Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic No Bake Keto Peanut Butter Cups recipe is one of them. It takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the smell of melting chocolate and peanut butter meant something wonderful was about to happen. If you love simple, no-bake peanut butter treats, you might also enjoy these Chunky Monkey Banana Bites.
We didn’t call them “fat bombs” or “keto” back then. We just called them a treat. A little piece of happiness you could hold in your hand. Today, I want to share that same feeling with you, using simple ingredients that fit a modern lifestyle without losing that old-fashioned soul.
This is the kind of dessert that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It comes together in minutes, with no oven in sight. Just pure, nostalgic flavor that makes everyone smile.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Servings: 12 peanut butter cups
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
I can still see my grandma’s hands, steady and sure, spooning the peanut butter filling into those little paper liners. Her version, of course, was full of sugar. But the spirit of it—the joy of making something special from just a few pantry staples—that’s what I’ve held onto.
When I started looking for ways to enjoy those flavors without the sugar crash, I knew I had to find a way back to that feeling. This recipe is my tribute to her. It captures that creamy, salty-sweet magic we all love, but in a way that lets you enjoy it more often, guilt-free.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
The traditional way is all about balance and simplicity. It’s not about fancy techniques or hard-to-find items. It’s about letting two great flavors—rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter—shine together.
We keep it authentic by focusing on that perfect layered texture. A crisp chocolate shell, a soft peanut butter center, and another layer of chocolate to seal it all in. Using a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol lets us keep the classic sweetness without straying from a keto path. It’s the honest, homemade taste that matters most.
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Just like grandma, I believe in using what works. Every ingredient here has a job to do, creating that perfect bite.
- 1 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy, no-sugar-added peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons powdered erythritol
- 2 tablespoons softened butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A tiny pinch of fine sea salt
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
The process is wonderfully simple. It’s almost like a little kitchen ritual. Let’s get started.
No Bake Keto Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade No Bake Keto Peanut Butter Cups Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- First, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone liners. This makes everything so easy to remove later.
- Gently melt 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips. You can do this in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often until it’s smooth.
- Spoon a little melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Just enough to coat it. Then, pop the whole tin into the freezer for about 10 minutes to let it set hard.
- While that sets, make the filling. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered erythritol, vanilla, and that pinch of salt. Stir until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
- Take the tin from the freezer. Divide the peanut butter filling evenly among the cups, pressing it gently over the set chocolate layer.
- Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Carefully spoon it over the peanut butter layer, spreading it to the edges to seal the cup.
- Return the tin to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, until everything is firm. Then, they’re ready to enjoy!
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
After making these dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure they turn out perfect every single time.
First, make sure your peanut butter is well-stirred and at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly with the other filling ingredients without any oily separation. For another great use of peanut butter in a fun, portion-controlled snack, check out these Peanut Butter & Jelly Oat Cups.
Second, patience with the chilling is key. Let each chocolate layer get completely firm before adding the next. This gives you those beautiful, distinct layers that make a peanut butter cup so special.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
These little cups are perfect for making ahead. I like to keep a stash in the freezer for when a sweet craving hits.
Store them in a sealed container in the freezer for up to two months. You can eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer, almost ice-cream-like treat, or let them sit out for 5 minutes to soften slightly. They keep in the fridge for about a week, too.
Nutrition Notes
Since these are a keto-friendly treat, here’s a general idea of what you’re enjoying. Remember, values can vary based on your specific brands.
- Calories: ~120 per cup
- Fat: 11g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a couple of common questions I get about this family favorite.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter works beautifully here. Just make sure it’s the creamy, no-sugar-added kind. The flavor will be a little different, but just as comforting.
My chocolate is seizing or looks grainy. What happened?
This usually means a tiny bit of moisture got into the chocolate. To fix it, try stirring in a tiny bit more coconut oil or butter (about 1/2 teaspoon) as you melt it. This will often smooth it right out.
Is the erythritol necessary?
For the classic sweet taste, yes. But you can use another keto-friendly powdered sweetener you prefer. The powdered form blends into the filling much better than granulated, giving you that smooth texture we love.
I hope this recipe finds its way into your kitchen and becomes a new tradition. There’s something so special about sharing these simple, hand-held joys with the people you love. For another wholesome, baked treat that combines peanut butter and banana, these Irresistible Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are always a hit.
It’s more than just a no-bake dessert. It’s a little piece of memory, made fresh. I’d love to hear if this recipe brings back memories for you, or how your family enjoyed it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and please leave a rating if you give it a try!
