Like Peanut Butter Cups. Only Better.
I bet you think you know what this is.
And most days, you’d be right. We love peanut butter cups around here. They are super simple to make and totally delicious. Whenever we need a go-to quick treat, I get out the muffin tin and the chocolate and make peanut butter cups. I make people happy.
Sunday night during the Oscars, I made people happy.
We didn’t have a viewing party. Truth is, people who have kids don’t watch the Oscars because either a) they haven’t seen any movies in the past year; or b) none of the movies they’ve seen were nominated. The day a Chipmunk gets an Oscar is the day I leave the country permanently.
Part of why we wanted to watch The Oscars this year, though, is because I have had no less than twenty people tell me that my twin was up for an award. Some really flattering, slightly nearsighted readers have suggested that Bernice Bejo of The Artist and I share a face. So I had to check it out for myself. You be the judge.
While I’m at it, I though I’d do the side-by-sides for the rest of our family and the actors who readers have suggested look just like us.
Only better.
Russell Crowe and Pea Daddy
Harlow Madden and Gigi
Miffy Englefield of The Holiday and Lulu
Berenice Bejo and Me
Kind of scary, huh?
But enough of the self-indulgence and back to the real indulgence–peanut butter cups.
My Oscar-night rendition is a little bit prettier than the original.
And way tastier, too.
Chocolate Almond Butter Cups with Raspberries, Roasted Almonds and Sea Salt
Makes 16 candies
- 1 c. semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 t. coconut oil
- 1/2 c. almond butter
- stevia, agave or honey to taste (optional)
- 1 t. nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1/2 t. coarsely ground sea salt
- 1/4 c. freeze-dried raspberries*, crumbled or chopped
- 1/4 c. roasted almonds, chopped
*I buy freeze-dried raspberries at Trader Joe’s but if you can’t find any, you could substitute any dried fruit you like including dried cherries, dried apricots or even raisins
Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl or in the top of a double boiler and heat until melted and smooth (about 1 minute, stir and then another 30 seconds in the microwave).
In a separate small bowl, combine almond butter and sweetener and nutritional yeast, if using.
Spoon chocolate about 1/3 of the way in a muffin paper or silicone cup (I prefer the silicone cups for this recipe).
Spoon a small bit of the almond butter mixture on top of the chocolate.
Then top each cup with an additional spoonful of chocolate so almond butter is covered.
Sprinkle each cup with a few grains of sea salt, a few raspberries and a few chopped almonds. Place cups in the refrigerator or freezer to set up.
Remove from cups and enjoy.
We sure did.
Keep your Reeses (and your Russell Crowe and child stars).
I’m all set.
I did a double-take regarding the nutritional yeast. Do you add it for flavor, texture or nutritional value?
(Also, these look UHmazing!)
Flavor and texture! You know how Reeses are salty and kind of gritty? Same thing.
genius
Let me tell you, I’ve cooked so many recipes from the “Peas and Thank You” , and as an Italian girl who has been cooking before she could walk…THIS chick can cook! Sarah’s flavor profiles, ratios and sage advice has made her book my new “Joy of Cooking”! You rock, Mama Pea!
Much Love and peace,
Mama Cannellini Bean
PS Nutritional yeast gives an umami (savory) layer of flavor….as a vegan, I use it as a substitute for parm cheese. Although it seems not so relevant to this recipe, it just adds dimension, and as I said…trust Sarah…she knows what works!
Linda, thank YOU!
You’re welcome! I just made Banana Millet M
uffins…YUM and thank you for another favorite
Be still my heart. These look incredible. And so pretty with your toppings!
YUM! These look amazing! Any food suggestions for the kiddos for Dr Suess’ birthday tomorrow?!
Green smoothies and yams?
WHOA! Those looks so delicious and easy! And I love the comparisons!
Oh my goodness! So long dear raw foods, no chocolate detox- I’m done:) bring on these gorgeous MP creations! Yum!!!
Oh goodness, why would you do that to yourself?!
