A creamy, peanut butter filling coated in rich, dark chocolate and with 9 grams of protein per serving, these protein peanut butter cups are the perfect dessert to indulge in. Made with minimal ingredients these peanut butter protein cups whip up in just a few minutes and are a delicious treat to grab from the freezer.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love helping you find foods you LOVE to eat all while bumping up your protein. Which makes this protein snack a staple in your weekly diet.
"Wowww were these good! I actually prefer them to the traditional candy - perfect amount of sweetness for me. I’ll be making these again ASAP." - Marie
Indulge in your favorite dessert more often. Made with natural peanut butter and vanilla protein powder the creamy filling whips up really easily and is encompassed by a hard outer shell of melted chocolate chips. it's the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers.
These peanut butter protein cups blend a classic indulgence into a healthy variation (also how I came up with brownie protein balls and recipes like high protein rice krispie treats!), all while giving you a delicious bump in protein. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
Recipe Highlights
I know you'll fall in love with these chocolate peanut butter protein cups because they're:
Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and no major kitchen skills. Just melt, pour, and freeze. You'll have them ready in about 30 minutes.
Allergy-friendly: The protein peanut butter cups are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free and can easily be paleo depending on your protein powder.
Versatile: You can also transform these into a full-on dessert like dairy-free protein buckeyes or keep them as is for a snack. They're a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry you'll probably already have the ingredients you need to make the recipe (and these high protein almond butter cups).
Peanut butter: Make sure to use natural peanut butter and you want it to be a bit on the runnier side and not thick. This is going to help make the middle of the desert creamier.
Vanilla protein powder; This recipe uses a vegan vanilla protein powder but know that not all protein powders are created equal so the one you choose will affect both the flavor and the texture of the peanut butter cups.
Vanilla extract; You really want that creamy filling to have the most potent flavor possible so don't skip out on the vanilla extract. Learn more about the best types of vanilla.
Mini chocolate chips; make sure that your chocolate chips are both dairy-free and gluten-free. I use enjoy life chocolate chips for this reason because they come out perfect every time and it's a brand that I trust.
Coconut oi: This is used to thin out the chocolate mixture however there's not enough of it that the outer shell won't hold together when sitting at room temperature.
Hot Tip: I recently made the switch to beef protein powder for health benefits. You can use Equip Protein in this recipe in a 1:1 ratio.
Important Teaching Tips
Protein powder is slightly unique in its breakdown which means that the kind you choose is going to affect the texture of the filling. Make sure to really mix your filling ingredients so that the peanut butter mixture is smooth and not grainy.
Vegan protein powder absorbs more than other blends, so if your mixture is TOO thick and nothing is stirring, add a splash of almond milk or maple syrup.
Heat the chocolate chips over very low heat,t and you want to remove them once they are just starting to melt. Otherwise, you're going to burn your chocolate chips, and then they will become too thick to use.
How To Make Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Step 1: In a bowl mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 2: In a small pot over low heat melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until just melted. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Portion half the chocolate mixture into silicone muffin cups followed by a spoonful of peanut butter.
Step 4: Portion the remaining melted chocolate overtop and smooth it out. Freeze for 30 minutes.
How To Store Them
You can store these chocolate protein peanut butter cups in the freezer or the fridge after they have set.
Freezer: After you let the peanut butter cups set, pop them out of the mold and place them in an airtight container. They'll last in the freezer for 3 months.
Fridge: Store the protein cups in an airtight container in the fridge for 7 days.
Though you can eat them right out of the freezer they taste best chilled or at room temperature when they've had time to sit for a few minutes. This is when will be the most creamy.
If frozen, let the protein cups thaw in the fridge overnight.
Choosing A Protein Powder
These protein peanut butter cups are made with fermented vegan protein powder. Knowing this, keep in mind that not all protein powder is created the same. Each brand will alter the texture, how much liquid is absorbed, and the flavor of the peanut butter cups.
Learn more about choosing a protein for your goals and my go-to protein powders to have on hand. You can make the peanut butter protein cups with any vegan protein powder, you may just need to adjust the liquid (reduce it) to get a thick but creamy texture.
Flavor Variations
You can adjust these peanut butter protein cups to be exactly what you need them to be. Below are a few flavor variations we've tried in the house and enjoyed.
Nut butter: Peanut butter is a life staple but almond hazelnut butter is a delicious switch-up.
Texture: Opting for the crunchy peanut butter is a wonderful texture swap.
Toppings: Sprinkle flakey sea salt on top, drizzle with dairy-free caramel sauce, or even pop some sprinkles on top for a special occasion.
Chocolate: You can make this dessert with white chocolate in place of dark chocolate chips. However. dairy-free white chocolate chips don't melt as well as regular so you may need some adjustments there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cups
You can but you want to make sure that you add a little bit of liquid so that the powder actually blends into the peanut butter period otherwise you'll be left with a little bit of a gritty texture in the middle period
If you know you'll be eating the peanut butter cups relatively soon you can store these chocolate peanut butter cups in the refrigerator. However, they also make a great recipe to have on hand in the freezer for when a chocolate craving strikes
You can make peanut butter cups with white chocolate chips for a bit of a flavor twist. Likewise, you can also opt for keto sugar-free chocolate chips if you want to take the carb content down a little bit.
