These Chocolate Pumpkin Butter Cups are the ultimate fall treat! Creamy pumpkin filling wrapped in a rich chocolate shell, perfect for Halloween or cozy autumn days. Plus, they’re AIP (Autoimmune Protocol), Paleo, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Butter Filling:
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or sub 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (or sub mace for AIP)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips (use AIP-compliant chocolate, if needed)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Butter Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vanilla bean powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg (or mace). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Set aside.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Using a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips, coconut oil, and salt. Stir occasionally until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
3. Fill the Molds
- Take a silicone candy mold and spoon enough melted chocolate to fill each mold about halfway.
- Gently tap the mold on the counter to even out the chocolate layer.
- Add about 1/2 tablespoon (or more, depending on your mold size) of the pumpkin butter filling on top of the chocolate layer. Be generous but leave room for the top layer of chocolate.
- Spoon additional melted chocolate over the pumpkin butter to fill the mold completely, covering the filling. Tap the mold again to smooth out the top layer.
4. Chill the Candy
Place the filled mold in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has fully set.
5. Unmold and Enjoy
Once set, carefully pop the butter cups out of the silicone mold. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Notes
- Storage: Keep the butter cups in the fridge to maintain their shape and texture, especially in warmer climates.
- Substitutions: Use mace instead of nutmeg for strict AIP compliance, and ensure your chocolate chips are AIP-approved if needed.
- Customization: Feel free to sprinkle a little sea salt or coconut flakes on top for added texture and flavor.
These chocolate pumpkin butter cups are a delightful mix of creamy, spicy, and chocolaty goodness that’s perfect for the season! 🍫🎃