OK, so you were just mean to post this during Lent
Quick, I need a substitute for chocolate so I can make these ASAP. Or I need to peel my eyes from these pictures and go watch videos of the Oscars. That should help me keep my fast 
Oops, sorry.
Those resemblences (resembli?) are kinda freaky…how weird to have a whole family that has actor doppelgangers!
Anytime I make chocolate cups I end up with an epic mess trying to get them out of the tin or paper cup, yours are so pretty and perfect
Isn’t it funny? I’d suggest the silicone cups for “prettier” treats. I can’t rip that paper off fast enough.
How sad it is that I only know who ONE of those actors is?
(Answer: very sad.)
Miffy Englefield and Lulu though? Craziness!
Almonds + raspberries + chocolate? Genius!
It’s kinda eerie, huh? Cutie patooty. I only know Russell Crowe too. I had to look everyone else up after people would say, “You know [insert Pea] looks like _____.”
Wow those look-a-likes are crazy! I may love Reeses, but your treats might just be prettier.
That little girl and Lulu totally look the same!
What would be SCARY, would be if they all did a movie together as a family….
But what a cute family they’d be!
yours look much better than the reese! for sure!
I can’t wait to make these at my next family gathering…I’m going to make people happy too!! Thanks for making me look good HAHA! Speaking of looking good, I totally see the resemblance of all celebs to your family members!
OMG, you are a knockout in that picture! LOVE LOVE LOVE the curls
I made your cups with cookie dough in the middle at Christmas and I am sorry to say I can never make them again. Ever. I ate way too many in a very short time, they were that.good. These looks just as yummy, so I better not try them.
Thank you so much! You can make these. There’s no cookies or dough involved–just some major antioxidants and healthy fats. They are health food I tell ya!
I seriously love everything you post..thank you, just thank you!
I seriously love every comment you leave
Make room for me when the chipmunks win an Oscar because I’m going to be out of here as well. lol.
I met Russell Crowe, he didn’t really live up to the hype.
these Only Better PB Cups look TOO good, and they definitely will live up to the hype. XO
Yeah, he doesn’t do much for me. Pea D is way cuter.
I was skeptical that anything could be better than a peanut butter cup, but you might have done it.
I don’t know, I saw your eggs. (Gee, I hope that’s the only time you have ever heard that)
OMG! Amazing! Those look so good. I want some asap, but I’d have to make them. Do you ship?
And you do look like Berenice Bejo.
Name your price. It just went down thanks to the compliment, too.
These look amazing!!
I am OBSESSED with making my own nut butter cups…and now I’m pretty obsessed with goin upstairs and decorating my own with nuts and dried fruit. Heaven I tell you!
They are SO easy. The kiddos say, “Can we have dessert?” and this is what I make. Seriously.
Oh man I love these! So cute and they look delicious! Who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut or almond butter?
A really, really bad person.
Wow, those similarities are crazy–especially the girls!
Chocolate almond butter cups…awesome! You really can never go wrong when it comes to mixing nuts and chocolate.
I just showed my mother those almond butter cups, and she informed me that, should they make an appearance in our kitchen, I would face imminent death. Translated: these must be made immediately, and when they mysteriously disappear, no questions should be asked.
I hope you survive!
Ok these look incredible! I completely agree that only a really, really bad person would not like chocolate and peanut/almond butter together. Which is why Bobby is a really, really bad person.
Love the photo comparisons! Growing up I was always told that I looked like Anne Frank. I think it’s a little less pronounced as I got older but in my younger photos I can definitely see it.
Ooops, don’t tell Bobby I said that. I totally see the Anne Frank thing! And gosh, I loved her as a kid.
You really do look like Bernice Bejo! Except her hair was a different color at the oscars–so she’s no longer your doppleganger!
I know! I am hoping she dyed it red for a part?
I actually only know who Russell Crowe is, but wow on those likenesses! I did a celebrity face match up once and every single actress the computer-generated program gave me was Asian. Apparently I don’t know myself! But they were all gorgeous, so hey, I’ll take it!
