These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a tasty treat packed with protein goodness! They combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate for a delightful snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Honestly, who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate? I make these for a quick pick-me-up when I need energy. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up and totally delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Natural Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose unsweetened and unsalted for the best flavor. If you prefer, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work great as substitutes.
Whey Protein Powder: I love using vanilla whey protein for sweetness. For a vegan option, switch to plant-based protein powder – just note that the flavor may differ slightly.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either works nicely as a sweetener; honey adds a floral taste, while maple syrup gives a warm flavor. If you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup.
Dark Chocolate Chips: I recommend using a good quality dark chocolate (70% or higher). You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want a vegan treat.
How Do You Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate is essential for the texture of these cups. To achieve a smooth, silky consistency without burning it, follow these simple steps:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir between each round to prevent overheating.
- Consider adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate. This helps thin it out and creates a glossier finish.
- Keep an eye on it! Chocolate can go from melted to scorched quickly, so stop when it’s about 75% melted and stir until fully smooth.
Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (unsweetened and unsalted)
- 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder (or plant-based protein powder)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
For Garnish:
- Sea salt flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 40 minutes to chill and set in the freezer. It’s a quick and easy process that results in delicious, protein-packed treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a mini muffin tin with paper liners. This will make removing the cups much easier once they’re set.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the chocolate chips along with the coconut oil. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval. Keep melting until the mixture is smooth.
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each paper liner. Use a spoon to spread the chocolate so it evenly covers the bottom of each liner. Pop the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
4. Mix the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate is setting, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
Once the chocolate base has set, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer in each cup. Gently press down on the peanut butter layer to flatten it a bit.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Melt the remaining chocolate chips and coconut oil in the same way as before. Once melted and smooth, spoon this chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer in each cup, covering it completely.
7. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each cup to enhance the flavors.
8. Freeze Until Firm:
Place the muffin tin back in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the peanut butter cups are fully firm.
9. Serve and Store:
Once set, carefully remove the protein peanut butter cups from the muffin tin and peel away the paper liners. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer—you’ll want to enjoy these delicious treats later!
Enjoy these protein-packed peanut butter cups as a delightful and healthy sweet treat or a perfect post-workout snack!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just ensure it’s creamy for the best texture.
Can I Make These Peanut Butter Cups Vegan?
Yes! Simply use a vegan protein powder and replace honey with maple syrup. Also, make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips.
How Do I Store the Protein Peanut Butter Cups?
Store the cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage. They freeze well, so you can make extra and enjoy them later!
What Can I Use Instead of Coconut Oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, you can omit it or use a little vegetable oil. However, keep in mind that coconut oil can help give the chocolate a smoother texture when melted.