These Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups are a fun twist on a classic favorite! With creamy peanut butter and fruity jelly, they’re perfect for a tasty snack.
Each bite is like a little hug for your taste buds! I love making these ahead for busy days—they’re quick to whip up and satisfying when I need a little something sweet.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: Aim for peanut butter with just peanuts (maybe salt). If you want a twist, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
Coconut Oil: This helps with creaminess when frozen. If you don’t have coconut oil, melted butter or any neutral oil can work too—just remember it alters the flavor slightly!
Fruit Jelly or Jam: Look for no-sugar-added varieties for less guilt. You can also use fresh fruit puree for a healthier and natural alternative. Mashed bananas or blended strawberries work nicely!
Flaky Sea Salt: For garnish, this adds a nice touch. If you don’t have it, regular table salt is fine, but use even less since it’s stronger. I love the texture flaky salt gives!
How Do I Make Sure My Peanut Butter Cups Stay Firm?
To keep your peanut butter and jelly cups from melting into a gooey mess, the main secret lies in proper freezing and the right fat content. Follow these tips:
- Make sure to freeze the cups for at least 1 hour until they are solid.
- Store them in the freezer or fridge; they hold their shape best when kept cold.
- Use creamy peanut butter that’s natural—this helps avoid oil separation!
Using coconut oil also helps with firmness, so don’t skip that step; it makes a difference!
Healthy Peanut Butter And Jelly Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup fruit jelly or jam (choose a natural, no-sugar-added variety)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to freeze. So, with a little patience, you’ll soon have delicious cups ready for snacking!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin
Start by lining a muffin tin with silicone or paper cupcake liners. This will help you easily remove the cups once they are frozen.
2. Mix the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the natural creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey (if using), vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir everything together until it is smooth and well blended.
3. Form the Bases
Spoon about 1 ½ tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture into each cupcake liner. Gently press it down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a solid base. Make sure it’s even!
4. Add the Jelly
Next, take about 1 teaspoon of fruit jelly or jam and place it on top of the peanut butter layer in each cup. Make sure to spread it gently so it doesn’t mix too much with the peanut butter.
5. Add More Peanut Butter Mixture
Cover the jelly with another 1 ½ tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture. Smooth the tops using the back of a spoon so they look nice and even.
6. Top with Sea Salt
If you like a little salty touch, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cup. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweet flavors!
7. Freeze the Cups
Place the muffin tin in the freezer and let the cups freeze for at least 1 hour or until they are firm. Patience is key here, but it will be worth the wait!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once set, remove the cups from the freezer. Peel off the liners carefully and serve. You can keep any leftovers stored in the freezer or refrigerator to maintain their firmness. Enjoy your wholesome, delightful treat anytime you need a snack!
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give you a nice texture contrast, just keep in mind that it might make it a bit harder to layer smoothly. Mix it well to distribute the chunks evenly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peanut butter and jelly cups in an airtight container in the freezer for best results. They can last up to 2 months frozen, or in the fridge for about a week. Just remember to let them thaw a bit before enjoying, unless you like them frozen!
Can I Substitute the Coconut Oil?
Yes! If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use melted butter or any neutral oil. Keep in mind, using a different type of fat may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still work just fine!
What Other Fillings Can I Use Instead of Jelly?
Feel free to get creative! You can use fresh fruit puree, nut butter, or even a layer of chocolate ganache. Just remember to adjust the quantity to ensure it fits well within the cups!