That’s so funny! And you are gorgeous…I know, I’ve met you
You’re so sweet Sarah!
Can I come over and eat 10,345 of these for breakfast?! Totally breakfast food, right…almonds + raspberries = breakfast, correct?
I am with Katie. And you know what? Your peanut butter cups are probably way healthier than a lot of breakfast cereals nowadays.
Oh my gosh.
I just said ‘nowadays.’
Does that make me old?
I just whipped these up and put them in the fridge, yeahhh! Can’t believe I had everything in my kitchen already. I’m doing this silly March Foodie photo a day thing on Instagram (iPhone app) and so this will be perfect for my “Something Sweet” photo tomorrow!
That is awesome! You are speedy, girl.
I never would have guessed that was not LuLu’s twin!
I know…freaky!
Those raspberries are my new TJ’s addiction. Did you know that if you grind any of the strawberries/raspberries /blueberries to dust they make an amazing, delicious and naturally colored glaze/frosting/milkshake/ice cream?
Please try it!!
I’m off to the kitchen to do it. You genius, you.
I just bought freeze dried raspberries for no good reason last night. Well, obviously there was a good reason, I just didn’t know it yet.
Or did you? (Quick, what am I thinking?!)
Beautiful cups! I’ve always been a fan of PB Cups with nooch in them. And topped with berries…even better
That is the one and only time anyone has ever said, “Beautiful cups!” to me.
Those pictures- oh my goodness, I don’t even know what to say. You all are so good looking. Side by sude like that= Awesome. Oh and same for these chocolate cups. AWESOME. I forgot the Oscars were even on. I wouldn’t mind if a Muppet won an award though.
Piggy and Kermit did make a cameo. You missed out, girl
Squeeee! These are the most wonderful thing I’ve seen all day! And I agree with all of your celebrity lookalikes, except I must admit I can’t “see” the Russell Crowe one. But maybe I’ve got a strange perspective seeing as Russell Crowe was my first celebrity crush and I totally cried as a tween when he started dating Meg Ryan…
If we can’t own our past embarrassments, what’s the point of living?
Oh heavens I want this deliciousness right now.
These non-peanut butter cups are the highlight of my week. They may be the highlight of March – they’re in with a good chance! I’m amazed. Also hungry. And on a mission to find freeze dried raspberries…
I love how easy these are to make! Those resemblances are spot on. Especially Harlow and Gigi and Miffy and Lullu!
YUUUUUM! And those dopplegangers are dead on! You are way hotter than Bernice, though. (That’s a tough name, too. I like Sarah better!)
You flatter me so, Liz. I love you.
Mmmmm Mama those look a-maz-ing!!!!! I don’t have freeze dried berries but I bet they’d be fantastic without them too, right?!
Oh yes, for sure!
You look like Carol Burnett!
Ouch, Bea. Ouch.
Oh wow, those pictures are crazy! All of you are such great look-alikes! And your peanut butter cups… like all of the other healthier swap recipes, sound absolutely amazing. I love the idea of topping them with fruit and nuts. For the record, I have no kids but haven’t seen any Oscar-nominated movies either. Like the Chipmunks, there’s something about chick flicks that just doesn’t get the nominators (whoever they may be) very excited!
I see the resemblance between your family and the “stars,” but think Lulu and Miffy (is that really her name?) are a slam dunk! Wow! I’m sure the quizzical expression helped a bit.
No kidding! And yes, Miffy is a bit of an unfortunate name, huh?
Yuuuuum! Those look ridiculously delicious!
And you are definitely more gorgeous than Bernice! SHE is the one that should be hoping she looks like YOU. =)
Oh, Anna, where should I send this check and remaining almond butter cups?
Nashville, TN, send it quick before the tornado takes me away! =(
Oh man, stay safe! We’ve been talking about coming to visit Nashville. Thoughts?
