Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole club was looking at her…yeah that’s how these Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups are, they are like that good. I also have that song stuck in my head because my boyfriend Brad has been obsessed with Pitch Perfect 2. Like obsessed. It’s both hilarious and annoying at the same time. I’ve been documenting it on Snapchat. These peanut butter cups are also kinda like that old Reese’s commercial where the panicked lady shouts, “You got chocolate in my peanut butter!” So like both of those things. And now these cups have me wanting to make everything inside out. Is that even a thing? Like could you do inside out cake with the frosting on the inside? (Writing that idea down) or like an ice cream cone, inside a scoop of ice cream? I feel like we could sit around and talk about this subject for hours, while we’re eating these Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups, of course.
So while we’re on the subject, yes I made these with peanut butter. Actual real life peanut butter. All the Paleo people are probably losing their ish, but this is me not caring at all. I eat peanut butter every single day. Yes, you read that right, and *gasp* I’m still alive to tell the tale.
I think of food as fuel, not a moral dilemma.
Personally I have no issues whatsoever when it comes to eating peanut butter, I feel great in fact. I realize this may not be the case for everyone, so do you boo boo, do you. If you’re still on the almond butter train, party on Wayne. You can totally make this recipe with almond butter as well and it will come out quite delicious. Just not like peanut butter delicious. I know you feel me on that one.
I’ve followed a Paleo-ish template for about 3 years now. If I have to eat one more bite of almond butter I’m going to scream. I’m so sick of almond butter that I can’t see straight. Just the thought of it makes me want to gag. I’ve definitely done the 30-day super strict Paleo, and sugar detoxes, and loved them for what they were and used them as a learning tool to see how different foods affect me.
When I first started eating Paleo, I read a REALLY great article that has stuck with me all these years. It was written by this awesome chick, and it was basically about how to eat Paleo, and still enjoy life. I wish I could find that article, but I can’t because I’m a crappy blogger, so let me just paraphrase it for you. She basically said that there are certain things in life that she really enjoyed eating, so much so, that she just wasn’t willing to give them up. She felt that if she could just choose 3 things that were “Non-Negotiables”, then not only would it be easier to eat healthy and reach her goals, but it would also make life more enjoyable. Her 3 foods were: straight up legit flavored CoffeeMate, hydrogenated oil, artificial flavors, and all. Number 2 was peanut butter, and 3…3, well I forgot what 3 was for but (name that song), maybe hummus or wine, (see…worst blogger ever). The point is she was fine giving up all other foods, she just needed these 3 to survive.
This stuck with me because it hit so close to home. I could care less about CoffeeMate, but peanut butter?! Yes please. So my 3 I think would definitely have to be chocolate, peanut butter, and Canyon Bakehouse gluten-free bread. Honestly, wine would be tied with the chocolate and is pretty much “only on the weekends” type of thing, unless it’s a special occasion, but the peanut butter and gluten-free bread are daily, because I really, really enjoy them. I also don’t have any negative side effects when eating these foods. And I think I’m just happier in general knowing that I’m eating food that’s right for me, instead of not eating something just because a popular book or article says I shouldn’t. I’m not Paleo and I’m telling everyone.
Please note: this doesn’t work if your 3 foods are pizza, donuts, and Taco Bell. Mmm-kay. Just gonna leave that right here.
So when I decided to make this treat, I was this close (doing the little pinch thingy with my thumb and index finger) to using almond butter. The reason was two-fold: A. I wouldn’t eat any leftovers because I’m going through my “I despise almond butter” phase and B. It’s Paleo and I write a sort of Paleo-ish blog and stuff. Then I had an epiphany and I was like, no almond butter, bye Felicia. I’m going to use peanut butter and I’m going to enjoy every second of it. From the sticky sweet smell still left in my nostrils, to the remnants left underneath my fingernails. The first bite I took of these Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups was glorious. And the best part was, no almond butter. It tasted just like an inside out Reese’s. Perfect. One of the quotes I would always write in my cookbook during book signings was, “Life’s short. Eat dessert.” Maybe I should change it to, “Life’s short, eat peanut butter.” haha. I’m funny.
