These Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups are a fun twist on a classic treat! They mix creamy cottage cheese with rich peanut butter, all wrapped in chocolate goodness.
Making these cups is a breeze! They are perfect for a quick snack or a fun dessert. Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of chocolate in their life? 😋
I love to pop a couple in my bag for a tasty on-the-go treat. They satisfy my sweet tooth while being a little healthier. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient! It adds a creamy texture and protein boost. You can use either small or medium curd. If you want a smoother filling, opt for small curd or even a silken tofu for a dairy-free version.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth filling. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both provide a nice flavor and still keep it creamy!
Sugar: Powdered sugar helps achieve that sweetness without grittiness. Adjust to your taste, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate adds a rich flavor, but you can swap for dark chocolate if you prefer a deeper taste. For a milder flavor, go for milk chocolate instead!
Sea Salt: A little sprinkle on top enhances the flavors. If you don’t have sea salt, regular salt will do in a pinch, but sea salt provides a great texture.
How Do You Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate is crucial for this recipe. To avoid clumping, follow these steps:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and add your chocolate chips.
- Heat them in 30-second bursts at medium power, stirring after each interval. This helps evenly melt the chocolate without burning.
- Once most chips are melted, stir until completely smooth and silky. This residual heat melts the last bits!
Keep an eye on it, as chocolate can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Smooth chocolate ensures a lovely coating for those peanut butter cups!
Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small or medium curd)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for chilling in the freezer. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a delicious and nutritious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This will make it easy to remove the peanut butter cups once they are set and chilled.
2. Blend the Filling:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This will create the delicious filling for your cups!
3. Melt the Chocolate:
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add the chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until it is smooth and fully melted. Watch carefully to avoid burning the chocolate!
4. Create the Bottom Layer:
Spoon about one tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly and cover the base. This will be the tasty outer layer of your cups.
5. Set the Chocolate:
Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 5 minutes so the chocolate can set slightly. This will help keep the layers from mixing when you add the filling.
6. Add the Filling:
Once the chocolate has set, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Spoon one to two tablespoons of the cottage cheese peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer in each liner, smoothing the tops with a knife or spoon.
7. Cover with More Chocolate:
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over each cup, covering the filling completely. Make sure there are no gaps!
8. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top for an extra flavor boost. It balances the sweetness beautifully!
9. Chill to Set:
Return the muffin tin to the freezer and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the cups are firm. This step is key for the perfect consistency!
10. Remove and Store:
Once the cups are set, carefully remove them from the liners. Store your delicious peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
11. Enjoy!
Serve these chilled treats and enjoy their creamy, chocolatey goodness! They’re perfect as a snack or dessert that feels indulgent while still being nutritious!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option! Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well in this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have a Blender?
No worries! You can use a fork or a whisk to mix the cottage cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It may take a bit more effort, but you’ll still achieve a delicious filling!
How Long Do the Peanut Butter Cups Last?
These cups can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer them frozen, they can last for about 2 months in the freezer. Just let them thaw a bit before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the filling for an extra flavor twist. Just make sure to keep the overall volume about the same for the best texture!
