These Peanut Butter Protein Cups are a tasty treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost!
Honestly, who can resist chocolate and peanut butter together? I love making these ahead of time to always have a sweet surprise waiting in the fridge. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Natural Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy peanut butter works here. If you’re avoiding peanuts, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives. They both will keep that nutty flavor!
Protein Powder: Vanilla or unflavored protein powder adds nutrition. If you’re vegan, look for plant-based protein options, such as pea or brown rice protein.
Coconut Flour or Almond Flour: These are optional for thickness. You can use oat flour or even regular flour if you don’t have these on hand. Just note, coconut flour is very absorbent, so use sparingly!
Sweetener: Honey adds a nice sweetness, but you can swap it for maple syrup or agave if you prefer a vegan option. Adjust the amount based on your sweet tooth!
Dark Chocolate: I prefer dark chocolate for its richness, but semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate works too! Just ensure it’s of good quality for the best flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chocolate Layer?
Creating that ideal chocolate base can be tricky, but here’s the secret: melting chocolate slowly is key. If you rush it, you might end up with a burnt taste.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in 30-second bursts. Stir after each interval until fully melted.
- Mixing in coconut oil makes the chocolate smoother and easier to work with!
- Spread the chocolate evenly in your molds, making sure to cover the bottom well to support the peanut butter filling.
- Chill the cups in the freezer until they’re firm before adding the peanut butter layer. This keeps the layers distinct and delicious!
Peanut Butter Protein Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy depending on preference)
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour or almond flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for chilling in the freezer. You’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Molds:
Start by lining a mini muffin tin with paper liners or using silicone molds. This will make it easy to pop out the protein cups later!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add half of the chocolate chips along with the coconut oil (if using). Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and combined.
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Pour about 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each muffin liner and use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, covering the bottom completely. Place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate is setting, in a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, coconut or almond flour, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and thick enough to scoop. If it seems too runny, add a bit more flour to thicken it.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
Once the chocolate base is hardened, take the tray out of the freezer. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and gently press it on top of the chocolate layer in each cup.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Return to melting the remaining chocolate in the same way as before. Once melted, spoon the chocolate over the peanut butter layer until it is completely covered.
7. Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cup for that delightful contrast to the sweetness.
8. Chilling Time:
Pop the tray back into the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until the cups are fully set and firm.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Once set, remove the peanut butter protein cups from the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, ready for a healthy snack any time!
These peanut butter protein cups are a perfect blend of creamy goodness and rich chocolate, topped off with a hint of salt. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious treats!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter can also work wonderfully. Just ensure the consistency is similar for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the peanut butter protein cups in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes! Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup, agave, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just adjust the quantity according to your sweetness preference.
What Should I Do If the Chocolate Is Too Thick?
If your melted chocolate seems too thick, you can mix in a bit more coconut oil or a splash of milk to thin it out. Stir until smooth before pouring over your peanut butter layer!