Craving something sweet but trying to stay on track with your health goals? These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are the perfect solution! They’re delicious, easy to make, and packed with protein to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for a post-workout snack or just someone who loves peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein & Low Guilt: Enjoy a sweet treat while fueling your body with protein.
- Easy & Quick to Make: Only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, swap nut butters, or add fun toppings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch, store them, and grab one whenever you need a snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter)
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works great)
- 2 tbsp coconut flour (optional, for texture)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to your preferred level of sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
Optional Additions:
- A pinch of sea salt
- Crushed nuts for topping
- Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Flax or chia seeds for added nutrition
How to Make Protein Peanut Butter Cups
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, protein powder, coconut flour, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until a dough-like consistency forms. Adjust the sweetness or add a splash of almond milk if the mixture is too dry.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- IIn a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
- Assemble the Cups:
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Add about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate to each liner, spreading it to cover the bottom. Place the tray in the freezer for 5 minutes to set.
- Add the Filling:
- Roll small portions of the peanut butter mixture into balls, flatten them, and place them on top of the set chocolate layer.
- Seal with Chocolate:
- Pour more melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling until fully covered. Tap the muffin tin gently to remove air bubbles.
- Chill & Set:
- Place the tray back in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Tips for the Best Protein Peanut Butter Cups
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: It makes a big difference in taste.
- Choose the Right Protein Powder: Pick one with a flavor you love and minimal artificial ingredients.
- Don’t Skip the Coconut Oil: It helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates a glossy finish.
What to Serve with Protein Peanut Butter Cups
- A glass of almond milk or oat milk
- A cup of hot coffee or matcha
- Fresh berries for a fruity balance
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter? Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work well.
How many grams of protein per cup? It depends on your protein powder, but typically around 8–10 grams per cup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 peanut butter cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw for a few minutes before eating.
- Reheating: Not necessary, but you can microwave for 5 seconds if you like a softer texture.
Variations
- Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free chocolate and a low-carb sweetener.
- Crunchy Version: Add crushed peanuts or rice crisps.
- Spiced Twist: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or cayenne for a flavor kick.
Conclusion
These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a game-changer for anyone who wants a healthier dessert option without sacrificing taste. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re meal-prepping snacks or satisfying a late-night craving, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Protein Peanut Butter Cups
These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a healthier take on the classic treat, packed with protein to fuel your day. The creamy peanut butter filling is combined with protein powder, creating a satisfying and nutritious snack or dessert. Coated in rich dark chocolate, these cups are easy to make, require no baking, and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Store them in the fridge or freezer for a delicious, on-the-go snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet
- 1 tbsp coconut oil optional, for smoother chocolate
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup protein powder vanilla or chocolate
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey optional, for sweetness
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, protein powder, coconut flour, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until a dough-like consistency forms. Adjust the sweetness or add a splash of almond milk if the mixture is too dry.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- IIn a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
- Assemble the Cups:
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Add about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate to each liner, spreading it to cover the bottom. Place the tray in the freezer for 5 minutes to set.
- Add the Filling:
- Roll small portions of the peanut butter mixture into balls, flatten them, and place them on top of the set chocolate layer.
- Seal with Chocolate:
- Pour more melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling until fully covered. Tap the muffin tin gently to remove air bubbles.
- Chill & Set:
- Place the tray back in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
- Protein Boost: Use your favorite protein powder — whey, plant-based, or collagen all work great!
- Chocolate Coating: For extra indulgence, double-coat the cups by adding more melted chocolate on top.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer-lasting treats.
- Customizable: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or add crushed nuts for extra crunch.