Super rich and made with easy ingredients these almond butter protein cups make a wicked protein dessert! Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free these little bites are protein-packed and require no baking!
Whip them up to have on hand when you want a chocolate fix or use them as an indulgent snack for an afternoon pick-me-up. Either way, you get the best of both worlds: chocolate + fuel!
Is there anything better than a chocolate almond butter combination? Yes: that combination with a hint of extra protein!
Made with collagen powder (one of the cleanest sources of protein) these dark chocolate almond butter cups come together quickly and will leave you licking your fingers for more, just like these other secretly healthy treats.
And since collagen powder is one of the cleanest sources of protein, this protein dessert isn’t just for you! As a Certified Nutrition Coach, it’s a wonderful option for kiddos too. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
You’ll fall in love with them because they are:
- A high-protein snack (9 grams of protein)
- Chocolate-y goodness
- A no-bake recipe
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you keep a stocked gluten-free pantry, you’ll already be set to make these!
Creamy almond butter: make sure to use a new-ish jar of almond butter so that it’s really runny. This makes it easier to mix with the collagen powder and drizzle on top. Know that you can use cashew butter ( or any nut butter) in its place though and it's a delicious swap!
Collagen powder: collagen and bone broth often get confused even though they have slight differences (learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth). Know that collagen powder is amazing for your gut health and a great protein source.
Maple syrup: keeping the almond butter cups sweet but not too sweet. The maple syrup also helps the collagen mix into the creamy almond butter.
Mini chocolate chips: make sure that the chocolate chips you use are certified gluten and dairy-free if you need that!
Cacao butter: this is going to help the chocolate coating hold together and give the almond butter cups a much more rich texture than just chocolate chips.
How To Make Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
- Melt the coconut oil, cacao butter, and chocolate chips.
- Whisk together the maple syrup, collagen, and almond butter.
- Portion some of the melted chocolate into silicone molds, top it with the almond butter mixture, and finish with the remaining melted chocolate.
- Freeze to set.
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
If you don’t use runny almond butter, the inside of the homemade almond butter cups will be thicker. You need a bit of the oil from a fresh almond butter container.
The high-protein almond butter cups do stay pretty solid at room temperature however, in warm weather they will give you sticky chocolate hands.
They can be stored in the fridge or freezer though.
Choosing Collagen Powder
It’s no surprise that these almond butter cups are made with collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Butter Cups
Yep! Regular dairy-based chocolate chips work to make these protein cups too. Know that dark chocolate chips give them a richer flavor.
Though you can make the switch, each protein powder will absorb differently. Know that whey absorbs less liquid than vegan protein powder so using either protein powder will alter the texture a bit.
I’ve never actually had them last that long because we gobble them up! However, they should last 3-4 months in the freezer if stored properly and 6-8 weeks in the fridge.
Other High-Protein Recipes You'll Love
- Dairy-free protein brownies
- Anti-inflammatory turmeric shake
- High-protein yogurt parfait
- Cookie dough protein balls
- High-protein granola
- Sticky protein pudding
- Protein bagels
- Collagen donuts
- Pomegranate protein shake
- High-protein snacks
- Chocolate peanut butter protein cups
- Healthy desserts
High Protein Almond Butter Cups
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Almond butter runny
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ⅛ cup Collagen powder
- 1 tbs Maple syrup
- ½ cup Dairy-free chocolate chips mini, dark chocolate optional
- 1 tbs Coconut oil
- 1 tbs Cacao butter
Instructions
- In a small pot, melt the cacao butter, mini chocolate chips, and coconut oil over low heat.
- Meanwhile, mix together the almond butter, collagen, and maple syrup.
- Once the chocolate is melted, use a tablespoon to portion just under a tablespoon into 6 muffin cups.
- Next, divide the almond mixture (it’s thick, not runny!). Then, press is down a bit.
- Finally, pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top.
- Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt if you want.
- Pop in the freezer for 2 hours to set.
Notes
- If you don’t use runny almond butter, the inside of the almond butter cups will be thicker.
- Cashew butter (most nut butter) will work in place of almond butter.
- The high-protein almond butter cups do stay pretty solid at room temperature however, in warm weather they will give you sticky chocolate hands.
- Store almond butter cups in the fridge or the freezer.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Traci
Delicious! They turned out perfect and had a wonderful flavor and taste!
fitasamamabear
Happy to hear it!
Relle
Ooh sweets are my weakness, but this looks like an awesome one. Thank you.
fitasamamabear
Haha mine too! Half the site is chocolate I think lol
Sonia
I made these for my daughter, and she loved them. They are so much healthier than store-bought peanut butter cups. And they are so easy to make. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Kris
These were way tastier than store-bought and my family agrees. 🙂
fitasamamabear
Wahoo! Major win when I hook the family lol
Kate
These butter cups were so delicious and easy to make!
fitasamamabear
Haha yep, that's a life staple in my house lol