I’m trying to stay safe! But having Merlin (our cairn who looks just like toto) doesn’t help since he makes me feel like Dorothy….well if I get taken away, I hope I land in a beautiful place like Oz except it will be full of Chocolate Almond Butter Cups with Raspberries, Roasted Almonds and Sea Salt.
Well, it’s not like your going to get an unbiased answer about Nashville now that I know it could mean YOU coming here…..what a dream come true that would be!
Nashville is a very cool place so far. We actually just moved here from Murfreesboro (about 40 minutes away) where we were going to school. We are planning to really thoroughly explore Nashville by doing at least one new thing a weekend (restaurant, park, store, entertainment, etc.) Nashville has a lot of character and cool places to go to. Not to mention it has me now….too much? I’m really not that conceited…
But I would love, love, love for you to visit! You can stay at our place. It would be cozy with all four of you (only one extra bedroom), but I think our super, duper friendly new neighbor would let you have a bedroom in their place, too.
Have I mentioned that I think it would be awesome for you to visit?
Well once we start seriously planning (fingers crossed) I will probably be emailing you for advice. I have several friends there that I am dying to see and I’m obsessed with all things country music!
Please do! I’ll be looking forward to that e-mail. We’ll have to find you some nice cowboys boots to take back to Oregon with you.
Hi Mama Pea. I live in Nashville and have for the last 23 years. It is a great fun city to visit. We have lots of southern hospitality down here. BTW, I was looking through the comments to see if anyone asked what kind of silicon baking cups you have? Thanks so much. Can’t wait to make these this weekend.
Thanks for the input, Alice! I bought my silicon baking cups at Crate+Barrel. Hope that helps!
Classy!
nutritional yeast=genius. also chocolate with a crunch, creamy filling, and salt is the best combination… i need silicone cups. stat.
those pictures are crazy! my dad looks just like anthony hopkins. that was fun when growing up friends told me he looked just like hannibal hahah
Scary! But your dad would be awesome on Halloween.
These look so delicious! I love PB cups!
Ahahahaha – that IS scary!! I don’t feel like I really have a celebrity look alike…at least not THAT on point!
I want to make them!!! So badly! They look absolutely DIVINE! yum.
I just made these and it was so quick! One question though? Did you use mini sized cups? 1 cup chocolate chips didn’t give me enough chocolate for 16 cups.
I probably didn’t fill my cups as full as yours. Story of my life.
LOL. I’m still nursing my little one. Hence the bigger cups:) I used PB cuz I didn’t have almond butter and they were delicious.
You and your family are way better looking than the those actors and actresses. Lulu and Miffy are close…but Lulu is still way cuter. I’ll bet Lulu is wittier too.
Madame PMS is speaking to me with a loudspeaker this morning and those PB cups are TALKING to me. I have all the ingredients too….
“DO IT.” (that’s me, not Madame PMS, though we often are the same)
You do look a bit like her. Gigi and Harlow also look somewhat similar (the eyes and the curly hair), but Gigi is cuter. I think my favourite is Lulu and the kid from The Holiday. Where the kid looks thoughtful and serene, Lulu looks like she just did something REALLY naughty, but she isn’t telling you what! I love her mischievous faces, they crack me up every time!
Me too. It’s hard to discipline around here.
Did you know you are one of three posts I saw today for nut butter cups? heheh…great minds think alike!
Gigi is a dead ringer for Harlow!
N.U.M.M.Y Y.U.M.M.Y.!!!!! THANKS! I needed this.
Woman, you kill me. <3
Whoa! You are in good company with Berenice Bejo! I did my own search on Google Images. She’s crazy hot! Btw…I look exactly like Ryan Gosling.
Bah ha ha ha! This just made my day.
Mmmm… almond butter cups.. *drool*
I definitely see a resemblance between you and Berenice Bejo (and also between Lulu and Miffy for that matter..). I’ve been compared to Claire Danes most of my life and I certainly won’t complain about that! Until that creepy guy comes in and calls me Claire. In every sentence. Kinda creepy.
