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 both tasty and a bit healthier.
They’re super easy to whip up, and I love keeping a few in the fridge for a quick snack. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good chocolatey surprise? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is the star here, giving a creamy texture while cutting some calories. If you’re dairy-free, you can try tofu for a similar texture, but it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Peanut Butter: I love using creamy peanut butter for its smooth consistency, but crunchy works too! For allergies, almond or sunflower seed butter can be great alternatives.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds richness, but feel free to use milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter. Just keep an eye on the sugar content. Cocoa powder mixed with coconut oil can also substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This adds a hint of sweetness. If you’re watching sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or simply leave it out—cottage cheese and peanut butter are naturally flavorful!
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Set Perfectly?
Getting that layer of chocolate just right is key! Melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning it. Here’s how:
- Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring well in between.
- Your first layer should be thin—about a teaspoon per cup. It’ll form a solid base.
- Chill for 5 minutes before adding the filling so it all stays together when you bite in.
Getting these steps right will give you that nice snap when you bite into your cup!
Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or smooth)
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Crushed peanuts or peanut butter chips for garnish (optional)
- Silicone or paper muffin cups for shaping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and delicious recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prepping and assembling, plus an extra hour in the fridge (or 20 minutes in the freezer) for chilling. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes. A little waiting is so worth it for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Filling:
Start by placing the cottage cheese, creamy peanut butter, honey (if you’re using it), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a food processor or blender. Blend everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious peanut butter filling, so get it nice and blended!
2. Prepare the Muffin Cup Liners:
Get your muffin tin ready! Place silicone or paper muffin cups inside the muffin tin. This makes it easy to pop the cups out later for serving.
3. Melt the Chocolate:
Now, let’s melt that chocolate! You can do this by using a double boiler or in the microwave. If you’re using the microwave, heat the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until it’s all smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Chocolate Base:
Take about 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate and spoon it into the base of each muffin cup. Spread it evenly on the bottom. Once done, pop the tray into the freezer for about 5 minutes to set the chocolate base, so it becomes firm.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Filling:
Once the chocolate base has set, it’s time to spoon in that yummy peanut butter filling! Spoon a generous layer on top of the chocolate base, smoothing it out nicely with the back of a spoon.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Now, pour more melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer to cover it completely. Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to make the chocolate sit nicely and to get rid of any air bubbles that may have formed.
7. Garnish (Optional):
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or peanut butter chips on top of the melted chocolate for a fun garnish!
8. Chill to Set:
Pop the filled muffin cups back in the refrigerator or freezer. Allow them to set for about 1 hour in the fridge or for 20 minutes in the freezer. Both methods work, so choose whichever is easier for you!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Finally, once fully set, carefully remove the cups from the liners. These yummy treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy your creamy and delicious Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups anytime you need a snack!
Happy snacking! 😊
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, using low-fat cottage cheese is perfect for this recipe! It keeps the cups creamy without adding too many calories. If you prefer a higher protein option, you can use non-fat cottage cheese too.
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! If you have a peanut allergy or just want to try something different, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each will give a unique flavor, but they all work wonderfully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! To make these peanut butter cups vegan, simply use dairy-free dark chocolate and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly!
