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Peanut Butter Protein Cups Recipe

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4.4 from 3 reviews

This Peanut Butter Protein Cups recipe offers a delicious, high-protein snack that’s both nutrient-dense and freezer-friendly. Perfect for meal prep, these cups combine creamy peanut butter with protein powder and rich chocolate, resulting in a naturally gluten-free treat that can be customized to be dairy-free and vegan. They are easy to make and come together quickly with no baking required.

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cups

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Mixture

  • ⅔ cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder (30 g), plant-based or whey protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 (10 ounce) bag semisweet or dark chocolate chips (use vegan chocolate chips for dairy free)
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Optional Topping

  • Flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: Place the natural creamy peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds until it reaches a runny consistency. Stir in the vanilla protein powder and pure maple syrup until well combined to create a smooth mixture.
  2. Form Peanut Butter Discs: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie dough scoop, portion out the peanut butter mixture into 12 equal parts. Flatten each portion into a disc about 1½ inches in diameter that will fit into the bottom of the muffin cups. Transfer these discs onto a plate and set aside until needed.
  3. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In another small microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet or dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful to avoid overheating or burning the chocolate.
  4. Coat Muffin Cups with Chocolate: Using a spoon, place about one tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cup of a 12-cup silicone muffin pan or a metal muffin pan lined with paper liners. Spread the chocolate evenly to cover the bottom of each cup.
  5. Assemble Peanut Butter Cups: Place one peanut butter disc into the center of each chocolate-coated muffin cup. Then, top each disc with an additional tablespoon of melted chocolate. Use the back of the spoon to gently swirl and evenly cover the peanut butter layer with chocolate.
  6. Add Optional Topping and Set: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops if desired for enhanced flavor. Place the muffin pan in the freezer until the chocolate is fully set, which will take at least 15 minutes.
  7. Remove and Store: Once set, carefully remove each peanut butter cup from the pan. Store the cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free or vegan version, use vegan protein powder and vegan chocolate chips.
  • Be cautious when melting chocolate to avoid overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize or burn.
  • Freezing helps the chocolate set quickly and ensures a firm, delicious texture.
  • Peanut butter cups can be stored long-term in the freezer and enjoyed as a quick protein-packed snack.
  • Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or protein powder flavors to customize the taste.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/peanut-butter-protein-cups-recipe/