Description
These Cherry Filled Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups combine rich dark chocolate shells, creamy coconut butter, and a sweet-tart cherry chia filling. Finished with shredded coconut, these bite-sized treats are perfect for making ahead and enjoying chilled.
Ingredients
1½ cups dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
½ cup coconut butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup (for coconut filling)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ cup pitted cherries, finely chopped
1 tablespoon maple syrup (for cherry filling)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons shredded coconut (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry filling: Add the finely chopped cherries, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices.
- Thicken the cherry mixture: Stir in the chia seeds and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely until thickened.
- Melt the chocolate: Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth. Avoid overheating.
- Prepare the chocolate shells: Line a mini muffin pan with 12 paper liners. Spoon a thin layer of melted chocolate into each liner, covering the bottom and spreading some chocolate up the sides. Refrigerate for approximately 10 minutes until firm.
- Make the coconut butter filling: Combine the coconut butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. If necessary, gently warm the coconut butter to soften it.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon a small amount of coconut butter filling into each hardened chocolate shell. Add approximately 1 teaspoon of cooled cherry filling to the center of each cup, keeping the filling away from the edges.
- Seal with chocolate: Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over each cup, completely covering the coconut and cherry fillings. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the tops before the chocolate sets.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes or until completely firm. Carefully remove the paper liners and serve chilled. For a softer coconut center, allow the cups to rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chocolate choice: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor. Choose dairy-free dark chocolate chips to make the recipe vegan.
Frozen cherries: Frozen cherries can replace fresh cherries. Thaw, drain excess liquid, and chop before cooking. Allow additional cooking time if needed.
White chocolate variation: Substitute dairy-free white chocolate for dark chocolate to create a sweeter version.
Nut butter variation: Replace some or all of the coconut butter with smooth almond butter or cashew butter for a nutty flavor.
Raspberry variation: Substitute raspberries for cherries to create a tangier fruit filling.
Extra dark chocolate: Choose chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for a more intense, less sweet flavor.
Crunchy coconut variation: Mix toasted shredded coconut into the coconut butter filling for additional texture.
Cherry almond variation: Add a few drops of almond extract to the cherry filling for extra flavor.
Chocolate setting tip: Allow the cherry filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent the chocolate shells from softening.
Alternative molds: Small silicone candy molds or sturdy mini cupcake liners on a flat tray can replace a mini muffin pan.
Refrigerator storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving tip: Do not reheat. Let refrigerated cups sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften the coconut filling slightly.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cherry filling up to one day in advance and refrigerate in a covered container.
Timing note: The recipe includes approximately 30 minutes of refrigeration across two chilling stages, plus time for the cherry filling to cool. Actual elapsed time may exceed the reported 50 minutes.
Nutrition values are approximate per cup and depend on the chocolate and coconut butter brands used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Microwave, No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chocolate cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
