Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
During my postpartum journey, I wanted to create a treat that would not only satisfy my sweet cravings but also support my health and recovery goals. These homemade peanut butter cups were the perfect solution! They’re packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great little snack to fuel my body during this important time.
This homemade peanut butter cup recipe is so versatile—if you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can easily swap it for any nut butter you prefer, like almond or cashew butter. You can also adjust the sweetness to your taste by replacing maple syrup with honey or another sweetener of your choice. If dark chocolate isn’t your thing, feel free to use milk chocolate instead for a sweeter, creamier flavor. These treats are not only delicious but also nourishing, making them the ideal postpartum snack as I continue to focus on my health.
If you prefer to learn by watching, check out our YouTube video with step by step instructions on how to make Homemade Peanut Butter Cups.
How Can Homemade Peanut Butter Cups be "Healthy"?
Protein is a crucial nutrient, especially during the postpartum period when the body is healing and recovering. Good quality nut butter, such as peanut, almond, or cashew butter, is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which helps repair tissues, build muscle, and support immune function. I highly recommend finding nut butter that does not contain seed oils.
In addition to protein, nut butters are rich in healthy fats that promote heart health and keep you feeling full and satisfied, which is helpful when navigating the demands of new motherhood. The protein in nut butter also supports muscle recovery and provides long-lasting energy, making it a great addition to any snack, especially when combined with other nutrient-dense ingredients.
Good quality dark chocolate is not only delicious but also packed with beneficial compounds. Dark chocolate, especially those with 70% or higher cocoa content, contains antioxidants known as flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support brain function. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. Dark chocolate also provides mood-boosting compounds like serotonin and endorphins, which can be especially helpful during the emotional ups and downs of postpartum recovery. Additionally, dark chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that plays a role in muscle and nerve function, making it a nutrient-dense treat that supports overall well-being.
Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, offers more than just sweetness. It is packed with beneficial minerals, including manganese, zinc, and calcium, which play a key role in bone health, immune function, and antioxidant defense. Unlike refined sugars, maple syrup has a lower glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t spike blood sugar as quickly, making it a better option for sustained energy. It also contains a variety of polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may support heart health. By using maple syrup in homemade peanut butter cups, you’re not just adding sweetness but also contributing to a more nutrient-dense treat that supports overall health and wellness.
Why Should You Avoid Seeds Oils?
Seed oils, such as soybean, sunflower, and canola oil, are often added to commercial nut butters to enhance texture, extend shelf life, and reduce costs. However, these oils are highly processed and rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation and imbalance in the body’s omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. This imbalance may increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders.
Additionally, seed oils often undergo refinement at high temperatures, which can degrade their nutritional value and introduce harmful compounds. Choosing nut butters made with minimal ingredients and free from added seed oils ensures that you’re getting a healthier, more natural product with the full benefits of the nuts themselves—rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins—without unnecessary additives.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Equipment
- 1 Muffin Pan
- 12 Muffin Liners
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cups Nut Butter Avoid seed oils
- .25 Cups Maple Syrup Could substitute honey
- 1 Cup Pulverized Rolled Oats Use your food processor to pulverize
- 1 Cup Chocolate Dark chocolate preferred, but milk chocolate would work
- 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil Optional
Instructions
- Line muffin pan with muffin liners.
- Pulverize oats in food processor.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil on stove.
- Mix nut butter, oats, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Press nut butter mixture into muffin liners.
- Pour chocolate mixture on top.
- Freeze for 30 minutes or up to several hours.
- Enjoy frozen or at room temp!
