I always like to have a little sweet treat on hand as you never know when a craving is going to hit. I also love sneaking in some protein whenever I can to help me hit my goals. Today we are making a fun spin on a classic, protein peanut butter cups!
If you love Reese’s peanut butter cups, you will love these! Made into a lighter option, they are made with just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus they’re ready in just 25 minutes.
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These healthy peanut butter cups are just 114 calories each with 7.7 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat. Perfect for those of you who have a sweet tooth or those who want dessert every so often while also helping you feel your best and thrive.
Why we love these protein peanut butter cups
- made from 6 simple ingredients
- added protein boost – each one has 7 grams of protein!
- macro-friendly – a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for balanced blood sugar and energy levels.
Protein peanut butter cups ingredients
- peanut butter – use an all-natural peanut butter (it should be runny/drippy).
- maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness
- vanilla extract
- collagen – we are using unflavored collagen for our protein powder, but any kind will work.
- dark chocolate chips
- salt
How to make protein peanut butter cups
- Line a mini muffin tin with silicone muffin liners. You can also use paper ones.
- Make your peanut butter mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine. It will get crumbly at first but will come together. The texture should be like cookie dough.
- Form your peanut butter cups. Using a tablespoon, scoop out about a tablespoon worth and press it into the bottom of your muffin liners, creating a flat surface on top. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should get 12 cups.
- Melt chocolate. In a small microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips. Microwave in 15-20 second increments until melted. Make sure to stir after every time so the chocolate doesn’t burn.
- Top with chocolate. Layer about 1 teaspoon worth of chocolate on top of your peanut butter mixture, using the back of your spoon to spread it out evenly. Repeat with the remaining chocolate. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt if desired.
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until chocolate is hardened.
- Enjoy! Store in the fridge.
Can I use another protein powder?
YES! This recipe is great because most protein powders work. The texture just changes a little, but they still taste great.
- whey protein powder – use the same amount. Using whey will give the batter the same consistency as collagen.
- plant-based protein – use the same amount. Using plant-based will give you a dryer peanut butter mixture.
- collagen – make the recipe as written. I loved this one the most as it let the peanut butter flavor shine.
If your peanut butter mixture is too wet or too dry, wither add more protein powder or a little liquid (water works fine) to achieve the desired consistency.
Storage
- fridge – store an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. The longer they sit, the dryer they will get.
- freezer – store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You can eat them right out of the freezer or let them defrost.
Substitutions
- peanut butter – any kind of nut butter or seed butter will work. Try almond butter, cashew butter, or tahini.
- maple syrup – honey or agave will work instead. You do want to use a liquid sweetener.
- vanilla extract – you can leave it out if you are using a vanilla protein powder.
- collagen – any kind or flavor of protein powder will work (whey or plant-based). Use the section above for specifics. I would suggest vanilla if wanted to use a flavored kind.
- chocolate chips – milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips will work. Use dairy-free if needed.
More healthy dessert recipes
- oatmeal chocolate chip bars
- dark chocolate bark
- healthy dole whip (dairy-free)
- carrot cake bars with greek yogurt frosting
- chocolate chia pudding with coconut milk
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Protein Peanut Butter Cups
ingredients
instructions
- Line a mini muffin tin with silicone muffin liners. You can also use paper ones.
- Make your peanut butter mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine. It will get crumbly at first but will come together. The texture should be like cookie dough.
- Form your peanut butter cups. Using a tablespoon, scoop out about a tablespoon worth and press it into the bottom of your muffin liners, creating a flat surface on top. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should get 12 cups.
- Melt chocolate. In a small microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips. Microwave in 15-20 second increments until melted. Make sure to stir after every time so the chocolate doesn’t burn.
- Top with chocolate. Layer about 1 teaspoon worth of chocolate on top of your peanut butter mixture, using the back of your spoon to spread it out evenly. Repeat with the remaining chocolate. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt if desired.
- Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until chocolate is hardened.
- Enjoy!
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notes
nutrition
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Good! Have made 3 batches. It really only makes 5-6. I have used protein powder and PB protein. Kids like it!
Glad you enjoy them, Holly!
These were so yummy! Such an easy grab for a quick sweet treat. I added pretzels to some, yum!
Oh yum, pretzels sound like such a good addition! Glad you enjoyed them Lara and thanks for trying them!
It is amazing how such a delicious snack can be made out of simple ingredients
Glad to hear you enjoyed them!
can’t wait to try them
Hope you enjoy them!!