These Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups are an easy and fun twist on a classic treat! They mix creamy cottage cheese with rich peanut butter for a delightful combination.
Honestly, who knew something so simple could be so tasty? I love to snack on them when I’m craving something sweet but want a healthier option! 🥜😋
Making these cups is super quick; just blend the cottage cheese and peanut butter, pour into molds, and freeze. They’re perfect for quick treats anytime!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter gives the cups a creamy texture. I prefer natural peanut butter, without added sugars or oils. If you’re allergic or don’t like peanuts, you can use almond or sun butter as a substitute.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is best for a creamy consistency. If you dislike cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute, giving a tangy flavor and similar texture.
Sweeteners: You can use powdered sugar for instant sweetness or honey for a more natural option. Adjust the sweetness to your taste; a little can go a long way!
Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate adds richness. If you want a dairy-free version, look for vegan chocolate chips. Milk chocolate is another tasty option if you prefer it sweeter.
Coconut Oil: This is optional but helps the chocolate melt smoother. If you don’t have coconut oil, just use a bit more butter or skip it altogether!
How Can I Melt Chocolate Perfectly?
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it right! The key is to melt it slowly and gently to avoid burning.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and add your chocolate chips along with coconut oil (if using).
- Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well each time until the chocolate is just melted. This could take about 1 to 2 minutes total.
- If using a double boiler, place a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir until melted.
- Avoid getting any water in the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy!
Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (natural, unsweetened preferred)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small curd, well-drained)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires at least 1 hour of freezing time. In just a short time, you can have these delicious treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a blender or food processor, add the peanut butter, cottage cheese, powdered sugar (or honey), and vanilla extract. Blend everything together until it’s very smooth and creamy. This filling is going to be delicious!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter (if you’re using it). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each time until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Make sure not to let it burn!
3. Assemble the Cups:
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds. Scoop about a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each cup, and spread it slightly to cover the bottom. This will be the bottom layer of your cups.
4. Add the Filling:
Now take about a tablespoon of the peanut butter-cottage cheese filling and place it on top of the chocolate layer in each cup. Gently flatten the filling so it’s even.
5. Top with Chocolate:
Using another tablespoon, spoon more melted chocolate over the filling in each cup, covering it completely. Smooth the tops so the filling is sealed snugly inside!
6. Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. It adds a nice touch!
7. Freeze:
Place the muffin tin or molds in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the cups are fully set. This step is crucial for making sure they hold together!
8. Serve:
Once they’re set, remove the cups from the freezer, peel off the liners if you used them, and enjoy your delicious creations right away. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later snacking!
Enjoy these creamy, rich, and protein-packed peanut butter cups with a cottage cheese twist! You’ll love how simple and satisfying they are! 🥜🍫
Can I Use Unsweetened Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! Unsweetened peanut butter is a great option if you prefer to control the sweetness. You can always adjust the amount of sugar or honey in the recipe to get the desired taste.
What If I Don’t Have Coconut Oil?
No worries! If you don’t have coconut oil, you can simply use a bit more butter when melting the chocolate or skip it altogether. The chocolate will still melt beautifully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Yes, you can definitely substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter if you have a nut allergy. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious!
