These Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups are a fun twist on the classic treat! They combine creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter, all wrapped in a tasty chocolate cup.
Who knew healthy could taste so good? I love sneaking these little delights for a quick snack! It feels like I’m having dessert—but without the guilt! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark chocolate: I love using dark chocolate chips for that rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try milk chocolate or even dairy-free chocolate. Just watch the sweetness level when you switch!
Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter is best here for a creamy texture. If you need a nut-free choice, sunbutter or almond butter works well too! Make sure they’re similar in consistency.
Cottage cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a great creaminess. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, or even ricotta if you prefer. Just make sure it’s well-drained!
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can enhance sweetness, but if you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, try using stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount to taste!
How Do I Get Smooth Chocolate Cups?
Creating the perfect chocolate cup might seem tricky, but here’s a simple method to ensure smooth and sturdy cups.
- First, melt the chocolate slowly and stir until it’s fully smooth. No clumps allowed!
- When lining the muffin tin, make sure to coat the sides evenly. This will help them be sturdy when you add the filling.
- Freezing the chocolate for a bit is key—it helps set the shape before adding the filling.
- Lastly, sealing the top with chocolate ensures the cups stay intact and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
These tips will help make your Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups a hit every time! Enjoy making them!
Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (preferably full fat, well-drained)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, for garnish
- Silicone or paper muffin liners
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes of active prep time plus an additional 20-30 minutes to chill in the freezer for the chocolate to set. In total, you’ll have these sweet delights ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by adding the well-drained cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter, honey or maple syrup (if you want it sweeter), and vanilla extract into your food processor. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Once it’s ready, set it aside for later.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Next, grab a microwave-safe bowl and add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave them in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them using a double boiler on the stove if you prefer that method.
3. Form the Chocolate Cups:
Line a muffin tin with silicone or paper liners. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner. Use the back of a spoon to carefully spread the chocolate up the sides, creating a cup shape. Once you’ve done that, pop the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up.
4. Add the Filling:
After the chocolate has set, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your cottage cheese and peanut butter mixture into each chocolate cup, making sure to leave a little space at the top for the next layer.
5. Top the Cups:
For a little extra richness, add a small dollop of peanut butter on top of the filling. Then pour or drizzle some melted chocolate over the dollop to seal the cups and keep everything nestled inside.
6. Garnish:
Now, it’s time to make them look pretty! Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top, and add some mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for extra flair.
7. Chill:
Return the muffin tin back to the freezer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
8. Serve:
Once everything is nicely set, carefully remove the peanut butter cups from the liners. You can serve them right away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week!
These Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups offer a creamy, protein-rich filling with the delicious flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty touch. Enjoy your tasty creations!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, you can substitute with milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just remember to watch the sweetness level and adjust the filling if needed!
How Do I Make These Peanut Butter Cups Dairy-Free?
To make these cups dairy-free, use dairy-free dark chocolate and substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like silken tofu or dairy-free cream cheese. You can also adjust the sweeteners to suit your taste!
How Can I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Cups?
Store any leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Filling?
Yes, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking! Start with the recommended honey or maple syrup and taste the filling. You can add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor or skip it altogether if you want to keep it low-sugar.