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Protein Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Chill the Chocolate: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to let the chocolate base set and harden while you prepare the filling.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Filling to Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the fridge and place one peanut butter disc onto each chocolate base in the liners.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.