These Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups are a fun twist on your favorite treat! They combine creamy cottage cheese with rich peanut butter, all wrapped in a sweet chocolate shell.
They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or dessert. I love how you can get a tasty little dose of protein while enjoying chocolate—it’s a win-win! 🍫🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate: I love using dark chocolate for its rich flavor. You can substitute with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste, or even use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
Cottage Cheese: Make sure to drain the cottage cheese well for a smooth texture. If you want a dairy-free version, try silken tofu blended until creamy.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best here! If you’re allergic to peanuts, almond butter or sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) are great substitutes.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. Agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia also works well.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Chocolate Layer?
The chocolate layer is crucial for these cups. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a double boiler or microwave for melting. This helps prevent burning.
- Don’t rush the cooling. Let the first layer harden in the freezer to keep the layers from blending.
- Make sure to cover the peanut butter mixture completely with chocolate to seal it, keeping all the flavors in!
Take your time while layering and enjoy the process! It makes the cups even more delicious.
Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, well drained
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt, plus flaky sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes of active preparation and approximately 30 minutes to set in the freezer. So in just under an hour, you’ll have some tasty Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Molds:
Start by lining a muffin tin or silicone molds with paper or silicone liners. This makes it super easy to pop the cups out once they’re set!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Next, melt your dark chocolate. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each round until it’s smooth and shiny.
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Once your chocolate is melted, scoop a small amount into the bottom of each lined mold. You want just enough to cover the bottom. Tilt the molds gently so the chocolate coats the sides a little too. This creates a nice barrier for the filling.
4. Chill the Chocolate:
Pop the molds in the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened. This step is important to ensure your layers stay distinct!
5. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While you wait, grab a blender or food processor. Combine the creamy peanut butter, well-drained cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Fill the Cups:
Once the chocolate base is set, carefully remove the molds from the freezer. Spoon a generous amount of the peanut butter filling onto the hardened chocolate layer. Be careful not to overfill—leave some space for the final chocolate layer!
7. Cover the Filling:
Now, take the remaining melted chocolate and spoon it over each peanut butter mixture to fully cover it. This seals in that yummy filling!
8. Add a Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cup for a delicious contrast!
9. Final Chill:
Return the cups to the freezer and chill until they’re fully set, about 20-30 minutes. You want them nice and firm before enjoying.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are set, gently remove the cups from the molds and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy. Treat yourself to these creamy, rich, and protein-packed peanut butter cups with a delightful cottage cheese twist!
Enjoy your homemade treat! 🍫🥜
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, or use white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that the sweetness level may change.
Can I Prepare These Cups in Advance?
Yes, these peanut butter cups store beautifully! You can make them up to a week in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
What If I Don’t Have Cottage Cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with silken tofu blended until smooth or even Greek yogurt for a similar texture and extra protein!
How Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
To make these cups dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate and replace the cottage cheese with silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt. Almond butter or sunbutter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter as well.
