the chocolate, adding shine.
- Flakey Sea Salt: Balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness for contrast.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements!
Substitutions & Variations
Whether you're missing a few ingredients, or just looking for simple modifications, these tips below can help you adjust the recipe!
- Sans Nuts: For a more silky smooth texture uninterrupted!
- Fruit: Adding raspberries into the chocolate layers can add a sweet note to these cups.
Please note that this recipe hasn't been tested with substitutions beyond those listed. Adding or replacing ingredients may alter the results.
Equipment
All you will need for this recipe requires: a food processor, mixing bowls, muffin tin and liners!
Instructions
Starting on The Almond Butter
Making homemade almond butter is easier than you think—just two ingredients: almonds and water! Start with three cups of Cinnamon Spice Almonds from Santé Nuts, which are already roasted and flavored, saving you time. Simply add the almonds to a food processor with a tablespoon of warm water. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a touch of maple syrup. Blend on high, scraping down the sides every few minutes. In about 5-7 minutes, the almonds will break down into a smooth, creamy paste.
Turning Creamy to Crunchy
To elevate this almond butter for the dark chocolate cups, pulse the cinnamon-spiced almonds until creamy for richer flavor and better texture. Then, add Cocoa Almonds from Santé Nuts for crunch. Their dusted flavor pairs perfectly with dark chocolate, enhancing the almond butter's taste.
The Chocolate Layers
Much like the almond butter, the chocolate layers are very straight forward and simple to make. All you need is dark chocolate chips and a little coconut oil. My favorite chocolate to use are Lily's Sweet Dark Chocolate Baking Chips. Because these chips are intended for baking, they melt beautifully and retain their rich flavor. As well, they have less sugar and no dairy!
Combine 18 oz dark chocolate chips and 3 tablespoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 25 seconds, stir, then heat for another 35 seconds and stir until melted. Let the chocolate cool slightly before proceeding.
Assembling the Layers
Now that you have the almond butter and dark chocolate ready to go, it's time to layer. Start by placing silicone or paper liners in a muffin tin. I like to use silicone liners, like these, because I think they release easier and cleaner. Once you have the liners in the tin, pour the melted dark chocolate into each individual liner, filling one fourth of the way. Then, pop the tray into the freezer- make sure to set flat. Allow the dark chocolate to set for one hour.
Once the bottom chocolate layer is set, add a spoonful of almond butter to each cup, spreading it smooth while leaving ¼ to ⅓ of the liner for the top layer. Freeze for 30 minutes. Then, pour the top layer of melted chocolate over the almond butter, ensuring it’s covered without overflowing. Freeze for at least 1 hour to set and harden.
Serving Suggestions
Once the cups are set, sprinkle with flakey sea salt to enhance the dark chocolate and balance the sweetness of the almond butter. A little goes a long way!
Expert Tips
Santé Nuts is my go-to brand for quality, hand-seasoned walnuts, almonds, and pecans that elevate any recipe or snack. Check out more recipes on my blog to see how I incorporate them into my meals!
- Candied Walnuts: These sugar coasted walnuts are the best of both worlds because you can use them in savory recipes, like my Walnut & Pea Pesto Pasta Salad, or sweet treats, like this Gluten-Free Pear and Walnut Tart!
- Garlic Almonds: These irresistible, savory almonds are my go-to for snacking but also make for the perfect crunchy element in my Lemony Asparagus Risotto recipe.
- Candied Pecans: There are so many ways to use these nuts in your cooking and baking! For sweet inspiration, check out this Gluten-Free Pecan Crusted Mini Key Lime Pies. Or utilize them in salads, like this Radicchio Salad with Pecans.
You can also check out my Instagram for more gluten-free recipes featuring Santé Nuts! And don't forget to use the code 'BOTTOMLESSPIT' for 15% off your order from the Santé Nuts website.
Storage
Store leftover cups in the freezer overnight before transferring to the fridge to keep the chocolate from melting. For an extra treat, try adding these chocolate cups to my mini s'more pie recipe!
Related
Looking for more alike? Try these:
Almond Butter and Chocolate Cups
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy12
Cups20
minutes2
minutesDon't miss out on this no-bake, four ingredient sweet treat!
Ingredients
- For the Homemade Almond Butter
3 cups Cinnamon Spiced Almonds from Santé Nuts
1 tablespoon warm water, plus 1-2 teaspoons if needed
1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
1 cup Cocoa Almonds from Santé Nuts, chopped
- For the Dark Chocolate
18 ounces of dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Flakey sea salt, for topping
Directions
- For the Homemade Almond Butter
- Add the Cinnamon Spiced Almonds to a food processor with one tablespoon of warm water. If you want your almond butter on the sweeter side, you can add in a splash of maple syrup. Pulse on high speed, scraping down the sides with a spatula when needed. If the mixture becomes hot, stop the food processor and cool uncovered for one minute.
- After 5-7 minutes, the almonds should be broken down and have created a paste with the water. If it does not look paste-like, add one teaspoon of warm water. Pulse again, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed. The mixture should become creamier and resemble nut butter after a few more minutes.
- Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, add the almond butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl with the chopped Cocoa Almonds. Fold in the almonds with a spatula. Then, set to the side.
- For the Dark Chocolate
- Add the dark chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl with the coconut oil. Heat for 25 seconds, then stir to combine. Heat in the microwave for another 35 seconds, then stir until the chocolate has melted. Allow to cool for a minute or two.
- Place silicone or paper liners in a muffin tin. Pour the melted chocolate into each liner, filling ¼ of the way. Then, freeze for one hour.
- After the allotted time, add a spoonful of almond butter over the bottom layer of chocolate. Carefully smooth as much as possible. Leave ¼-1/3 space in each liner for the top layer of chocolate. Once each liner is filled, place back in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Finally, pour the rest of the melted dark chocolate over the almond butter layer. Be sure to cover the almond butter without overfilling the liner. Transfer back to the freezer for one more hour to harden.
- Carefully remove each cup from their individual liners. Top with flakey sea salt and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- If you have leftovers of this dessert, you can store them in the freezer or refrigerator. I would recommend allowing them to freeze overnight before transferring them to the refrigerator. This will help prevent the chocolate from melting too soon.
[…] blog. From savory recipes, such as my Walnut & Pea Pesto Pasta Salad, to sweet treats, like my Almond Butter and Chocolate Cups and Gluten-Free Pear and Walnut Tart. Their uniquely flavored nuts pair beautifully with countless […]