Protein Peanut Butter Cups
A healthy, protein-packed twist on classic chocolate peanut butter cups
(No-bake, Gluten-free, Customizable)
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 regular cups
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Gluten-free, Can be dairy-free/vegan
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
• 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper or silicone muffin liners
• Medium mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
Alternative: Mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats
INGREDIENTS:
Peanut Butter Filling:
• 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup (30g) vanilla protein powder
• 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating:
• 2 cups (350g) dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp (30ml) coconut oil
• Pinch of sea salt (optional topping)
METHOD:
1. Line your muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls
3. Microwave chocolate and coconut oil in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until completely smooth
4. Drop 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each liner, covering the bottom
5. Chill for 5 minutes until slightly set
6. Roll peanut butter mixture into 12 equal balls, flatten slightly
7. Place one disk in each cup on top of the chilled chocolate
8. Cover each with remaining chocolate, tap tin gently to smooth tops
9. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired
10. Freeze for 15-20 minutes until set
CRUCIAL TIPS:
• Don’t overheat chocolate – it will become grainy
• Natural peanut butter works best – avoid ones with added oils
• If mixture is too soft, add more protein powder 1 tbsp at a time
• If too dry, add a splash of maple syrup
STORAGE:
• Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Allow 5 minutes to soften from frozen
SCALING:
• Recipe easily halves or doubles
• Mini muffin tin works for bite-sized versions (reduce portions by half)
VARIATIONS:
• Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter
• Use milk or white chocolate coating
• Add crushed nuts or coconut to topping
• Try chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla
Per cup: 245 calories | 9g protein | 18g healthy fats | 12g carbs
This recipe delivers all the satisfaction of store-bought peanut butter cups with added protein and less sugar. Perfect for post-workout treats or whenever you need a healthy chocolate fix!
