Description
These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious and healthier twist on a classic treat, combining creamy peanut butter, rich semi-sweet chocolate, maple syrup, and vanilla protein powder for added nutrition. Perfect as a high-protein snack or dessert, these cups are easy to make at home using simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon solid coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter (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 allow easy removal of the peanut butter cups later.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract once melted.
- Create Chocolate Base Layers: Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner. Spread to the edges forming a flat, even layer. Repeat for all 12 cups.
- Chill the Chocolate Base: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to let the chocolate base set and solidify before adding the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Microwave the peanut butter in a small bowl for 15–20 seconds until runny. Stir in vanilla protein powder, salt, and maple syrup until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Discs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a disc slightly smaller than the muffin liner for layering.
- Add Filling to Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator and place one peanut butter disc on top of each set chocolate base.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: If the melted chocolate has thickened, microwave again for 15–20 seconds to loosen. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over each peanut butter disc, spreading evenly to the edges to seal the filling.
- Chill Until Set: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until peanut butter cups are completely firm and 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 muffin liners for the best release of peanut butter cups.
- Ensure the chocolate base is fully set before adding peanut butter to prevent mixing layers.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to taste.
- Protein powder adds nutrition but can affect texture; mix thoroughly for smooth filling.
- Store peanut butter cups in the fridge or freezer to maintain firmness, especially in warm environments.
