Follow these steps for perfectly layered, bakery-quality peanut butter cups.

Step 1: Prepare the Cups

Line a 12-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners. Liners make removal effortless and keep the cups looking neat. If you prefer, silicone liners work beautifully and can be reused.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Combine the sugar-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each one, until the mixture is completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Heating in short bursts is important because chocolate can scorch quickly, and sugar-free chocolate tends to be even more sensitive to heat than the traditional kind.

Step 3: Create the Chocolate Base

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Use the back of the spoon to spread it slightly. Freeze for 10 minutes so the base firms up. Set the remaining chocolate aside at room temperature, stirring occasionally. If it thickens, warm it for 5 to 10 seconds.

Step 4: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

In a bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, powdered sweetener, coconut flour, and salt. Stir until the mixture is thick, smooth, and cohesive. It should feel like soft cookie dough. If it seems too loose, add another teaspoon of coconut flour; if it is too crumbly, stir in a little more peanut butter.

Step 5: Add the Crunch

Gently fold in the unsweetened crispy rice cereal and the chopped roasted peanuts, if using. Fold gently so the cereal stays crisp and does not crumble into dust.

Step 6: Shape the Filling

Roll the mixture into 12 small portions and flatten each one slightly into a disc that fits inside the liner. Place one portion on top of each chocolate base, pressing lightly. Leave a little space around the edges so the top layer of chocolate can flow down the sides.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Topping

Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over each filling, covering it completely. Tap the pan gently on the counter to settle the chocolate and smooth the tops. Complete coverage matters, because it seals the filling and keeps it from drying out.

Step 8: Chill Until Set

Refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm to the touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Peel away the liners and enjoy. For the best texture, let the cups sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before eating so the filling softens slightly.