Happy Friday!
Claire Danes would be such a compliment, but yeah, that’s a bit creepy! Have a great weekend!
Yum! Definitely Oscar worthy.
I think the girls are spot on with their doppelgangers and you are Pea Daddy aren’t far off either.
Another good place for freeze dried fruit is Target, should people not have a TJ’s near by (I was super excited to find freeze dried strawberries the other day).
Great suggestion…thanks!
Love the cups. Can’t wait to try them.
Brady is a cross between Freddy Prinze Jr. and Phil Dunphy (Modern Family). The resemblance is super scary.
The resemblances between your family & those actor/actresses is uncanny! And those cups look delicious! I can’t resist nuts & chocolate.
These are gorgeous!
Love the resemblances! Doppelgangers for sure. (Isn’t that the strangest word??)
I had to Pin these, they look delicious. Glad I gave up coffee creamer for Lent and not chocolate
I would have never thought to add the freeze dried raspberries, but it makes me think of PB&J (or in this case AB&J). Looks great!
whoooaaa these look WAY better than traditional PB cups!
You do look so much like her!! And Lulu looks just like that cute little girl from The Holiday! What a celebrity look alike family you have! These look incredible too! I love the idea of using the freeze-dried raspberries! YUM!
I was one of the 20 who said you look like Berenice Bejo… and I stand by that statement! (And, I have 20-20 vision thank-you-very-much).
Ha ha! Nice
Um yeah, I would love these, and I must say lulu does look straight up like Miffy! Hope you and the Peas have a good weekend.
Just put freeze dried raspberries on my TJ’s list.
In all seriousness- has anyone actually heard of some of the movies at the Oscars being available at a theater new you? I live in a pretty big city and have NEVER heard of most of these critically acclaimed masterpieces…
OK showing peanut butter and chocolate to me on a Friday afternoon is just mean! This is my weakest willpower day haha. Now I go home…and I make.
love the fun spin on these! i need to make marshall some homemade PB cups.. we gave up packaged candy for 2012, but homemade is ok.. right? right.
yay for homemade nut butter cups today!
gigi looks JUST like her! that’s crazy.
While the PB cups look fabulous, I was busy looking at your hair. You were very smart to start letting it go curly. You look so pretty – so much more authentic, and yes, happier. You are setting such a good role model for Gigi.
My 17 year old daughter and I also have matching curls! Loved your curl-care post.
Thank you, Caroline. I am happy I went with the change too.
Um. Your children have legit dopplelgangers. That’s awesome—and kind of bizarre!
Loving your curly hair, and these treats!
Those pictures totally creeped me out.
PS – in a good way. i <3 you.
I can’t decide for which reason I am more impressed–the recipe or your amazing ability to match the food to the placemat! Gorgeous and delicious–I like it.
Just made your single chin brownies (I subbed pumpkin for apple sauce)…wow so delicious!! Thank you
I’m going to make the dill pickle fries for dinner tonight!
Pickle fries were amazing! The whole family enjoyed them
By the way, what is the best way to store the brownies?
Hope you have a great weekend
Nicely done! I always keep my brownies in the fridge, but there are rarely leftovers.
Hope you have a nice weekend too!
Yeah we got all the Oscar movies (or as many as we could) after the Oscars and all I have to say is never EVER watch Tree of Life…..worst.movie.ever.
I thought I was going to die. I fell asleep before I could cheer up. Because the damned thing was like a million hours long and by the time it was over I didn’t have any cheer up energy left.
Really? Thanks for the warning, I actually wanted to see that!
I bet Reese’s steals this idea from you. It’s too brilliant not to. I never would have thought of topping a nut butter cup. Just when you think it can’t get better, it does!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today–it’s great to meet you!
These look fabulous…!
I love the idea of having Stuff on top.
You share a face with a celebrity—how lucky is she, right?!
I share a name with a casting director in hollywood, and more than once I’ve gotten emails (since I own the web domain for my name) from aspiring actors with their resumes asking me to give them a part in a movie. I entertained the thought of messing with them, but that would just be mean…
Oooh, you never know…that aspiring actor could turn out to be a hot star someday. Why am I thinking about Ryan Gosling? We’ve got to find a way to work this to your advantage…
Those are amazing looking
And the doppelgängers? Wow I really see it in most of them, but I think Gigi is way cuter than hers!
Love making my own nut butter cups! I’ve always gone the traditional route but adding dried fruit would be yummy. Thanks for the idea!
I think we know who the cast for “Peas and Thank You” the movie will be!
Unless you are looking to add actress to resume!
OHHHH, I am so super excited about his little treasure of a recipe! They are my boyfriends favorite, but we never buy them because they are not good for us, so now I can make these. Thank you so much! And I love the photos and raspberries. I think the raspberries will be my personal favorite part of these.
OMG…those look delicious! I cannot wait to try them!
Yuh-MMY! those look absolutely scrumptious! want to mail me a batch?
love the side by sides!! too cute
love love the recipe
Bérénice it is
but indeed a very uncommon name in French too. By the way, as you seem to have watched the ceremony, any thoughts about Jean Dujardin? I’d be very very curious to hear how he (and his intense Frenchness…) is perceived in the US.
Looks delish!
Wait. Something is better than PB cups? Incredible. And by the way, those freeze dried fruits are so useful! Lovely for stirring into smoothies and into oats. xo
SO GOOD! ENOUGH SAID
YUMMM
What an awesome idea!! I want one now!
Definitely the right way to take it up a notch. Lovely! I stay away from candy and chocolate making but really I should just get over it. I mean even if they look ridiculous they will still taste good I suppose.
I looooove when you post recipes that are Paleo! Or at least grain free!!! These look too good not to make….TONIGHT.
I can’t wait to make these for my family. I make so many of your recipes on a regular basis…..now we’ll have another. Thanks!
Lydia
happyorganicfamily.blogspot.com
Love your comparison shots!!!!!!! ha!
Those look awesome!!
And I can’t help but notice the TB dress in your comparison pic
Do I have to tell you who bought it for me for Christmas?
never woulda thought of the nutritional yeast. Wow. Going to have to try these.
just made these! I subbed pb for the almond butter, and I didn’t have the freeze dried berries but, I did add the sea salt. Can’t wait to eat them once they’ve cooled. The kiddos helped me, too. Mine made about 12 but, I think I used WAY too much chocolate in the beginning. These would also make fun treats for Easter, too.
Hi, please could you tell me if the ” t ” in your recipe is a teaspoon or a tablespoon (sorry I’m English so just need to check!!) They look so lovely I can’t wait to try some xx
Forget my previous question – I see that a T is a tablespoon and a t is a teaspoon. Just having a very stoopid moment sorry!! They still look lovely!!
Made these yesterday after I ran out of my last package of Sunspire Almond Butter Cups (I buy them in bulk). I no longer have to buy them! These are AMAZING! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!
These need to jump in my mouth, right NOW!
Nom, nom, nom….
I just made these tonight and ate one straight out the the fridge. Delicious!!! How well do these hold up? I would like to make them next week for a work function – will they melt or get soft?
Thanks for the awesome recipes!
Nope, they shouldn’t! I’ve been packing them in lunchboxes and they are just fine!
okay, so i know this post has been around for…. a while (cough). but i have had no real occasion (yet) to make myself a (giant) batch of (one of my most uncontrollable) indulgence. however, my mom’s 50th birthday is coming up next week and i’m throwing her a huge surprise shindig, and you can bet that all the recipes i’ve been flagging are getting pulled out! i hope you’ll be delighted to know that i (i mean all 35 of us- again, cough) will be pigging out on these almond butter cups and your taco bites! mmmmmm… maybe the next taco bell shell should be reese’s based? genius (gross) ideas here happening in the comments