Healthier Peanut Butter Cups
I made these peanut butter cups as an early Valentine’s treat for my boyfriend who has the biggest sweet tooth (and normally frowns upon my “healthier” versions) but this one passed with flying colors! Whip up a batch to enjoy with your galentines, your special valentine, or as a self-love treat to yourself!
INGREDIENTS:
Peanut Butter Cups:
½ cup natural peanut butter
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
¼ cup (+1 tbsp) vanilla protein powder (I love Ora for this!)
Chocolate Topping:
2 cups 72% dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
sea salt for topping (I use Maldon flaky salt)
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a medium heatproof mixing bowl, melt the 1 Tbl coconut oil in the microwave (about 30 seconds). Combine all peanut butter cup ingredients, stirring to ensure there are no lumps.
Spoon desired size and roll into a ball with your hands and place on a parchment lined sheet. I used a silicone mold to make hearts, or you can flatten the peanut butter base into a lined muffin tin to make actual “cups”. Place balls into the freezer for 15 minutes.
While the peanut butter is setting, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe container in 30 second intervals until completely melted.
If using a mold for the peanut butter, remove them from the mold. Dunk peanut butter into the chocolate and lift out with a fork, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Place onto a lined baking sheet. Alternatively, you can just drizzle the peanut butter balls with chocolate. Return to freezer for another 10 minutes.
Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge!
