Description
These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious, healthier twist on the classic treat, combining smooth semi-sweet chocolate with a creamy peanut butter and protein powder filling. Perfect as a satisfying snack or dessert, they are sweetened naturally with maple syrup and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
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 muffin liners: Line a muffin tin with parchment paper muffin liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the peanut butter cups.
- Melt chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Form chocolate base: Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner and spread evenly to cover the bottom in a flat layer. Repeat for all 12 cups.
- Chill chocolate base: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate layer to set firmly before adding the filling.
- Prepare peanut butter filling: Microwave peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 15–20 seconds until runny. Stir in vanilla protein powder, salt, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Shape peanut butter discs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into 12 portions, shaping each slightly smaller than the muffin liners for easy fitting atop the chocolate base.
- Assemble cups: Remove muffin tin from refrigerator. Place one peanut butter disc on top of each chocolate base in the liners.
- Top with remaining chocolate: If the leftover melted chocolate has hardened, microwave again for 15–20 seconds to loosen. Drizzle over each peanut butter disc and smooth to the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Set final layer: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least one hour until the peanut butter cups are fully set and firm.
- Serve and store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use parchment muffin liners for easy removal and cleanup.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to taste.
- For firmer cups, chill longer or freeze before serving.
- If you prefer, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Make sure to use natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients for the cleanest taste.
