Description
These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic treat, combining rich semi-sweet chocolate with a creamy, protein-packed peanut butter filling sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Perfect for a satisfying snack or post-workout indulgence, these cups are easy to make and set in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base
- 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 make removal easier once the peanut butter cups are set.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and solid coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the chocolate.
- Create Chocolate Base Layers: Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each muffin liner, spreading it evenly to the edges to create a flat base layer.
- Chill the Chocolate: Refrigerate the muffin tin to allow the chocolate base layers to set firmly before adding the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Warm the peanut butter briefly in the microwave (15–20 seconds) until runny. Combine it with vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and salt, stirring thoroughly to form a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Discs: Divide the prepared peanut butter filling into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a disc slightly smaller than the muffin liner for easy layering.
- Add Filling to Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the fridge. Place one peanut butter disc on top of the set chocolate base in each liner.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: If the leftover melted chocolate has thickened, gently microwave it for 15–20 seconds to soften. Drizzle and spread the chocolate over each peanut butter disc to seal the filling inside.
- Chill Until Set: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour until the peanut butter cups are completely firm.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store the peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient snacking later.
Notes
- Ensure peanut butter is runny to mix evenly with protein powder and maple syrup.
- Melt chocolate gently to avoid burning by stirring frequently during microwaving.
- Use parchment liners for easy removal and less mess.
- Store peanut butter cups in the fridge to keep them firm, or freeze for longer storage.