I’m so curious now, what are your 3 things? Do you even have 3 things? What are they!!?! tell me!!! So total side note, I deleted the Facebook app off my phone. I’m so irritated at Facebook right now. Maybe I should just go through and “hide” everyone’s posts. Is that mean? I guess I don’t really care. I find myself scrolling and getting so irritated at people. It’s all either clickbate, Facebook ads, humble bragging, or political stuff. I feel like Marty McFly in Back to the Future II when he first gets out of the Delorean and things are jumping out at him every two seconds, like the Jaws 19 movie ad, and he has no idea what’s going on. That’s literally what Facebook has become to me. Now granted, there are a select few people on there whom I truly enjoy following because they post great stuff or have really insightful things to say and I appreciate that. So I don’t want to delete it completely. Also, what’s up with the Facebook memories stuff? The only thing I’ve learned from it is that the Vanessa circa 2008-2010 was not very cool, but thought she was, and her status updates sucked. Ew. Ironically right after I deleted the app I wanted to update my Facebook status telling everyone about it…
- 1 cup (285g) creamy salted peanut butter or almond butter
- ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons melted raw honey
- ½ (100g) cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (60 ml) canned full-fat coconut milk
- Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with 9 silicone baking liners. Set aside. Heat peanut butter in a microwave safe dish for 45 seconds to 1 minute or until it has a semi-liquid consistency and becomes pourable. Slowly drizzle the melted coconut oil into the heated peanut butter while stirring. Then mix in the melted honey. At this point the peanut butter mixture should be a liquid consistency.
- Use a spoon to transfer a small amount of the peanut butter mixture to the bottom of each silicone liner. Use the back of the spoon to spread the mixture across the bottom of each liner or swirl the liner until the bottom is evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture, about an 1/8 (3 mm) of an inch thick. Freeze the liners in the pan for 15 minutes or until set. While the peanut butter is setting, prepare the chocolate center.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut milk in a double boiler over low heat or in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir frequently, using a rubber spatula, until the chocolate and coconut milk are completely melted and combined. Remove from heat and let cool until it’s close to room temperature. If the chocolate mixture is too warm it will melt the peanut butter in the bottom of the liners.
- Once the chocolate has cooled down, remove the lined cupcake pan from the freezer. Use a spoon to transfer a dollop of chocolate, about the size of a tablespoon, into the center of each peanut butter bottom, leaving room on the top and sides. Repeat this method for the remaining liners. Then use a spoon to pour the remaining peanut butter mixture into each liner, filling it and completely covering the sides and top of the chocolate center. Fill until the peanut butter mixture reaches about an 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the top of the liner. Freeze the completed pan for 20 minutes or until set.
- An alternate method to make these cups would be to spoon about a tablespoon or so of the melted peanut butter mixture into each liner, one liner at a time. Pick up the liner and twirl it slowly in a circle, coating the bottom and sides evenly, about 3/4 of the way up the side of the liner, or use a spoon to pull the peanut butter mixture up the sides, evenly coating it. Freeze the completed pan for 10 minutes or until the peanut butter is set. Repeat this same process one more time to thicken the peanut butter coating. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled down, remove the pan from the freezer. Use a spoon to fill each peanut butter cup with the chocolate mixture. Fill to just below the peanut butter line, or about 1/8 inch (3 mm) below. Then use a spoon to pour and spread the remaining melted peanut butter mixture across the top of the chocolate center, even with the peanut butter line. Freeze the completed pan for 20 minutes or until set.
- Remove the silicone liners. Enjoy right away or allow to thaw at room temperature for about 3-5 minutes. Store covered in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- I gave you two methods for making this recipe because there isn’t just one way to make it. Both ways will work, and one isn't necessarily better than than the other, I just like to give you options!
Lauren
June 16, 2016 at 5:59 am (7 years ago)This sounds delicious! If I had to pick 3 things it would be wine, chocolate and pizza. I indulge in all occasionally. I still love peanut butter too but most of the time I use cashew butter.
Vanessa Barajas
June 16, 2016 at 2:48 pm (7 years ago)I feel you on the pizza too! 🙂 Good picks! Mainly because they are also mine. haha! 🙂
Bethany
June 16, 2016 at 11:59 am (7 years ago)I love it when high-profile bloggers like yourself step out and say, hey, it’s OKAY to not follow a 100% strict paleo diet all the time. I think it is such a healthy attitude and it really helps those of us who maybe have orthorexic tendencies (as I do).
I also love peanut butter. Nothing tastes as good as peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a marriage made in heaven.
