Indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt! These Protein Peanut Butter Cups are not just a delicious treat; they’re a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition packed into a single bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, creamy peanut butter filling, perfectly balanced with a silky dark chocolate shell—all while knowing you’re fueling your body with protein! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of 10 delightful cups that are perfect for snacking, post-workout recovery, or satisfying that late-night craving. Ready to transform your dessert game? Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a muffin tin with 10 silicone or paper cupcake liners to prepare for the recipe.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine natural peanut butter, protein powder, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and form a smooth, consistent mixture.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.
- Spoon a thin layer of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cupcake liner, ensuring the bottom is completely covered. Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for 3-4 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator and divide the peanut butter protein mixture evenly among the liners, gently pressing it down to create a smooth layer.
- Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, making sure to cover the entire surface completely.
- Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth chocolate top.
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and chill for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
- Remove the protein peanut butter cups from the refrigerator and carefully remove them from the liners.
- Store the protein peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. High-quality dark chocolate will also enhance the overall taste of your cups.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of protein powder, such as chocolate or vanilla, to match your taste preferences.
- Mind the Melting: When melting chocolate, be patient! Stirring every 30 seconds in the microwave will help prevent burning and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Layering Technique: To achieve a beautiful finish, pour the melted chocolate slowly over the peanut butter layer, allowing it to spread evenly and create a glossy top.
- Storage Tips: Keep your protein peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness. They can last up to a week, but we doubt they'll stick around that long!
- Make It Your Own: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling for an extra flavor kick, or mix in some crushed nuts or seeds into the peanut butter layer for added crunch.
- Chill Time Matters: Allow enough time for the chocolate to set properly in the fridge; this will give you that satisfying snap when you bite into them!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
