Keto Peanut Butter Cups

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published April 24, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

These keto peanut butter cups are my easy, 4-ingredient take on a Reese’s copycat, with a creamy peanut butter center wrapped in a sugar-free chocolate shell. They come together fast and hit that sweet, chocolatey craving without the carbs.

If you love Reese’s peanut butter cups but don’t love the sugar, this is the recipe I keep coming back to. These are my go-to keto dupe, and they honestly don’t take much time at all to make. I’ll usually make a big batch, stash them in the freezer, and just grab one whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving hits. They hold up great frozen and taste just as good, maybe even better straight from the freezer.

Batch of homemade keto peanut butter cups in white liners with glossy chocolate tops.

I actually came up with this recipe for my son because he went through a serious peanut butter cup phase… like, would eat the whole bag if I let him. I didn’t love the idea of all that sugar, so I started testing a homemade version that would still feel like a treat but fit into the way we eat. It took a little tweaking to get that classic balance of a firm chocolate shell with a creamy peanut butter center, but once I nailed it, these became a regular in our house.

What I love most…

  • Just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep.
  • No complicated steps, no special equipment, just melt, mix, and layer.
  • The peanut butter filling is smooth and rich without being overly sweet.
  • The sugar-free chocolate coating gives you that snap you expect from a peanut butter cup.
  • You can also control the sweetness level, which I prefer since a lot of store-bought versions lean way too sweet.

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Keto Peanut Butter Cups

Prep 10m Cook 5m Total 15m 18 servings

Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Line a muffin pan

Line an 18-cup muffin tin (or work in batches using a standard 12-cup pan) with paper cupcake liners.

Muffin tin lined with white paper cupcake liners arranged in rows for making peanut butter cups.
2
Melt chocolate

Melt half of the chocolate using a double boiler for more control or the microwave for speed. If using the microwave, add the chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth, about 3–4 rounds.

Bowl of melted chocolate with a whisk lifting glossy chocolate to show smooth consistency.
Tip Don’t overheat or the chocolate can seize and turn grainy.
Ingredients for this step
  • 8 oz sugar-free dark chocolate
3
Chocolate bottom

Spoon the melted chocolate into each liner, just enough to cover the bottom of all 18 cups. If needed, tap the pan firmly on the counter to spread the chocolate into an even layer. Place in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until set.

Muffin tin filled with a layer of melted chocolate in each liner forming the base of peanut butter cups.
Tip A cookie scoop helps keep portions even.
4
Peanut butter center

While that layer chills, beat together the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sweetener with a hand mixer for about 1 minute, until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Divide the peanut butter mixture evenly between the 18 cups, then tap the pan on the counter again to smooth it out. Freeze for another 15 minutes until firm.

Muffin tin with peanut butter filling scooped evenly into each chocolate-lined cup.
Ingredients for this step
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons powdered sugar-free sweetener
5
Final chocolate shell

Melt the remaining chocolate and spoon a small amount over each cup to cover the peanut butter layer.  Tap the pan after each addition to level the tops. Return to the freezer for a final 15 minutes, or until fully set.

Spoon adding a final layer of melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling in each cup.
Tip Work quickly, as the cold filling will cause the chocolate to set fast.
Ingredients for this step
  • 8 oz sugar-free dark chocolate
Nutrition Per Serving 1 peanut butter cup
144 Calories
13g Fat
3.6g Protein
4.5g Net Carbs
15.8g Total Carbs
18 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Keto Peanut Butter Cups

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peanut butter can I use?

Use a creamy, no sugar added peanut butter, ideally one where the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. This gives you the best texture and keeps the flavor clean without any added sugars or fillers.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, just use dairy-free sugar-free chocolate and skip any butter if your recipe includes it, or swap in coconut oil.

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Stack of keto peanut butter cups with one partially bitten, revealing the layered chocolate and peanut butter center.

Tips for the best texture (Don’t Skip This)

  • Use a creamy, no sugar added peanut butter… the kind with just peanuts and salt. If it’s too oily or runny, your filling won’t set right.
  • If your peanut butter is on the thinner side, add a little extra powdered sweetener to thicken it up so you get that classic firm but creamy center.
  • Don’t overheat the chocolate. Melt it slowly in short intervals and stir often, otherwise it can seize and turn grainy.
  • Tap the pan on the counter after each layer. This helps everything spread evenly so you don’t end up with lopsided cups.
  • Let each layer fully set before adding the next. Rushing this is how you get messy layers instead of clean, defined ones.
  • Keep the peanut butter layer cold before adding the top chocolate. This helps the chocolate set quickly and gives you that nice “snap” on top.
  • Store them in the freezer if you want that firm, Reese’s-style texture. The fridge will keep them softer.

Storage information

You’ve got a couple options here depending on how you like the texture:
  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’ll be softer and more creamy, especially the peanut butter center.
  • Freezer (my preference): Keep them in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. This gives you that firmer, classic peanut butter cup texture, and honestly… they’re perfect straight from the freezer.
  • Room temp: I don’t recommend leaving them out for long, especially if your kitchen is warm. The chocolate can soften and the layers won’t hold as well.
If you’re stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together. And if you’re like me, just keep a stash in the freezer so there’s always one ready when the craving hits.
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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