Healthy Protein Peanut Butter Cups (Easy Recipe)
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These protein peanut butter cups combine the classic taste of peanut butter and chocolate with an added boost of protein. They are a cinch to make and offer a healthier spin on a classic treat.
Who else loves peanut butter and chocolate? If you’re nodding, you’ve got to try these homemade peanut butter cups.
They’re the perfect answer for when your sweet tooth calls but you want to keep things on the healthier side.
I’m all about simple ingredients, and these peanut butter protein cups hit the spot. Less added sugar, a boost of protein, and more of those good-for-you healthy fats – that’s the secret behind these treats.
And the best part? They’re super easy to make.
These healthier peanut butter cups are my go-to no bake treat. These make the perfect treat or keep the in your freezer for an afternoon pick me up. They remind me of my favorite candy, but without the guilt.
Looking for more protein packed treats? Try my Biscoff protein balls recipe, healthy twix bars, or protein pumpkin bar next.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these high protein peanut butter cups:
Oat Flour: If you don’t have oat flour, you can easily make your own by blending oatmeal in a blender.
Sweetener: I used Monkfruit sweetener but you can use regular white sugar if you prefer.
Protein Powder: If you are using whey protein powders, they typically require less milk than pea protein powders. My favorite whey protein powder is Clean Simple Eats and my favorite vegan is Kos. Feel free to use your favorite kind of protein powder.
Natural Peanut Butter: You can use a different nut butter if you prefer, but I do recommend using a crunchy butter as opposed to a creamy peanut butter as it adds a nice crunchy texture! You can even switch things up and use almond butter.
Chocolate Chips: Any chocolate chips will work! I love using dark chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips to keep the sugar low. Or you can use milk chocolate chips for that authentic Reese’s taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
Double Chocolate Delight: Add cocoa powder to the oat flour mixture for an extra chocolaty experience.
White Chocolate Twist: Try using melted white chocolate instead of regular chocolate for a creamy, sweet variation that adds a new flavor dimension to these protein-packed treats.
Add-Ins and Toppings: Stir in extras like chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle sea salt, coconut flakes, or cocoa nibs on top before the chocolate sets.
How to make Protein Peanut Butter Cups: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the oat flour, protein powder, sugar, and peanut butter. Then add the milk 1⁄4 cup at a time, stirring in between to make sure the dough doesn’t become too wet.
Step 2: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and start forming the peanut butter mixture into circle shapes using a cookie cutter or cup, then place them onto the baking tray.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate chips using either a double boiler or in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals. Dip each peanut butter cup into the chocolate and remove with a fork then place them back onto the parchment-lined baking tray.
Step 4: Place them into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate set. Remove from the fridge and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
When adding milk, do it gradually. Start with less milk and add more as needed to avoid making the dough too wet or sticky.
To prevent the chocolate from burning, melt it slowly. If using a microwave, do it in short bursts, stirring in between. For a double boiler, ensure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl holding the chocolate.
Let the peanut butter rounds chill in the fridge for a few minutes before dipping them in chocolate. This helps them hold their shape better when coated.
Making Peanut Butter Cups in a Muffin Tin
As an alternative way to shape your peanut butter cups, you can use a muffin tin or a mini muffin pan. Here is how:
Prepare Your Pan: If you’re using a regular muffin tin, you might want to make larger cups, which are great for sharing. For bite-sized treats, a mini muffin pan works best.
Use Cupcake Liners: Line your muffin with cupcake liners or silicone muffin cups. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it super easy to remove the peanut butter cups once they’re set.
Fill and Shape: Scoop your peanut butter mixture into the lined muffin tin and press down gently to shape them evenly.
Add Chocolate: Once you’ve formed the base, pour the melted chocolate over each one, ensuring they’re evenly covered.
Chill and Enjoy: Place the muffin tin or mini muffin pan in the fridge to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
They should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months..
These homemade Protein Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a healthier treat option, made with nutrient-rich ingredients like oat flour and protein powder, and contain less sugar and no artificial additives compared to store-bought versions
If the chocolate coating is too thick, try thinning it with a teaspoon of coconut oil or milk.
Using a fork is the easiest way. Place the peanut butter round on the fork and dip it in chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
More Healthy Dessert Recipes
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Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
- 4 tbsp granulated sweetener I use Monkfruit Granulated
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2-1 cup milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the oat flour, protein powder, sweetener, and peanut butter. Then add the milk 1⁄4 cup at a time, stirring in between to make sure the dough doesn’t become too wet.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and start forming the dough into circle shapes using a cookie cutter or cup, then place them onto the baking tray.
- Melt the chocolate chips using either a double boiler or microwave. Dip each peanut butter cup into the chocolate and remove with a fork then place them back onto the parchment-lined baking tray.
- Place them into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate set. Remove from the fridge and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data
These are so yummy!!! I always keep these in my freezer now!