My 3 foods that I won’t give up: Zevia soda, crunchy peas (roasted, salted peas I get in the bulk bins at Sprouts. Crunchy, salty, and fabulous!), and ice cream. Take that, Paleo Police! ;-D
Vanessa Barajas
June 16, 2016 at 2:50 pm (7 years ago)I totally agree! There is literally nothing on Earth that compares to peanut butter and chocolate together! I’m happy that Paleo is entering the age of “do what works for you”. I think a lot of people are starting to realize that there’s no one size fits all when it comes to health and nutrition! It’s definitely a breath of fresh air. Crunchy peas sound awesome! And ice cream, yeessss, that would totally be my number 4. 🙂
Allison
June 17, 2016 at 3:13 pm (7 years ago)Yesssss, easiest question ever: peanut butter, mac & cheese, and Steve’s Burnt Vanilla Sugar ice cream (it’s coconut milk but by no means Paleo). Really any of Steve’s ice creams, dairy or non dairy, are out of this world. Speculoo’s Cookie Butter ice cream, anyone??
Allison
June 17, 2016 at 3:15 pm (7 years ago)Also, I just made a chocolate peanut butter swirl with peanut butter graham cracker crumble ice cream this afternoon that sounds right up your alley! Us chocolate peanut butter people have to stick together!
Vanessa Barajas
June 20, 2016 at 1:23 pm (7 years ago)UM, I NEED THAT ICE CREAM IN MY LIFE! It sounds incredible! I can’t wait to make more ice cream recipes this summer, ice cream is SO fun! Yay for PB & Chocolate people!
erin
June 17, 2016 at 3:21 pm (7 years ago)thanks, vanessa! can’t wait to try these! My three are popcorn, cheese, and chickpeas (cause I love a good hummus!)
Vanessa Barajas
June 20, 2016 at 1:21 pm (7 years ago)Popcorn would totally be on my list too! I love love it. And I feel like in the grand scheme of things, you could do way worse! Am I right?! 😉 I love hummus, but I can’t eat it, I get SO gassy, it’s unbearable! (gah, TMI!!!) 😉
Jasmine King
June 17, 2016 at 5:51 pm (7 years ago)Can I just say how much I love you, ish and all! And, Facebook totally sucks. I keep it because the last time I got rid of it peeps and homies were thinking I was suicidal or somethin. And the Oscar goes to…. My three are,gluten free bread, peanut butter, and Mexican food with chips and corn tortillas. Okay so that’s like ten but I hate math. Oh, I love your face.
Love,
Tall
Vanessa Barajas
June 20, 2016 at 1:18 pm (7 years ago)Tall! I love your face! Lol, right, you get rid of Facebook and immediately something is wrong with you! It’s like no, you just post crap that no one cares about and want to abolish my 2nd amendment rights, and vote for people that are complete idiots and I can’t take it anymore! ha! *rant over*. I miss you! Dude fam, I feel you with that Mexican food tho! I’m all about that corn chip life…and popcorn. Oh yeah….come visit me soon so we can eat and watch chick flicks!
sondra
June 20, 2016 at 10:24 am (7 years ago)Just list 3? Not the healthiest – Cream cheese frosting, cannoli filling, warm brownies
Vanessa Barajas
June 20, 2016 at 1:18 pm (7 years ago)Oh yum, cream cheese frosting! My favorite!
Kathy Rae
June 20, 2016 at 11:00 am (7 years ago)While the instructions state to use silicon liners, the images show parchment liners. Can you use parchment?
Vanessa Barajas
June 20, 2016 at 1:15 pm (7 years ago)I prefer silicone because they are so easy to use, they peel right away. The parchment liners were more for food styling purposes, but would definitely work! Even paper or foil liners would work, they may just be more tricky to remove.
Misha
June 20, 2016 at 3:05 pm (7 years ago)Just made these with my 8 year old daughter, and now the kids are “helping” to “clean” the chocolate bowl and pb mix bowl. It’s a hard life. Haha!
Vanessa Barajas
June 20, 2016 at 3:23 pm (7 years ago)Rough life for sure! That’s always the best part of baking with Mom, you know she’s going to let you lick the bowl! 🙂 Enjoy!
Clarissa
June 20, 2016 at 7:15 pm (7 years ago)These look fantastic! As soon as I am done being treated for SIBO, I am making them! They’d probably also be so good if you put jam in the middle, so it’s inside out PB&J!
