These sweet and chocolatey Pistachio Butter Cups stuff homemade pistachio butter in a luscious chocolate shell to put a twist on classic peanut butter cups! 

Have you made homemade peanut butter cups before? Sure, they’re easy to buy from a store, but making them yourself is shockingly simple and gives you a nutty and chocolatey treat to share with friends and family.

These Pistachio Butter Cups are no different than the classic peanut butter version except that they’re made with, well, pistachio butter! Imagine biting into a smooth and chocolatey shell, but instead of it giving way to peanut butter, you’re met with a luscious, pistachio butter-filled center. This rich and creamy nut butter has a unique flavor you’ll quickly fall for, and it only gets better when paired with dark chocolate. 

Make a batch of pistachio and chocolate cups to curb your sweet tooth cravings, to impress someone special, or if you’re experimenting with pistachio butter for the first time. They only take 15 minutes to prep, so you can whip them together anytime!

Recipe features 

• A simple treat that surrounds luscious and nutty pistachio butter in an elegant chocolate shell. They’re a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
• With straightforward ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time.
• They’re a slightly healthier alternative to classic peanut butter cups!

Ingredients 

Dark chocolate chips – For the chocolate shell, use high-quality dark chocolate chips with a high cocoa content (between 70% and 85% is good). The deep cocoa flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty pistachio butter.

Coconut oil – Melting coconut oil with the chocolate not only makes the chocolate shell velvety smooth and luscious but also adds shine and a generous dose of satisfying healthy fats.

Sweetener – I like using a natural sweetener in the chocolate shell. Honey is my sweetener of choice but you can use agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option.

Pistachio butter – If you can, make the pistachio butter yourself for these decadent treats! It’s easy to make in a food processor with only 3 ingredients: pistachios, salt, and oil. Plus, it’s less expensive than store-bought pistachio butter! 

Instructions

Step 1: Make pistachio butter. If you haven’t already, make your pistachio butter or stir your store-bought nut butter very well.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate. Add the chocolate chips, coconut oil, and honey to a microwave-safe bowl. Zap it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate mixture is melted, completely smooth, and glossy. 

Step 3: Assemble. Spoon half of the melted chocolate into each muffin liner. Place a small dollop of pistachio butter in the center of the chocolate, then pour the remaining chocolate over the top. Top each one with a pinch of salt. 

Step 4: Set and serve. Freeze the pistachio cups for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm and set. Enjoy! 

Tips and FAQs

• If your pistachio butter is too thick, blend in a small amount of neutral-tasting oil to make it easier to spread and fill the cups. Also, make sure the pistachio butter is at room temperature to help it spread more easily. 
• For an even chocolate layer, tap the muffin tin gently on the counter after adding the melted chocolate. This will remove any air bubbles and level the chocolate.
• Don’t rush it! Give the pistachio butter cups at least 1 hour to set in the freezer for a firm and glossy finish. 

Variations

• Nut butter options – Feel free to experiment with different kinds of nut butter, such as almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter, hazelnut butter, or even a blend of your favorite flavors. 
• Flavor extracts – Mix a few drops of vanilla, almond, or coconut extract into the melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
• Decorative topping ideas – Besides flaky sea salt, you can top the chocolate cups with chopped pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or unsweetened shredded coconut before freezing. For a festive touch, sprinkle them with edible glitter or colorful sprinkles!

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer. Or, try substituting white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier version.

What does pistachio butter taste like?

If this is your first pistachio butter experience, then imagine a rich and creamy nut butter with a unique, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. Its delicate taste pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory ingredients. When used in these chocolate pistachio cups, it perfectly complements the dark chocolate shell.

Are pistachio butter cups healthier than peanut butter cups?

These pistachio butter cups can be a healthier alternative, especially when they’re made with high-quality dark chocolate and natural sweeteners. It also doesn’t hurt that pistachio butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants and contains less saturated fat than peanut butter.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store your pistachio butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks, but you’ll probably devour them much sooner!

Freezer: Or, for longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so they can soften slightly.

More healthy chocolate treats

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites 
• Chocolate Chickpeas
• Dark Chocolate Hummus 

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!