These Peanut Butter Protein Cups are like little bites of happiness! Filled with creamy peanut butter and packed with protein, they make a great snack. Who said healthy can’t be fun?
I love whipping these up for a quick treat after workouts. They’re super easy to make and taste awesome—it’s hard to stop at just one! Plus, they satisfy my sweet tooth without guilt.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate: I love using dark chocolate for a rich flavor. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter. Just remember, the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants you get!
Natural Peanut Butter: Stick to natural peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. If you’re allergic or looking for a change, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead; they work great!
Peanut Butter Powder: This adds extra protein without the fat. If you don’t have it, you can just use more peanut butter, but it may change the texture a bit.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup works great for sweetness. For a vegan option, use agave syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
How Do You Melt Chocolate without Burning It?
Melting chocolate can be tricky because it can easily burn. Here’s how to get it perfect:
- Use a double boiler for gentle melting: just simmer water in a pot and place a heatproof bowl on top with the chocolate. Stir frequently.
- If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. This keeps the heat even and prevents burning.
- Always remove from heat as soon as melted to avoid overheating.
Following these methods will make your chocolate smooth and ready to coat those tasty peanut butter cups! Enjoy your cooking!
Peanut Butter Protein Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter powder or peanut flour
- 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Flaky sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the freezer. In just under an hour, you’ll have delicious peanut butter protein cups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Molds:
Start by getting your mini muffin tin or silicone mold ready. Line each muffin cup with paper liners or lightly grease them with a bit of cooking spray to make it easier to remove the cups later.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips. You can do this over a pot of simmering water (this is called the double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
3. Create the Chocolate Shell:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each muffin liner. Use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate on the bottom and slightly up the sides, creating a little shell. Once done, place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate sets, prepare the filling! In a bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, peanut butter powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended.
5. Add the Filling:
Take the tray out of the freezer. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter filling into each chocolate shell. Press it down slightly to create an even layer.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling in each cup, ensuring that everything is completely covered. This creates a delicious outer layer!
7. Finish with Sea Salt:
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cup for that perfect sweet and salty flavor combination.
8. Chill to Set:
Return the tray to the freezer for at least 20 minutes, or until the protein cups are fully set and firm to the touch.
9. Enjoy Your Treats:
Once set, gently remove the cups from the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, and enjoy these rich, chocolatey, and protein-packed peanut butter cups as a delicious healthy snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Nut Butters?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Just make sure to choose a protein-rich variety for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! To make these peanut butter protein cups vegan, use dairy-free dark chocolate and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This will keep them delicious and cruelty-free!
What If My Chocolate Isn’t Melting Smoothly?
If your chocolate isn’t melting well, try cutting it into smaller pieces or adding a tiny bit of coconut oil to help it smooth out. Remember to melt slowly to avoid burning!
