Protein Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Delicious and protein-packed homemade Peanut Butter Cups made with creamy natural peanut butter, rich semi-sweet chocolate, and vanilla protein powder. These cups are perfect as a healthy snack or a guilt-free treat, combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with added nutritional benefits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 peanut butter cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (solid)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter (ingredients: peanuts + salt only)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with parchment paper muffin liners to prevent sticking and make removing the peanut butter cups easy.
- Melt the Chocolate: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract once melted.
- Create Chocolate Base Layers: Pour 1 heaping teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each muffin liner. Spread it evenly to the edges forming a flat base layer for all 12 cups.
- Chill the Chocolate: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to set the chocolate base while preparing the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Microwave the peanut butter for 15–20 seconds until runny. Mix in the vanilla protein powder, salt, and maple syrup until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Discs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into 12 equal discs slightly smaller than the muffin liners. Shape them by hand for best results.
- Add Filling to Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator and place a peanut butter disc into each cup on top of the chocolate base.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: If the melted chocolate has thickened, microwave for an additional 15–20 seconds to loosen. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over each cup and smooth it evenly to seal in the filling.
- Chill Until Set: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least one hour or until the peanut butter cups are firm and completely set.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately, or store leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for later snacking.
Notes
- Use parchment paper liners to make removal easier and cleaner.
- Make sure the peanut butter is runny for better mixing.
- If the chocolate thickens while assembling, gently reheat to maintain a smooth texture.
- Store peanut butter cups in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain firmness and freshness.
- These cups are best enjoyed within one week if refrigerated, or up to one month if frozen.
Keywords: protein peanut butter cups, healthy peanut butter cups, homemade peanut butter cups, protein snack, chocolate peanut butter treats, low fat dessert
