Description
Delicious homemade Protein Peanut Butter Cups combining rich semi-sweet chocolate with a creamy, protein-packed peanut butter filling sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while boosting your protein intake.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon solid coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter (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 to easily remove the peanut butter cups once set.
- Melt the Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Create Chocolate Base Layers: Pour a heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate into each muffin liner, spreading to edges to form a flat layer.
- Chill the Chocolate: Refrigerate the muffin tin to set the chocolate base layer firmly.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Microwave the peanut butter for 15-20 seconds until runny. Stir in vanilla protein powder, salt, and maple syrup until combined and creamy.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Discs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into 12 discs, slightly smaller than the muffin liners, shaping them by hand.
- Add Filling to Cups: Remove muffin tin from fridge and place a peanut butter disc on top of each chocolate base.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: If melted chocolate thickened, microwave 15-20 seconds to loosen. Drizzle remaining chocolate over each cup, smoothing to edges to seal filling.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the muffin tin for at least one hour, or until the peanut butter cups are fully set and firm.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later snacking.
Notes
- Use parchment paper liners to make removal easy and to prevent sticking.
- The protein powder adds a healthy protein boost—vanilla flavor complements the peanut butter best.
- If chocolate becomes too thick during assembly, reheat briefly to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Store peanut butter cups in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure peanut butter is runny to mix evenly with other filling ingredients.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
