Description
Delicious and protein-packed peanut butter cups made with creamy natural peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate, and vanilla protein powder. These homemade treats are perfect for a healthy snack or dessert and combine rich chocolate with a smooth peanut butter filling. Easy to prepare and refrigerated to set, they provide a wholesome alternative to traditional peanut butter cups.
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 (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 ensure easy removal of the peanut butter cups later.
- Melt the Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract once melted.
- Create Chocolate Base Layers: Spoon about one heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner, spreading it evenly to the edges to form a flat base layer in each of the 12 cups.
- Chill the Chocolate: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to let the chocolate base set and harden while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Warm the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 15–20 seconds until runny. Mix in vanilla protein powder, salt, and pure maple syrup until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Discs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion by hand into discs slightly smaller than the muffin liners for easy layering.
- Add Filling to Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the fridge and place one peanut butter disc onto each chocolate base in the liners.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: If the melted chocolate has thickened, microwave it for an additional 15–20 seconds to re-liquefy. Drizzle this chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing it to the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Chill Until Set: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour, or until the peanut butter cups are fully set and firm.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the peanut butter cups immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for later snacking.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the chocolate layers are fully set before adding peanut butter to prevent mixing.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred.
- Storing these in the freezer helps them last longer and maintains firmness.
- For a dairy-free option, verify that the chocolate chips and protein powder used are vegan-friendly.
