Healthy Dark Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups

Indulge in these decadent Healthy Vegan Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups that are as delicious as they are nutritious. These delicious homemade Sunbutter cups feature rich dark chocolate, a creamy Sunbutter layer, and a delicious homemade vegan caramel layer for the ultimate easy and simple treat. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

Chocolate and SunButter is a perfect combination of rich sweetness and salty nuttiness (that is nut-free, of course). I love combining these flavors in my Healthy Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake and my Healthy Nut-Free Lunch Lady Bars, and now these delicious sunflower seed butter cups are the perfect quick and easy treat.

This post is sponsored by SunButter - A company that aligns with The All Natural Vegan Mission. Thank you for supporting brands that make The All Natural Vegan Possible!

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Jump to:

• ​Homemade SunButter Cups Ingredients:
• How To Make These Dark Chocolate SunButter Cups:
• Substitutions:
• Variations:
• Equipment:
• Storage:
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• More Healthy Vegan Sweets:
• Healthy Dark Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups
• Related SunButter Recipes:

​Homemade SunButter Cups Ingredients:

These chocolate cups are a great treat. They are made with simple ingredients that you can pick up at your local grocery store.

• Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips - Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips that are naturally sweetened with unrefined sweeteners such as maple syrup, coconut sugar, or medjool dates. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants; dark chocolate can improve heart health and brain function while also being a satisfying, lower-sugar treat.
• SunButter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter - Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative to nut butters, offering a rich, creamy texture without added sugars. Sunflower Seed Butter is rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s a nutritious alternative to peanut butter and perfect for those with nut allergies.
• Date Syrup - A natural sweetener made from medjool dates. It is mixed with the coconut butter to create the caramel layer. Date syrup is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
• Coconut Butter - This is combined with the date syrup to create a creamy and buttery healthy vegan caramel. Coconut Butter provides healthy fats that are great for energy and metabolism, with a creamy texture that enhances the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract - Adds flavor to the vegan caramel with minimal calories and has antioxidant properties.
• Puffed Millet or Quinoa -  A gluten-free grain that adds crunch and is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and protein.
• Sea Salt - Adding a pinch of salt to the top of these sunbutter cups adds the perfect amount of flavor. Sea Salt contains essential minerals and helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. I recommend using flaky sea salt on top of each cup to enhance the overall look of the SunButter cups.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How To Make These Dark Chocolate SunButter Cups:

These dark chocolate sun cups are my favorite snack at the moment because they satisfy my sweet tooth and are surprisingly filling due to the plant-based protein. 

1. Prepare the Chocolate Layer:
   • Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
   • Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cup mold  (silicone molds work best) or lined muffin pans. Spread evenly to cover the bottom.
   • Place the molds in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate layer.
2. Add SunButter Filling:
   • ​Add dollops of the sunbutter on top of the chocolate and place back in the freezer while you make the vegan caramel.
3. Make the Caramel Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine the coconut butter, date syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
   • Remove the molds from the freezer. Spoon a small amount of the caramel mixture onto the set SunButter layer. Spread it evenly but leave a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle a layer of puffed millet over the caramel sunbutter mixture to add crunch.
4. Top with remaining Melted Chocolate:
   • Re-melt the remaining chocolate if needed. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and puffed millet, making sure to completely cover them.
   • Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles and to level the top layer of chocolate.
5. Add a Touch of Sea Salt:
   • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cup for a delightful contrast with the sweet filling.
6. Set the Cups:
   • Place the molds back in the freezer for at least 20 minutes or until the cups are fully set.
7. Enjoy:
   • Once set, pop the cups out of the molds and enjoy your Healthy Vegan Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups!

Hint: If you like your chocolate softer, you can add a little bit of coconut oil to the chocolate chips when you melt them to ensure that the chocolate is easy to bite into. 

@theallnaturalvegan

Indulge in these decadent Healthy Vegan Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups that are as delicious as they are nutritious. These delicious homemade @SunButter cups feature rich dark chocolate, a creamy Sunbutter layer, and a delicious homemade vegan caramel layer for the ultimate easy and simple treat. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Comment RECIPE and I’ll send it to you! #healthytreats #healthyfood #healthysweets #healthyrecipes #chocolate #chocolatelover #sunbutter #nutfree #allergenfree #allergenfriendly

♬ Bed Chem - Sabrina Carpenter

Substitutions:

There are plenty of easy and healthy substitutions that can be made to this homemade SunButter cups recipe. 

• Nut Butter - you can use any nut butter in place of the SunButter if needed. Almond butter, peanut butter, and raw cashew butter are all great choices if you don't have allergies to tree nuts. 
• Grains - You can use any puffed grain in place of the puffed millet if needed/desired. 
• Syrup - Although I strongly recommend using date syrup to create the homemade vegan caramel, you can use other natural sweeteners in its place. Maple syrup, agave nectar, and chicory root syrup. 

If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed, leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!

Variations:

There are plenty of delicious ways that you can mix up this SunButter cups recipe. Here are some of my favorite variations to make. 

• Sunflower Seeds - You can mix sunflower seeds into melted chocolate for a delicious added crunch.
• Extra Sweet - If you prefer these cups to be extra sweet, you can add cane sugar or powdered sugar to the SunButter layer to increase the sweetness and create a thicker layer.
• Less Sweet - You can use unsweetened chocolate in place of the dark chocolate chips for an unsweetened version of these cups. 

Equipment:

To make these delicious and nutritious sunbutter cups, you'll need the following equipment:

1. Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the dark chocolate chips. A double boiler ensures even melting without burning the chocolate, while a microwave-safe small bowl is convenient for quick melting.
2. Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients for the caramel filling and melting the chocolate.
3. Silicone Liners or Muffin Tin: Silicone molds are ideal because they make it easy to pop the cups out once they are set. If using a muffin tin, you may want to line it with paper liners for easy removal.
4. Spoon or Spatula: For spreading the melted chocolate and the caramel sunbutter mixture evenly in the molds.
5. Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring the ingredients.

As always, you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my Shop page.

Storage:

Proper storage of your Healthy Vegan Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them:

In the Refrigerator:

1. Use an Airtight Container: Place the sunbutter cups in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The sunbutter cups will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

In the Freezer:

1. Use a Freezer-Safe Container: Place the sunbutter cups in a single layer in a freezer-safe airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking is necessary.
2. Freeze: Store the container in the freezer. The sunbutter cups can be frozen for up to three months.
3. Thaw Before Eating: When you're ready to enjoy them, let the sunbutter cups thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.

Tips:

• Label and Date: If freezing, label the container with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• Portion Control: Consider storing the sunbutter cups in individual portions to make it easier to grab a quick treat.

By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your Healthy Vegan Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you want a delicious, healthy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

More Healthy Vegan Sweets:

Looking for more healthy vegan sweets? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!

If you try this Healthy Dark Chocolate Caramel SunButter Cups Recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!`

Related SunButter Recipes:

Looking for more healthy vegan SunButter recipes? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!