Easy Recipe for Homemade Almond Butter Cups

Chocolate and almond butter are a classic pairing—one smooth and nutty, the other rich and deep. Thrive Market’s version of almond butter cups captures that pairing with simplicity and elegance: creamy almond butter centers encased in a crisp coating of dark chocolate, with just a sprinkle of salt on top. It’s a dessert that looks indulgent but is crafted with clean ingredients.

Because it uses only almond butter, maple syrup, raw honey, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt, and dark chocolate (plus salt as a finish), this recipe aligns naturally with gluten-free, paleo, and clean-ingredient sensibilities. There’s no flour, no processed sugars, no dairy—just a handful of quality ingredients brought together to elevate a candy classic.

Almond butter cups are perfect for when you crave dessert but want control over what you eat—no hidden additives, no compromises. They make excellent gifts, snack treats, or ending to a delicious meal that’s not overly heavy.

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Homemade Almond Butter Cups

Recipe Details

Yield: 24 chocolates
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours

Almond Butter Cup Ingredients

For the almond butter filling:

• 1 cup almond butter
• Scant 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the chocolate coating:

• 11 ounces dark chocolate
• Maldon salt, for topping

How to Make Almond Butter Cups

1. Line a mini cupcake tin with mini baking cups.
2. Combine all the ingredients for the almond butter filling (almond butter, maple syrup, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt) in a medium bowl and stir until well combined and smooth.
3. Make small teaspoon-sized balls of almond mixture and place in center of each baking cup.
4. Place dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of boiling water to melt. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water.
5. Pour melted chocolate over almond mixture to fill flush with top line of baking cups.
6. Place in freezer or fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set.
7. When firm and ready to serve, sprinkle with Maldon salt.

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Almond Butter Cups Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per chocolate (recipe yields 24 chocolates). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 chocolate
Calories	≈ 120 kcal
Protein	≈ 3 g
Carbs	≈ 10 g
Sugar	≈ 7 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 9 g

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Almond Butter Cups Variations & Tips

• Nut butter swap: Use cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nut profile or nut-free version (if safe).
• Sweetener tweaks: Replace part of the honey or maple syrup with monk fruit syrup or another low-glycemic sweetener to lighten sugar load.
• Chocolate layering: Pour a thin base of chocolate first, freeze slightly, then add the almond filling, top with more chocolate — helps create clean layers.
• Salt finish: Use coarse sea salt or flaked salt on top for contrast—Maldon salt is a beautiful option (used in the original).
• Texture adjustment: Chill the almond butter filling before coating so it holds shape better under warm chocolate.
• Mini or standard size: Use mini liners for bite-sized cups or standard liners for more indulgent servings.
• Flavor infusion: Add a drop of almond extract, orange zest, or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for nuance.

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Best Almond Butter Cup Pairings

• Black coffee or espresso: Bitterness cuts through sweetness and enhances chocolate notes.
• Almond milk or nut milkshake: Echoes the nut butter flavor while softening sweetness.
• Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries): Brightness contrasts the richness of chocolate.
• Sea salt or flaky salt on the side: For those who like to add extra salt bite per piece.
• Dark chocolate shards or cocoa nibs: Crunchy texture duo to match the soft centers.

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When to Make and Share Almond Butter Cups

• Holiday dessert boxes: Pack into cellophane or small boxes for festive gifting.
• Potluck sweet tables: Easy to transport and serve in small paper liners.
• Afternoon tea or coffee breaks: Serve alongside coffee or tea as a small treat.
• Birthday or celebrations: Use these instead of or alongside typical candy or chocolate platters.
• Homemade gift exchange: Bundles of cups tied with ribbon make an elegant edible gift.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont