I created these vegan peanut butter cups years ago, with my father in mind.
So many of the foods we love are connected to memories. Favorite meals and desserts we had as children, foods we shared with friends, dishes during the holidays, and more.
While I’ve talked about some of the processed foods I ate as a child, I have many memories of home-cooked meals and treats.
I remember my mom putting a lot of love and time into making stews, casseroles, and more. They were far from plant-based, but they were indeed made with love.
I remember many family dinners, and how much my father loved those meals. He rarely got seconds (with six ravenous growing girls). In fact, one of my fond memories is of him filling up on crackers and jam after meals!
Like father, like daughter, he also enjoyed some sweets. We had candy bars like Reese’s cups in the house often, so I know he’d love these vegan peanut butter cups.
My father passed five days after my 11th birthday. It’s now 41 years since that day. Up until this post and in my introduction to Dreena’s Kind Kitchen, I hadn’t shared much about my family story.
My dad was a recreational pilot and died in a helicopter accident. My three cousins were with him that day and also died.
It was a single, tragic, inexplicable event that changed our lives forever. There were other things going on that hurt our family life and relationships – many related to our dad’s tragedy. It took a very heavy toll on our family, and our hearts and souls.
I find it hard to believe it’s been 41 years. Moments can trigger a memory that brings me back to that day in seconds, and yet most of my days I’m carrying on with my life as an adult (as we do).
I mentioned in my last post that it was my birthday this week. For years and years, I didn’t enjoy my birthday because it felt so close to my dad’s death. There were other deaths in October for our extended family when I was young. So, October has always felt very dark and emotional for me.
In recent years, however, I realized how much I was connecting the two and have been able to really enjoy celebrating myself on my birthday. Which, can be a difficult thing for us to do anyhow. Just taking a day to acknowledge how fortunate we are to be in our lives, and also to appreciate how special we all are, in our own precious ways.
On this anniversary, of course, I still think of my dad, my mom, and my sisters at this time. A few years back, I decided to dedicate this recipe for vegan peanut butter cups to my father.
Because he did love his treats. As does his daughter. 😉
I think my dad would have loved these peanut butter cups, and hope you do too.
Note: This is not a low-fat recipe. I use coconut butter as it is a whole foods product and offers great texture as an alternative to oil. I realize this doesn’t suit everyone’s dietary scope.
x Dreena
Dreena’s Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
Chocolate Base:
- 1/2 cup non-dairy chocolate chips
- 2 1/2 tbsp coconut butter
Peanut Butter Topping:
- 2 tbsp coconut butter
- 1/3 cup natural unsalted peanut butter see note for substitution
- 3 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp rounded sea salt
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
Instructions
- Line a mini-muffin pan with 15–18 small muffin liners. To make the chocolate base: Set a heat-proof bowl over a small pot or double boiler with a few inches of water in it. Turn heat to medium. Add chocolate chips and coconut butter to the bowl. Stir through until well combined and melted. Remove from heat, and
- spoon roughly one tablespoon of chocolate mixture into each liner. Once finished, transfer the pan to the fridge to cool completely. Reserve saucepan with hot water or double boiler (still with just a small amount of water in it). To make the peanut butter topping: Add the coconut butter to another small bowl, place over the saucepan/double boiler, and allow it to melt. If needed, turn on low heat to help melt. Meanwhile, prepare the peanut butter mixture. In a mini food processor, puree the peanut butter, coconut sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add the melted coconut butter to the peanut butter mixture and puree until fully incorporated.
- To assemble: Once chocolate cups are chilled and firm, spoon about 11/2 tbsp peanut butter mixture on top of each of the chocolate cups. I use a small cookie scoop, and then gently smooth out the peanut mixture to cover the chocolate. Place the cups in the fridge until completely chilled, about an hour.
Notes
Food photos credit: Nicole Axworthy
This post was originally published October 24, 2015 and updated for October 24, 2022.
Shira says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine how hard this was for your family to go through, especially when you were so young.
Judy B. says
Thank you for sharing your story Dreena. To me, grief is a never-ending part of being human but we learn to find a place to tuck it away and live our life. My Dad lived a good long life but his death was so very hard to bear. I miss him every day. He loved his treats too and called himself a Cookie Monster! Peanut butter cups are a family favorite. Funny enough, my Dad’s name was Reese! I’m going to make these for my daughter for her Halloween birthday next week. Like all your recipes I know it will be fabulous!
Dreena Burton says
Judy, you captured the essence of grief very well. Thank you for sharing this story with us, I love the coincidence of his name being Reese! I hope you enjoy the recipe, and a very happy birthday to your daughter.
Stephanie says
Hi Dreena. I have been with you since…forever. In some ways I’m a step ahead of you…my kiddos are 27 and 30…and in other ways a step behind…learning through your culinary skills. And, sometimes side by side…I have lost a parent myself and as a live in caregiver for my mother-in-law whom passed this July. I love your post above in honor of your father. I understand it. My memories also are often of moments at the table. I never imagined living in a basement to care for my mother-in-law. She was 91 and a real spitfire. She would ride her stationary bike each morning and we shared breakfast with a coffee toast to the morning. Your post reminded me of her mustering up all her energy and fixing my husband and I salmon Pattie’s one afternoon, grilled potatoes and fried corn. I am whole food plant based. Although this day, I choose to love her first…if that makes sense. It wasn’t about being whole food plant based that day but about loving. It wasn’t about nutrition. It was about loving her. I’ve done the same for my mom whom I didn’t get to see often because we lived in different states. She made the best coffee flavored chocolate icing. For me! And, it was in no way healthy. Thank you so much for inspiring me to remember. I am so sorry for your loss yet glad you can celebrate you on your day after all these years. I celebrate you many days of the week as I have used your recipes to make memories at my table in my home with my children, and now with my husband as our children have left the nest. Thank you Dreena. So very much
Gail says
Honestly Dreena, I’m sure you must be beside yourself sometimes, when asked for a substitute for this or that.
Either make something else or figure it out yourself people.
It’s a beautiful post!
All the best, always.
Melanie says
Coconut butter is a saturated fat that is terribly unhealthy for anyone remotely concerned about their consumption of artery clogging fats. It would be appreciated to give a healthy vegan option given the scientific evidence commonly known about saturated fats.
Dreena Burton says
Melanie, did you read the last note in my post? Also, how rude to comment like this on a post that is sensitive.
Roxanne says
Melanie why is it that people assume recipe creators must supply them with an alternative….if you don’t like the recipe don’t make it or figure out your own alternative
Dreena Burton says
Yes, thank you Roxanne. And I have hundreds of dessert recipes, this is just one.
Mamuska says
Well you missed the whole point of this post. In addition if you don’t like coconut butter don’t look at recipes with it.
Kolleen says
Melanie please don’t make this. Your choice about which fats you use, and, as a woman of science, the evidence is not ironclad regarding saturated fats, and is Dreena really suggesting you eat these for dinner? Dreena put such thoughtful effort into tagging her father’s love of family and occasional sweets into this post, in future, you might consider a more thoughtful reply.
kate says
Your story about the loss of your father (and cousins) is so beautifully expressed, Dreena. And what a wonderful photo of you and your dad! We all grow closer when we share our stories it seems.
I especially love that you are now celebrating yourself & birthday for a longer period in October. My birthday is also in October and I am learning as I get older to love it — and me — way more than ever before. Part of that self-love expression is eating healthier, so thank you for all the wonderful recipes you’ve given us through the years (especially the ones with no oil!)
Your dad is so proud of you 🙂
Can’t wait to try these peanut butter cups! 🙂
Dreena says
Hi Kate, I’m quite late to reply, and thank you so much for your kind thoughts and sincere note. I hope you enjoyed a beautiful birthday. 🙂
Suzi says
Another October birthday person here, and it’s also a hard month for me. I too love the post and everything you already said about Dreena. We have one more week, let’s keep the celebration going as we keep our loved ones close in our hearts!
Dreena Burton says
thank you Suzi, and blessings for your year ahead
Ruth says
Thank you for sharing your story, and I’m so sorry for your loss.
I think you’re absolutely right about the connection between food and the past. I made these this week and the first bite actually brought tears to my eyes – it brought me right back to my childhood in Canada. I’ve been living abroad for a number of years, and it’s amazing how the taste of something I haven’t had in many years – due to distance and dietary choices – can bring me right back home. Thank you!
Ruth says
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re so right about the connection between food and the past. I made these this week, and they actually brought tears to my eyes; they brought me right back to my childhood in Canada. I’ve been living abroad for a number of years now, and it’s just amazing how something you haven’t tasted for years – due to both distance and dietary choices – can bring you right back home in an instant – thank you!
Tammy says
Hi Dreena,
First of all, I just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog, cookbooks and recipes. I made your apple pie last year, pumpkin pie this October, and plan to make your apple pie again this week for Thanksgiving.
Second, I am so sorry about the losses you have had to endure. My mother also lost her father in a helicopter crash, when my mom was 21 and pregnant with my oldest brother. It changed her forever, and I have cried with her and for her. I can’t imagine that kind of loss. My husband and I are now going through a difficult few years as we go through infertility and are currently suffering through our second miscarriage. I think sharing our stories and supporting one another with love, thoughts and prayers is so helpful. I hope you feel all the love pouring through to you via this blog. I know how much that can heal. Much love to you, and wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving.