Vanessa Barajas
June 21, 2016 at 1:34 pm (7 years ago)Great idea! 🙂
Dana
June 21, 2016 at 1:47 pm (7 years ago)1 – pb&j sandwiches 2 – beer 3 – chips & salsa That was actually really difficult. I love CARBS!!!! (and I love your blog and this recipe 😀 )
Vanessa Barajas
June 21, 2016 at 4:23 pm (7 years ago)Haha, carbs rule, right?! Chips and Salsa would totally be in my Top 5, and beer, pretty much all alcohol. Haha, like I think I should just change the wine one on my list to all alcohol in general. Lol. Glad you like the blog and are enjoying this recipe! 🙂
Brittany
June 24, 2016 at 7:49 pm (7 years ago)This might be a dumb question but I get so confused about canned coconut milk!!! Are we supposed to use the thick stuff that separates to the top or shake it? (Yes, like a salt shaker)
Also, my 3: ice cream, sushi, and Vietnamese food (rice noodles aren’t terrible for you, right??)
Vanessa Barajas
June 27, 2016 at 9:56 am (7 years ago)Totally not a dumb question! It’s just the liquid canned coconut milk. Usually if a recipe calls for the cream on top, it will specify for it to be put it in the fridge and then scraped off. 🙂 Otherwise just use the stuff room temp. but still shake it up (like a Polaroid picture) in case there has been any separation. 🙂 Sushi FOR SURE! I have to have it at least once a week!
Trbobitch
June 27, 2016 at 8:54 am (7 years ago)The funny thing is, my 3 non-Paleo things are actually still super healthy (and mostly revolve around dairy)- Cheese (there is just no way in hell I am giving up cheese, it’s just silly), raw milk (again, not giving up milk, no freaking way, plus, studies show people who consume full fat dairy actually have BETTER blood-sugar profiles), REAL ketchup (ok, not Heinz-real but the stuff with SUGAR in it (2 whole grams), I just can’t do the homemade or Tessemaes). These were all things that I learned I cannot be without when I did Whole30. Coconut milk in coffee – YUCK!
Trbobitch
June 27, 2016 at 8:56 am (7 years ago)Oh, and potatoes. WHITE potatoes. With copious amounts of butter and sour cream (can you tell I love dairy?). Mashed CAULIFLOWER??!?!?! BLECH!
Vanessa Barajas
June 27, 2016 at 9:58 am (7 years ago)Hahaha I know, dairy is SO good! I definitely still eat it from time to time because…cheese and ice cream. Haha. And yes! Heinz ketchup, there is no ketchup on the planet that’s better. Fact. White potatoes are so boss! I’m definitely a fan as well! 🙂
Missy
June 28, 2016 at 8:47 pm (7 years ago)I need these in my life!!! I mostly eat paleo food, but peanut butter is also on my top 3 list. Peanut butter, tortilla chips, and taco shells. Just corn in general even though my body hates it and I have regrets every time I eat it. Now I want grits and cornbread. Sheesh.
Vanessa Barajas
June 28, 2016 at 11:25 pm (7 years ago)I know!!! Corn is SO good! I’m the same. Like once every 2-3 weeks I need corn chips or popcorn. It’s a must! You have to make this recipe! It’s just got so much peanut butter! 🙂
Sarah Westphal
September 6, 2016 at 5:09 pm (7 years ago)This recipe! My two favourites! The first thing I make after this September Whole30.
My 3 things are: coffee, chocolate and peanut butter. Ameretto/booze if there was a 4th.
Questions:
-Is this used with natural peanut butter?
-Can I make this into a fudge? (I’m really lazy and all those cups look like hard work!)
Thanks!
Sarah
Vanessa Barajas
September 8, 2016 at 2:49 pm (7 years ago)Hi Sarah! Our 3 things are totally the same, hahaha, I’m like peanut butter, chocolate, booze…give it all to me!
To answer your questions, I did not use a natural peanut butter, I used the Earth Balance Creamy Peanut Butter w/ Flaxseed. It’s my favorite. I mean the ingredients aren’t too crazy bad (Peanuts, flaxseed, peanut oil, agave syrup, palm fruit oil, and salt.), but it’s definitely not the type you’d grind yourself at Whole Foods. I like this peanut butter the best because it tastes just life Jiff or Skippy and that’s what I like. Another good brand is Justin’s. Their peanut butter is a bit more natural like and cleaner ingredients.
As for making fudge, yes! Absolutely! Just line an 8×8 glass pan or even a loaf pan with parchment paper, then alternate layers, first a chocolate, then a peanut butter, then freeze. It will soften as it comes to room temp, so when serving maybe cut off a few pieces and then stick the rest back in the freezer. Let me know how it goes!
Sarah
September 9, 2016 at 6:24 pm (7 years ago)LOL! I love it! Yes, into my mouth all-at-once!
I live in New Brunswick, Canada (right above Maine)with my man and our 4 kids (ages 6,4,3 and 2) and unfortunately we don’t have a Whole Foods or Justins handy but I may have seen that brand before. I will keep my eyes out.
