These inside out peanut butter cups are a fun twist on the classic candy treat! As they're made with twice as much peanut butter filling, they have more protein than a traditional cup. They are also lower in sugar!

I made these in an attempt to put a new spin on one of my husband's favorite treats, the classic peanut butter cup.
The taste is such a delicious surprise, and my husband is happy to have more protein in a scrumptious chocolate peanut butter package!
The peanut butter layers are a bit softer than the crisp chocolate layer, which creates a yummy contrast in texture.
These are also lower in sugar than your average peanut butter cup, so they won't cause a blood sugar crash post-consumption.
Ingredients and substitutions
Peanut butter layer
- Natural peanut butter - No sugar added! I like to use a salted, creamy variety.
- Coconut oil
- Maple syrup
- Sea salt
Chocolate layer
- Coconut oil
- Cocoa powder
- Maple syrup
- Sea salt
Recipe steps
Mix together the peanut butter and chocolate layers separately, in two bowls.
Add enough peanut butter layer to cover the bottom of a silicone muffin cup. Freeze the layer until hard, then add a spoonful of the chocolate mixture (enough to cover the peanut butter layer). Evenly distribute the chocolate mixture amongst all of the cups.
Freeze the chocolate layer until hard, then evenly distribute the last of the peanut butter layer across the six cups.
Freeze once more until the treat is solid.
Recipe notes
This recipe is modestly sweet. If you'd like a bit more sweetness, try adding a few drops of stevia to the mixtures.
These must be kept in the freezer or they will melt. If you bring them out, be prepared to eat them within a few minutes.
If you're searching for a sugar-free peanut butter cup, try my healthier Reese's cups! They're sweetened with stevia.
Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
PEANUT BUTTER LAYER:
- ยฝ cup creamy peanut butter no sugar added
- 2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- good pinch sea salt I use salted peanut butter and still add a pinch of salt; taste before adding.
CHOCOLATE LAYER:
- 3 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- good pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Begin with room temperature ingredients, otherwise the mixtures will clump.
- Mix together the ingredients for each layer in two separate bowls.
- Using six muffin cups, fill the bottom with enough of the peanut butter mixture to cover it.
- Freeze the cups until the first layer is hard enough to hold its shape (about 5-10 minutes).
- Top with the chocolate layer (divide it among the six cups equally).
- Freeze until hardened (5-10 minutes).
- Finish with the remaining peanut butter mix (again, divide it equally).
- Freeze until completely hardened (15-20 minutes).
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Julie Moore
These are pretty! They look like an ideal gift food, too. ๐ I was wondering if you'd like to link them up at our link-up party called Sweets For My Sweetie? They would be a GREAT addition! ๐ If you can't, I completely understand, but I thought I'd ask. Have a great week!
Lauren
Thanks Julie! I'll definitely link up with you! I'll head over there today. ๐
Julie Moore
Wonderful! ๐ I look forward to it! Thanks so much!
Julie
THESE LOOK SO YUM! Can't wait to try them. They are also one of my hubbie and daughters faves. Thanks for the recipe. Cheers.
Lauren
Thanks Julie! I hope you and your family enjoy them!
Christina
Great recipe! I'm very excited to make these! We just moved from Tucson (didn't find your blog until after the move - bummer) - I wish I was there to check out the new Whole Foods store. I used to go to the central Tucson location a few times a month (it was a bit far to shop there regularly). Thanks so much for sharing!
Lauren
Hi Christina! They've actually shut down the central store to do a re-model. I guess it's going to be some two-story monster when they're finished. It is too bad you won't be here to see it. I hope you enjoy the recipe! ๐
Christina
Wow! That's great! That store did need some help ๐ I'll have to let all of my friends and family know who live in Tucson. Thanks!
Christina
I just made these; they are amazing!!! I used a small heart shaped mold for chocolates as I didn't have any muffin cups. They make adorable little PB & Chocolate hearts. Love them. Thank you!
Lauren
That's awesome! Thanks for your feedback Christina! ๐
Alex @ therunwithin
whoa I need to show these to my friend, she will be in love
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Oh wow these are just gorgeous Lauren! I definitely want to try these!
I know how you feel about blogging- it just opens up so many doors and you meet the most wonderful people. Yourself included ๐
laurasmess
Hi Lauren! Your blog is absolutely beautiful... loving the delicious recipes and inspiration! These peanut butter cups look so refined. You're right, they could happily sit front and centre at a dinner party for everyone to devour with coffee! Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely be checking back in with you regularly ๐
Lauren
Hi Laura! Thank you for your sweet words, and thank you for visiting! ๐
Adrienne
These look amazing, I want to get out of bed right now and go downstairs and make them! Always love your recipes!
P.s. I nominated you for a Liebster Award on my blog yesterday! I'll be back for more great recipe ideas!
Lauren
Thank you so much Adrienne! I really appreciate it! ๐
Rachel @ Bakerita
These look so good!! Yummy. Definitely trying it. Such a good, healthier twist on a Reese's.
Lauren
Thank you! I hope you love them! ๐
sherry
Will be making these tonight!! Favorite way to eat peanut butter?? How else ... straight from the jar!!! ๐
Lauren
Haha, that's always a great snack option!
Cookie and Kate
Great guys are sure hard to come by, and I'm glad you found one! These peanut butter cups look so pretty and undoubtedly delicious. Yum.
Lauren
Thanks Kate!...your visit made my day! ๐
Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures' Make Your Own! Monday link-up.
Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! ๐
Marianne
Oh yum! My husband will love these! I'm thinking almond butter ๐
Frankie
Peanut butter cups are my favourite, was so stoked to find these! This recipe is now my favourite too, made them in under half an hour for a dinner party and every body loved them, thank you Lauren!
Lauren
That's awesome Frankie, I'm happy they were a hit! ๐
leah
Omg just made these and even my health food hating.husband loved them!!!! Thank u lauren love ur recipes!!!
Sheila
Is there a good sub for the maple syrup?
Lauren
Brown rice syrup or coconut nectar may work!
Lisa
I love that I get more peanut butter than chocolate with these, as I actually prefer that, lol!
Joe
Great recipe, I love peanut butter, so the more, the better!
Lea Freitas
Is it ok if I share (through a link) some of your recipes to my bakery FB page? People would be directed to your blog and then they could try these amazing treats too ๐
Lauren
Hi Lea,
That would be great, thank you!
June
Lauren, these look delicious! Do they hold up at room temperature?
Thank you!
June
Lauren
Hi June,
Sorry for the late reply, these would actually melt after being out of the freezer for a bit. That's due to the use of coconut oil. If you try cocoa butter, they would have a better chance of holding up! ๐