Description
These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious and satisfying treat combining rich semi-sweet chocolate with a creamy, protein-packed peanut butter filling. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthier dessert option, these cups are made with natural ingredients and sweetened with pure maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (solid)
- 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 later.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and solid coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract after melting.
- Create Chocolate Base Layers: Pour about 1 heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate into each liner, spreading it evenly to the edges to form a flat base layer.
- Chill the Chocolate: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to let the chocolate base set while preparing the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Heat the peanut butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until runny. Stir in the vanilla protein powder, salt, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Discs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a disc slightly smaller than the muffin liners for easy layering.
- Add Filling to Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator and place one peanut butter disc on top of each chocolate base layer.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: If the melted chocolate has thickened, microwave for 15-20 seconds to loosen it. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing it out evenly to seal the filling.
- Chill Until Set: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the peanut butter cups to fully set and firm up.
- 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 creamy peanut butter with only peanuts and salt for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the peanut butter filling is slightly smaller than the muffin liner so the chocolate can fully cover and seal the cups.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to taste.
- For even melting, stir the chocolate thoroughly between microwave intervals to prevent burning.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (includes melting and assembling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American