I will definitely try out that as a fudge and let you know! Ill also need friends around to share because…I do not have an off switch with it comes to sweets 🙂
Love your stuff!
Sarah
Vanessa Barajas
September 12, 2016 at 2:27 pm (7 years ago)You can also order on Amazon and have it shipped to you! 🙂
Holly S
October 11, 2016 at 11:43 am (7 years ago)Vanessa I am going to make these today, as I saw your book on PaleOMG and love a book of desserts! My paleo desserts haven’t been good so I’m hoping yours will be- they LOOK amazing !! I live in SD too- i hear ya about the non-fall weather. I TOTALLY agree w your thoughts on FB! I have said the exact same thing!!! Thank you for this recipe!!!
Vanessa Barajas
October 17, 2016 at 4:06 pm (7 years ago)Hey Holly!
First of all PaleOMG is my favorite in the whole wide world. Second of all, I hope you grab a copy of my book because you will LOVE it! The whole reason I started my blog and wrote my book was because every paleo dessert I tried was meh. I wanted REAL TASTING dessert so I set out to make it and I think I’ve succeed in the task fairly well! I also hope that you make THESE! They are SO good. I had to hide mine in the freezer from myself. Haha. 🙂
GILLIAN
October 20, 2016 at 7:50 pm (7 years ago)Made these tonight and omg…so amazing. I am a major peanut butter fan but, it doesn’t agree all that much with me. I used sunflower butter and they were beyond delicious.
Vanessa Barajas
October 21, 2016 at 11:47 am (7 years ago)Yay! So happy to hear they were just as awesome with sunbutter! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sarah
October 30, 2016 at 5:56 pm (7 years ago)God bless you for making these with peanut butter. I’m intolerant of gluten and dairy, so those are never options for me, but I’ve figured out that there are other “non-paleo” foods that I can tolerate really well, like peanuts, beans, etc. I think my 3 things would be tortilla chips (but only really good ones, not that brand whose name I can’t think of but that are everywhere. Rhymes with Dorito’s? I would be a worse blogger than you!), and…something else? Maybe chickpeas because I can make so many things out of them beyond just hummus. Like socca.
TLDR: I’m excited to make these with peanut butter!
Vanessa Barajas
October 30, 2016 at 10:13 pm (7 years ago)Haha! I’m so happy to have another peanut butter lover out there! I think a lot of people tolerate peanut butter just fine, but get so caught up in the paleo dogma! Tortilla chips!!! YES!!! With guac! ahhhh! So good!
Katie
September 18, 2017 at 1:01 pm (6 years ago)New to your site, can’t wait to try these!
My three: dairy (as in cheese, milk, and yogurt) I have no intolerance and I love that ish, pre-made condiments though I try to find ones without all the extra sugar and crap added in, and gum lol…Otherwise, I find Paleo super easy to stick to. I may have a cheat meal on a rare occasion b/c who doesn’t love mexican with cheese dip and white sauce or a blizzard from Dairy Queen?!
Vanessa Barajas
September 19, 2017 at 8:59 am (6 years ago)Haha! The other day I was just saying how I would kill for a Blizzard from Dairy Queen! ha! Rock on with your bad self!
Heather
November 30, 2017 at 8:02 pm (6 years ago)Okay, if you’re still paying attention to this posting… my 3 things… if I can sum it up are: 1. peanut butter [almond and sunflower are no substitute], 2. green and black tea, even though some are artificially and naturally flavored, sometimes a little bit sweetened with honey [which I’ve been having to do for about a couple days now, I was getting too tired from an overload of sugars, despite the honey being raw]; and 3. … 3. … it’s a tied with a few other things, like sugar overloaded candies with corn syrup, though I know it’s EVIL!!! 🙂 I love legumes, esp chickpeas, and gluten laden cookies, IF only I could get away with it… I’m still reminded of these m&m cookies that Sam’s Club has… Oh, and along with #3 is M&M’s esp. the minis…. I LOVE the minis… so much yummier than the bigger ones… just wish they didn’t come with all those artificial coloring… nor Soy… garrrrr!!!!
Vanessa Barajas
December 1, 2017 at 1:46 pm (6 years ago)Of course I’m still paying attention! hahaha! I love this topic! I agree with you 1000% on the peanut butter, everything else is just a waste of time. Don’t get me started on Peanut M&M’s. They have them at my office and at 3pm everyday they call my name…and the battle begins. Ugh. Haha. Thanks for sharing! 😀