Introduction
Do you love peanut butter cups but wish they were a little healthier? Great news—you can make Protein Peanut Butter Cups right at home! These tasty treats are packed with protein, making them perfect for a quick snack, workout boost, or even a healthy dessert.
Instead of buying store-bought candy full of sugar and artificial ingredients, you can make your own version with simple items from your kitchen. They taste just as good (maybe even better!) and give your body the fuel it needs. Ready to learn how to make these delicious and healthy treats? Let’s jump in!
Ingredients – Protein Peanut Butter Cups
You only need a few easy-to-find ingredients to make protein peanut butter cups. Most of them you probably already have at home.
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, helps melt the chocolate smoothly)
For the Peanut Butter Protein Filling:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your choice)
- 1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to sweeten)
- 1 tablespoon almond flour or oat flour (helps thicken the mix)
Step by Step Process – Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Making these treats is super easy. You don’t even need to bake them! Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cup Liners
- Take a muffin tray and line it with paper cupcake liners or silicone molds.
- This will help your peanut butter cups keep their shape and come out easily.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, pour in your chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, then heat again in 15-second bursts until smooth.
- Stir well to remove any lumps.
Step 3: Add the Bottom Chocolate Layer
- Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each muffin cup (about 1–2 teaspoons).
- Use the spoon to gently spread the chocolate over the bottom.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 10 minutes to harden.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- In another bowl, mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, honey, and flour.
- Stir until it forms a soft dough-like mixture.
- If it’s too dry, add a little more peanut butter or a splash of milk.
Step 5: Add the Filling
- Take the tray out of the freezer.
- Roll small balls of the peanut butter filling and flatten them slightly.
- Place one into each chocolate cup, on top of the hardened chocolate.
Step 6: Cover with More Chocolate
- Spoon the rest of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
- Make sure to cover it fully and smooth out the top.
Step 7: Chill Again
- Put the tray back in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes or until the cups are fully set.
Step 8: Enjoy!
- Once they’re firm, take them out of the liners and enjoy your homemade Protein Peanut Butter Cups!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 kcal |
| Protein | 8–10 grams |
| Total Fat | 12 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Sugar | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. It works just the same and gives a different flavor.
Q2: What kind of protein powder should I use?
Any kind is fine! You can use whey, casein, or plant-based protein powder. Choose a flavor (like chocolate or vanilla) that goes well with peanut butter and chocolate.
Q3: Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely! These cups last in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like.
Q4: Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes, you can! Just replace the protein powder with a little more almond or oat flour. The texture will be a bit different, but they’ll still taste great.
Q5: Are these good for kids?
Yes, kids love them! Just make sure to watch the sugar and pick a protein powder that’s safe for kids (or skip it if you’re not sure).
Final Thoughts
Protein Peanut Butter Cups are the perfect mix of sweet, healthy, and easy-to-make. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, a treat to share with friends, or just a better way to enjoy chocolate and peanut butter, these cups have you covered.
They’re made with simple ingredients, take just a few minutes to prepare, and can be stored for days. Plus, you can change the recipe to match your taste—use different nut butters, chocolate types, or add a pinch of sea salt on top for extra flavor!
Give this recipe a try, and you might never go back to store-bought peanut butter cups again. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
