If you have a sweet tooth but crave a treat that feels both luxurious and a little healthful, the Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These delightful little bites combine the creamy richness of almond butter with the earthy, vibrant notes of matcha powder and the chewy texture of shredded coconut, all wrapped beautifully in smooth, dark chocolate. Each bite is a harmonious dance of flavors and textures that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you need a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a fancy party treat, this recipe is simple to make and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but critical in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful green hue from the matcha. Each component plays its part to make these cups irresistibly creamy, crunchy, and rich.
- Almond butter (1/2 cup): Use smooth or crunchy for a luscious base with a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Shredded unsweetened coconut (1/4 cup): Adds chewiness and a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with almond butter.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Sweetens naturally, using maple syrup keeps this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings depth and warmth to the filling flavors.
- Matcha powder (1 teaspoon): The star ingredient that adds earthy brightness and a vibrant green color.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Choose 70% cocoa or higher for rich, intense chocolate coating.
- Coconut oil (1 tablespoon): Blended with chocolate for a silky, smooth finish.
- Sliced almonds (1 tablespoon, optional): For a crunchy, elegant topping.
How to Make Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining almond butter, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, matcha powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored with matcha. This filling is creamy with that wonderful hit of green tea flavor mingled perfectly with the nutty and tropical notes.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Coating
Using a double boiler or microwave, gently melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Stir frequently to get a silky smooth chocolate mixture without any lumps. The coconut oil not only helps the chocolate set beautifully but also adds a subtle coconut aroma that ties the entire flavor profile together.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners to keep your cups neat and easy to handle. Spoon a small layer of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner—this will form the base of the cup. Chill the tray in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to let the chocolate harden, creating a solid foundation for the almond butter filling.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Once the chocolate base is set, spoon about one teaspoon of the matcha coconut almond butter filling into each cup. Flatten the filling gently to make it even and leave some room at the top for the final chocolate layer. This step is where the magic happens—each cup becomes packed with that creamy, matcha-kissed almond butter goodness.
Step 5: Top and Chill
Cover each filled cup with more melted chocolate, ensuring the almond butter layer is completely sealed in. If you love a bit of crunch and added elegance, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before the chocolate hardens. Pop the tray back into the fridge or freezer for at least 30 minutes to let the chocolate fully set and the filling firm up.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When the cups are fully set, remove them from the muffin tin and peel away the paper liners. You’ll have beautifully glossy, enticingly green and chocolatey cups perfect for sharing or savoring yourself. The blend of smooth chocolate, creamy almond butter, chewy coconut, and that subtle matcha kick makes this treat utterly unforgettable.
How to Serve Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving game, consider topping each cup with delicately sliced almonds or a light dusting of matcha powder. These small touches make your treats look professionally crafted and add an extra layer of flavor and texture to enjoy right from the first bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cups with a cup of jasmine or green tea to complement the matcha flavor beautifully. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt for a balanced and elegant dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe on a pretty platter lined with tropical leaves or edible flowers. Wrapping each cup in gold or pastel foil liners adds a festive touch for gifting or special occasions. You could even serve them alongside miniature spoons nestled in elegant glass bowls for an interactive dessert station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover almond butter cups refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture. They stay delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for meal prep or indulgent snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cups longer, store them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
Rather than reheating, it’s best to enjoy these cups chilled or at room temperature to prevent the chocolate from sweating or becoming grainy. Simply remove them from the fridge about 10 minutes before eating for the ideal melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy almond butter for the filling?
Absolutely! Crunchy almond butter adds lovely texture and extra nutty flavor to your Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe. Just be sure to mix it well with the other ingredients for even distribution.
Is matcha powder necessary in the recipe?
Matcha powder is essential as it provides the signature vibrant green color and that subtle earthy bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Without matcha, it won’t be the same unique almond butter cup experience.
Can I substitute the dark chocolate for milk chocolate?
You can, but dark chocolate enhances the flavors by adding a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet filling. Milk chocolate will make the cups sweeter and less complex but can be used if you prefer.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the chocolate is dairy-free, you can easily make this Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How long does it take for the cups to set?
Typically, chilling the cups in the fridge or freezer for at least 30 minutes is enough for the chocolate to harden and the filling to firm up, making them easy to remove from the liners.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe enough to anyone looking for a treat that feels special but is delightfully simple to create. Every bite will surprise you with its complex flavors and wonderful textures that come together like a little masterpiece. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making these stunning and scrumptious cups that will impress family and friends every time!
Print
Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these Matcha Coconut Almond Butter Cups featuring a creamy almond butter and matcha filling, encased in rich dark chocolate and topped with shredded coconut and sliced almonds for a perfect bite-sized treat. This vegan-friendly, no-bake recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for satisfying your sweet cravings with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 cup almond butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, matcha powder, and a pinch of salt, stirring until fully blended and the matcha powder is well incorporated.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Line the Muffin Tin: Place paper cupcake liners into a mini muffin tin to prepare for assembly.
- Form the Chocolate Base: Spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner, just enough to cover it. Chill the tray in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Add the Filling: Once the chocolate base is set, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the matcha coconut almond butter filling into each cup, spreading it evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Top with Chocolate: Cover each filled cup with more melted chocolate until the filling is completely enclosed. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added texture and crunch before the chocolate sets.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate or freeze the tray for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden completely and the filling to firm up.
- Serve: Remove the cups from the muffin tin and paper liners, and enjoy this delicious combination of creamy filling and rich chocolate.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a richer flavor and less sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate from melting.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use smooth almond butter instead of crunchy.