Dreena says
Thank you Tammy for your kindness. I’m sorry you’re working through this challenging time. Sending you support and strength. xx
Heather@TheSoulfulSpoon says
I lost my dad at a very young age (26) and it truly devastated me. I’m now 30 and still hurt just like I did the first few months after he died. Time heals, but the pain never leaves. I completely understand what you mean, even though we all know life must go on. I will be thinking of you and hope your birthday year is blessed! Thanks for what you do, sharing your recipe with my readers this week!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
These are definitely going on my “to make” list Dreena, thank you so much for sharing! I’m so glad you’ve found a way to enjoy this month as a special time for you – I can imagine how hard it must have been, so young!
Stephanie Weaver, MPH says
Dreena, I appreciate you sharing your family story. We all have those sad memories. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to lose your father and 3 cousins in one crash. Thanks for sharing, and these look amazing. Maybe I’ll make an exception to my no sugar rule and make them for the holidays. XOXO
Veganopoulous says
thank you for sharing and what a lovely recipe too. Wishing you all the best for October 😀
Shoshana says
Thank you for sharing. You are brave and inspiring!
kim says
Dreena,
Thank you for sharing part of yourself with us. You inspire not only through your delicious food, but also because you are a true, shining spirit!
xo
Kim
Sarah says
Happy Belated Birthday! I am so glad you enjoyed your birthday and made it a longer celebration…what a great idea! My heart goes out to you for your loss. My grandfather (whom I was closer to than my father) passed away on my birthday 10 years ago, and his birthday was a week after mine (I was actually supposed to be born on his birthday!). Also, the anniversary of my father’s death 16 years ago is less than a week after that day. The pain of loss lingers a long time. I have been tempted to just stop celebrating my birthday completely, but your post is very encouraging; to find the beautiful memories of my departed loved ones and celebrate who they were while celebrating who I have become. Thank you for sharing your story. Love and hugs to you. And (!) Thank you for this recipe, Dreena! This is the only candy I miss after going plant based vegan, so I am looking forward to trying this.
Lynn says
These look amazing, Dreena! Which is why I can’t make them. I would eat them ALL at once!! Your desserts have a power over me that I can’t explain…right now I’m making Beans ‘n’ Greens Soup for the hundredth time – for breakfast! 😉
Liz says
Oh, Dreena, that is so profoundly tragic about your Dad. 🙁 So many things that happen in life have such far reaching impact and unforeseen repercussions, that shape and stay with us throughout our lives. It can be hard to get out from under the darkness that descends and lingers after the loss of a loved one, but I’m glad that you have been able to, finally, find a way to have a peaceful birth month. 🙂
Thank you for sharing that with us.
On a side note, I don’t think I will ever get over the fact that your mom had SIX girls, Six kids, PERIOD!!
Karen says
I’m wondering if you’ve tried carob chips in place of the chocolate chips, and would it turn out the same? My mom can’t have chocolate as it is a trigger for a Crohn’s attack for her. I’m sure these beauties would be a hit at one of our family gatherings!
Lyn says
Hi Dreena, what a lovely sharing! I lost my uncle in a plane crash and as a child then could see the devastation that brings to so many connected to his life and others in the plane.
It’s beautiful that you can see and celebrate your special day again.
Thank you, I’m going to make these this week!!
Lyn
Sarah says
Dreena,
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s untimely and tragic passing – having only 11 years with him is completely unfair. I’m glad that you cherish the fond memories that you do have.
I’m happy that after all of this time you managed to enjoy your birthday (happy belated bday, btw!) this week. My sad month is December, where anniversaries of the deaths of my brother, cousin/best friend and grandparents are remembered making the holidays hard to enjoy. I hope one day to get to the point where you are, but even after 20+ years, it’s just too painful, but at least I now have hope.
Thanks for sharing.
Dreena says
Oh Sarah, I’m so sorry too. That’s such a great deal of loss to process. So weird how the timing of life works. I fully understand that feeling, and wondering when the grief will lessen. It does lessen more over time, but I recall even five years ago still finding it hard. Sending you much love, friend.
Debbie Burton-Peddle says
LOVE YOU SIS! (((HUGS))) XOXO
Dreena says
Much love back. xx
Anne says
I’m sorry for your loss. Love that you find a way to celebrate your dad, though – the pb cups look delicious!
Dreena says
Thanks Anne.
Doris says
Hi, Dreena. Thanks for sharing your story. It can be painful at those times of year when we are missing our loved ones. I’m glad you were able to enjoy your birthday this year. This recipe looks great. Is there something I can substitute for coconut butter/sugar (or coconut products in general in dessert recipes)? I don’t care for the flavor and always seem to notice it. Thanks.
Dreena says
Thanks Doris. I hadn’t thought about substituting the coconut butter. You could certainly sub another unrefined sugar for the coconut sugar. As for the butter, possibly a nut butter, though it will have a slightly softer texture. If I think of anything else I’ll chime in again.
Julie says
Thank you for sharing this story. Wishing you continued peace, and many happy Birth Months in future years. 🙂 These look delicious! We’ll make them for Halloween!
Dreena says
Thanks Julie, hope you love them!