Description
These High-Protein Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious and healthier twist on a classic treat. Made with a blend of semisweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, and powdered peanut butter, these cups deliver a satisfying dose of protein while satisfying your sweet tooth. Perfect as a post-workout snack or indulgent dessert, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base
- 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- 1 tsp refined coconut oil, divided
Peanut Butter Filling
- 2/3 cup creamy salted peanut butter (such as Skippy All-Natural)
- 1/3 cup (32 g) vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp powdered peanut butter (such as PB2)
Optional
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare muffin tins: Line 10 cups of a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Melt base chocolate: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups (227 g) of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 tsp refined coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, about 2 minutes total.
- Form chocolate cups: Spoon 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each paper liner. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly across the bottom and approximately 3/4 inch up the sides to form the base and walls of the cup.
- Chill chocolate cups: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate is firm, roughly 1 hour.
- Make peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, combine the creamy salted peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, and powdered peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Melt remaining chocolate: In another small microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 2/3 cup (113 g) chocolate chips with 1/2 tsp refined coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes total.
- Assemble peanut butter cups: Using a spoon, dollop a scant 2 tablespoons (approximately 22 g) of the peanut butter filling into each firm chocolate cup. Smooth the filling to a flat layer with an offset spatula or clean fingertips. Top each with 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate and gently spread to cover the filling. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for added flavor contrast.
- Set peanut butter cups: Return the tin to the refrigerator and chill until fully set, at least 1 hour, ensuring the chocolates firm up completely.
- Storage and make ahead: These peanut butter cups can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Use high-quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure peanut butter is creamy and salted for a balanced taste.
- Adjust the amount of protein powder to suit your dietary needs, but keep the filling consistency in mind.
- To melt chocolate evenly, stir well between microwave intervals to avoid burning.
- Flaky sea salt is optional but enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavor combination.
- For easier removal, let the cups fully set in the refrigerator or freezer before unwrapping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate only)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high-protein peanut butter cups, peanut butter chocolate cups, protein dessert, healthy chocolate treat, homemade peanut butter cups