Though you may be able to swap in whey protein for this recipe, it will alter the texture of the peanut butter cups. This is because whey protein doesn't absorb as much liquid as a vegan powder does.
Other Protein Powder Recipes You'll Love
- Collagen protein donuts
- Double chocolate baked protein oats
- Flourless protein brownies
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Cookies and cream protein shake
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Chocolate protein fluff
- Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
- High protein snack recipes
Tired of snacking and still feeling hungry? These high-protein treats are made in minutes!
Protein Peanut Butter Cups (dairy-free)
Video
Equipment
- 1 Silicone Muffin Molds
Ingredients
- 1 tbs Almond milk
- ½ cup Natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup Vanilla vegan protein powder
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Mini chocolate chips dairy-free as needed
- 2 teaspoon Coconut oil
Instructions
- Over low heat melt together the coconut oil and chocolate chips. Remove from heat before the chips are fully melted.
- In the meantime, mix together the peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla, and almond milk.
- Press the peanut butter mixture into mini silicone muffin molds. Make sure to press down hard so that they stick together.
- When chocolate is melted, divide and pour on top of the peanut butter cup mixture. Pop in the freezer to set.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Gwen says
My favorite guilty pleasure is a really good peanut butter cup. Now that I have a healthy high protein recipe these will be my go-to weekly snack!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! I truthfully make them weekly lol
Jean says
My kids totally enjoyed this! Super easy to make and it's really delicious plus it's great because of the protein in them. So yum!
fitasamamabear says
Haha yea my kids are obsessed and I don't complain!
Harriet says
The combination of creamy peanut butter filling and sweet chocolate coating is seriously addictive. And I love that they're healthier than the traditional peanut butter cups and still tastes so good. Definitely making these again to keep on hand!
fitasamamabear says
Definitely one of my favorites!
Krisha says
I followed the tip about using runnier peanut butter for a creamier filling and it turned out so well. I love that they're no-bake and whip up in just 30 minutes. Excited to make a bigger batch for meal prep.
fitasamamabear says
Yes! it makes a big difference, glad you liked them!
Tanya says
My absolute new fave! So perfect since I've been looking for healthier option desserts and this one is also dairy and gluten-free! Love that this does not need any baking and it even taste so delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Best flavor combo ever, right?!
Kerstine says
These are incredibly delicious and easy to make. They satisfy any sweet cravings and they make for the perfect healthy snack option.
fitasamamabear says
Easy is key!
Hazel says
My kids couldn't get enough of these peanut butter cups. The peanut butter filling is so creamy and the chocolate is rich. They're already asking me to make another batch. lol
fitasamamabear says
Isn't it a major win when the kids approve??
Sabrina says
The texture of the peanut butter filling is so creamy and rich. And I love that these peanut butter cups are a no-bake recipe. It's perfect when you need a quick and easy dessert!
fitasamamabear says
Haha yea it's definitely one of my favorites!
GRETA says
They look so pretty and taste delicious! I made this today because I craving something sweet and it came out just like in the pictures. I recommend it!
fitasamamabear says
Haha my pictures are simple because I suck at fancy, so hopefully they looked similar!
Elizabeth S says
These were really yummy. I didn't feel guilty eating them either. HA! I think I am going to try white chocolate next time.
fitasamamabear says
Haha the lack of guilt is totally the best part!
Sharina says
My mom and I loves to have these adorable chocolate protein peanut butter cups during our tea time! They are always delicious and satisfying.
fitasamamabear says
Aw yay!!
Sara says
Absolutely delicious!! I used sugar-free SunButter instead of peanut butter, and they worked out great.
fitasamamabear says
I make them with sun butter for kiddos school- works beautifully!
Lisa says
These were so easy to make and tasted great. The extra protein makes them so filling too.
fitasamamabear says
They're definitely the best of all worlds!
Kelli Miller says
I recently tried the Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cups recipe and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. As someone who enjoys working out and is always looking for ways to incorporate more protein into my diet, these cups were an absolute treat. The texture of the peanut butter filling is creamy and delicious, and the chocolate layer on top was just the right amount of sweetness.
What I loved most about this recipe is that it's a healthier alternative to traditional peanut butter cups. They are like Reese's cups that have been packed full of protein. I appreciate that I can indulge in a sweet snack while also fueling my body with the nutrients it needs.
The recipe was also incredibly easy to follow, and I appreciate that it didn't require any special equipment or ingredients. All I needed were a few pantry staples and I was able to whip up these delicious treats in no time at all.
fitasamamabear says
Kelli... you just made my DAY. Thanks so much for the positive words! I am so happy you enjoyed them (we gobble them up lol) and that they fit into your goals!
Mama G says
This is just the perfect little afternoon indulgence to get me through to dinner. It feels like I'm having something I shouldn't when in reality it's good for me. Love that chocolate and peanut butter combo!
fitasamamabear says
Haha that's the best kind of treat!!