These Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups are a fun twist on a classic treat. Made with creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter, they’re perfect for a sweet snack or dessert!
Honestly, who knew a healthy snack could taste this good? I love sneaking these into my day when I’m craving something sweet. They’re like a little hug in a cup! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate: This is the base of our cups, bringing the rich taste. I prefer dark chocolate for a deeper flavor. If you like milk chocolate, feel free to substitute, but keep in mind it may be sweeter!
Cottage Cheese: It gives a creamy texture and adds protein. If you don’t like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It will change the texture but still keeps it creamy!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free option.
Sweetener: Powdered sugar is recommended for a smooth consistency. If preferred, swap it with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the quantity based on your sweet tooth!
How Do You Perfectly Layer the Ingredients?
Getting those layers just right is key to these cups! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with melted chocolate: Make sure it’s smooth; stir well!
- Spreading the chocolate: Use the back of a spoon for an even base. Don’t rush this; a thick layer is important.
- Filling time: After freezing the chocolate, carefully add the cottage cheese and peanut butter mixture. Aim for the center to prevent it from mixing with the chocolate.
- Top it off: When adding the remaining chocolate, go slowly so it covers everything neatly without spilling over the edges.
Patience is key! Each layer should freeze slightly, making the final product beautiful and 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, divided
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, well drained
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Sea salt flakes (for garnish)
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (for garnish)
- Paper cupcake liners
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll stay busy mixing and layering, but the wait is worth it for these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Pan:
First, line a muffin pan with paper cupcake liners. This will make it super easy to remove the cups once they’re set!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Next, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each session until it’s completely smooth and melted.
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Using a spoon, place about 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, pop the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
4. Make the Filling:
While the chocolate base is hardening, mix together 1/4 cup of the peanut butter with the well-drained cottage cheese in a bowl. If you want it sweeter, sprinkle in some powdered sugar or drizzle in honey. Blend until the mixture is nice and creamy!
5. Assemble the Cups:
Once the chocolate base is firm, take the muffin pan out of the freezer. Spoon a generous amount of the cottage cheese and peanut butter filling on top of the chocolate in each cup. Make sure to leave a little room at the top.
6. Add More Peanut Butter:
Slightly melt the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter (make it warm but not hot) so it’s easy to dollop. Add a small dollop on top of the cottage cheese layer for a beautiful swirl effect!
7. Top with More Chocolate:
Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over each filling, covering it completely. Give the pan a gentle tap against the counter to smooth the chocolate layer out.
8. Garnish:
While the final chocolate layer is still soft, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top, and add a pinch of sea salt flakes for that extra flavor punch!
9. Chill the Cups:
Now, refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour, or until they are fully set. This is where the magic happens as all the flavors meld together!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re set, carefully remove the cups from the liners and serve chilled. Enjoy these deliciously creamy, nutty peanut butter cups packed with a surprise cottage cheese filling!
They’re a perfect snack or dessert that both kids and adults will love! 😋
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of the cups!
Can I Make These Peanut Butter Cups Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, use dairy-free dark chocolate and substitute the cottage cheese with a silken tofu or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Ensure your peanut butter is also 100% plant-based!
How Should I Store Leftover Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
What If I Don’t Like Cottage Cheese?
No problem! You can replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Blend it well with the peanut butter, and you’ll still have a fantastic filling!