These Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Protein Cups are a tasty treat packed with protein! Creamy Greek yogurt and rich peanut butter combine in a fun, bite-sized form that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for a quick snack, they’re like little cups of happiness! I love having them after a workout or just when I’m craving something sweet and healthy—who says you can’t have both?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the base of our cups and adds creaminess. Full-fat Greek yogurt gives a richer flavor, but you can use low-fat versions for fewer calories. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt as an alternative.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is best for flavor and texture. You can use creamy or chunky, depending on your preference. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work well too if you have nut allergies.
Protein Powder: This is optional, but it boosts the protein content. If you want to skip it, just add more Greek yogurt or use flavored yogurt for extra taste. Protein powders made from pea, whey, or hemp can all work here.
Dark Chocolate: I’m all about dark chocolate for its rich flavor. If you prefer milk chocolate or even white chocolate, those can be delicious too! Just be mindful that it will change the taste a bit.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melt chocolate carefully to ensure it’s smooth without burning. Here’s how I do it in the microwave:
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add coconut oil if you’re using it; it helps the chocolate melt more smoothly.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until fully melted.
- Stop when there are still some unmelted pieces; stir until they melt fully.
This method prevents burning and keeps your chocolate glossy. Remember, patience is key!
How to Make Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Protein Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (optional, for added protein)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
For The Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, to help melting chocolate)
For Topping (optional):
- Crushed peanuts
- Cacao nibs
- Shredded coconut
Estimated Time:
This fun and delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus about 2-3 hours for the cups to freeze completely. You can make these ahead and enjoy them throughout the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with silicone liners or paper muffin cups. This makes it super easy to remove the protein cups once they are frozen.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, protein powder (if using), and honey. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is going to be the yummy filling for your cups!
3. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt the chocolate in the microwave by heating it in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and nice and smooth.
4. Create the Chocolate Base:
Spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin cup. Use a spoon to spread it around evenly to form a base layer. Once done, pop the muffin tin into the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
5. Add the Yogurt Layer:
After the chocolate base has set, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Now, spoon the yogurt-peanut butter filling evenly on top of the chocolate base in each cup.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the yogurt layer in each cup, making sure to cover it completely.
7. Add Final Touches:
Before the chocolate sets, you can add a small dollop of peanut butter on top of each cup. Then, sprinkle with your optional toppings like crushed peanuts, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut for a delicious finish!
8. Freeze the Cups:
Return the muffin tin to the freezer and allow the protein cups to freeze completely, which should take about 2-3 hours or overnight if you prefer.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once fully frozen, remove the cups from the muffin tin. Enjoy them cold straight from the freezer! They are perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer to keep them fresh.
Enjoy your nutrient-packed, delicious Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Protein Cups!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly based on your choice.
Can I Sweeten These Cups More?
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can adjust the honey or maple syrup to your liking. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the mixture; you can always add more if needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein cups in an airtight container in the freezer. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just grab one when you need a quick snack—no need to thaw before eating!
Can I Make These Without Protein Powder?
Yes! The protein powder is optional. If you choose to skip it, you can simply add more Greek yogurt to maintain the same consistency or substitute with flavored yogurt for added taste.