4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups (Protein Recipe)

Why Make This Recipe

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious and simple treat that packs a protein punch! Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthier way, these treats are great for pre-workout energy or a post-workout snack. With just a few ingredients, they’re quick to make and easy to enjoy anytime.

How to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Powdered Peanut Butter
  • 1 scoop Protein Powder
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Directions

  1. Prepare the Molds: Line a muffin tin with 8 cupcake liners and set aside.
  2. Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, combine powdered peanut butter and protein powder. Gradually add water and mix until the filling reaches a slightly thick yet smooth texture. Set aside.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, stir, then microwave again for 30 seconds and mix until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Make the First Layer: Add a tablespoon of melted chocolate to each cupcake liner. Tilt, rotate, and shake the liners to coat the bottom evenly, and use a spoon to cover a bit of the sides as well. Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.
  5. Add Peanut Butter Layer: Remove the muffin tin from the freezer. Using an ice cream scooper or a tablespoon, add a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture over the set chocolate layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
  6. Top It Off: Spoon another tablespoon of melted chocolate over each peanut butter layer, spreading it to the edges to seal the peanut butter inside. If desired, sprinkle sea salt.
  7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for at least 30 minutes or until they are completely firm. Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy.
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups (Protein Recipe)

How to Serve 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

These peanut butter cups can be served as a snack or dessert. They are perfect for sharing with friends or keeping on hand for yourself. Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite smoothie for a balanced treat.

How to Store 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

To keep your peanut butter cups fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just let them thaw slightly before enjoying!

Tips to Make 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

  • Make sure the peanut butter filling is thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to spread easily.
  • When melting the chocolate, stir well to achieve a smooth consistency.
  • Experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter filling.

Variation

You can swap out the dark chocolate chips for milk or white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor. Adding crushed nuts or a sprinkle of protein powder on top of the chocolate layer can also give your cups a fun twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular peanut butter instead of powdered peanut butter?
No, regular peanut butter will not work the same way. Powdered peanut butter helps keep the filling texture light and easy to spread.

2. Is it possible to make these peanut butter cups vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate and make sure your protein powder is plant-based.

3. Can I add sweeteners to the peanut butter filling?
Absolutely! You can add honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener to the peanut butter filling if you want it sweeter.

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

These delicious 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups are a quick and healthy treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, providing a protein punch for pre or post-workout energy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 pieces
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1/2 cup Powdered Peanut Butter
  • 1 scoop Protein Powder
  • 1/2 cup Water

Chocolate Layer

  • 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Line a muffin tin with 8 cupcake liners and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine powdered peanut butter and protein powder. Gradually add water and mix until the filling reaches a slightly thick yet smooth texture. Set aside.
  • Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, stir, then microwave again for 30 seconds and mix until fully melted and smooth.

Assembly

  • Add a tablespoon of melted chocolate to each cupcake liner. Tilt, rotate, and shake the liners to coat the bottom evenly, and use a spoon to cover a bit of the sides as well.
  • Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.
  • Remove the muffin tin from the freezer. Add a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture over the set chocolate layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
  • Spoon another tablespoon of melted chocolate over each peanut butter layer, spreading it to the edges to seal the peanut butter inside. Sprinkle sea salt if desired.
  • Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for at least 30 minutes or until they are completely firm. Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy.

Notes

To keep your peanut butter cups fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Thaw slightly before enjoying. Experiment with flavors by adding vanilla extract or cinnamon to the filling.
Keyword 4 Ingredient Recipe, Healthy Snacks, no-bake dessert, Peanut Butter Cups, Protein Treats