High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups – A Delicious Low-Point WW Recipe
Frozen peanut butter cups are a timeless treat that combines the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the richness of chocolate. However, traditional peanut butter cups are often packed with sugar, unhealthy fats, and excessive calories. This high-protein, low-point version, specially designed for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program or anyone looking to make healthier dessert choices, is the perfect alternative. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these frozen peanut butter cups provide a satisfying dessert experience without the guilt.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to make these delicious, high-protein frozen peanut butter cups. From precise measurements to step-by-step instructions, as well as nutritional breakdowns, we’ve got you covered with a complete recipe. You’ll also discover helpful tips for customization and tricks to make your frozen peanut butter cups even better. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is both convenient and nutritious.
Ingredients for High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few ingredients to make these peanut butter cups, and all of them are either low in points or high in nutritional value, especially when it comes to protein. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, healthy treat:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (Plain, Non-Fat) – Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, with far fewer carbs than regular yogurt. It also adds a smooth, creamy texture to the peanut butter filling. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt to keep the sugar content low.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (Natural, Unsweetened) – Peanut butter provides healthy fats and a rich, nutty flavor. Opt for peanut butter that is free from added sugars or hydrogenated oils to keep the recipe as healthy as possible. Make sure it’s smooth to easily incorporate it into the yogurt mixture.
- 1/4 cup sweetener (Erythritol, Monk Fruit, or Stevia) – This low-carb sweetener ensures your peanut butter cups are sweet without adding any extra sugar or carbs. You can choose your preferred low-calorie, keto-friendly sweetener.
- 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips – These chips will provide the chocolate coating for your peanut butter cups. Look for sugar-free chocolate chips that are sweetened with stevia or erythritol to keep the recipe low in carbs and sugars.
Optional Toppings:
- A pinch of sea salt – Adding a pinch of sea salt to the top of your frozen peanut butter cups enhances the flavors and creates a satisfying sweet-salty contrast.
- A drizzle of melted dark chocolate – For extra flavor and indulgence, consider drizzling some additional melted sugar-free dark chocolate on top of your peanut butter cups after they freeze.
Equipment Needed for High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups
Before you get started, gather the following tools to ensure a smooth process while making these high-protein peanut butter cups:
- Muffin tin or silicone muffin liners – These will form the base for your peanut butter cups, giving them their signature round shape. If you don’t have a muffin tin, silicone cupcake molds work just as well.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need a few medium to large mixing bowls for combining the peanut butter and yogurt mixture, as well as for melting the chocolate chips.
- Microwave-safe bowl – This will be used to melt the sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Spatula – To scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix your ingredients.
- Freezer space – These treats need to freeze, so ensure you have enough room in your freezer for the muffin tin or molds.
Instructions for High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter and Greek Yogurt Filling
- Mix the Greek yogurt and peanut butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and the peanut butter. Use a spatula or a spoon to stir them together until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated. The creamy texture of the Greek yogurt will blend beautifully with the peanut butter, creating a rich filling for the cups.
- Sweeten the mixture: Add the sweetener of your choice to the yogurt and peanut butter mixture. Stir well to ensure that the sweetener is evenly distributed throughout the filling. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness as needed, depending on your preference. You can add more sweetener if you’d like a sweeter taste or less for a more neutral flavor.
- Optional flavor additions: For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. This will give a subtle yet complementary flavor to the peanut butter and yogurt.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the chocolate chips: Place the sugar-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval to prevent burning. Continue heating until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate.
- Drizzle or coat: You have two options for incorporating the melted chocolate into the peanut butter cups:
- Coating: For a fully coated chocolate shell, you can pour a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner, swirling it around to cover the bottom completely. Let the chocolate set briefly in the freezer for about 5 minutes before adding the peanut butter mixture on top.
- Drizzle: If you prefer a lighter chocolate topping, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each peanut butter cup after filling the cups with the yogurt-peanut butter mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Peanut Butter Cups
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the peanut butter and Greek yogurt mixture into each muffin liner, filling each one almost to the top. Use a spoon to smooth the top of each cup, ensuring an even distribution of the mixture.
- Top with chocolate: If you’re using the drizzle method, add the melted chocolate now. Simply spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate onto each cup and use a spoon to swirl it gently on top. For a fully coated cup, place the chocolate-covered cups in the freezer for about 5 minutes, then proceed with adding the peanut butter filling.
- Freeze the cups: Once each cup is filled and topped with chocolate, place the muffin tin in the freezer and let the cups freeze for at least 3 hours, or until they are solid and firm to the touch.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once frozen, remove the peanut butter cups from the muffin tin or silicone molds. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. These peanut butter cups are perfect for a quick, high-protein snack or a satisfying dessert after a meal.
Tips for Perfect High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups
- Use natural peanut butter: Always choose peanut butter that is free from added sugars and hydrogenated oils. The natural kind, which is simply peanuts and a bit of salt, is ideal for keeping the recipe low in carbs and healthy fats.
- Experiment with sweeteners: Different sweeteners can alter the flavor and texture of the peanut butter cups. Erythritol and monk fruit are popular choices for keto recipes, but stevia or allulose can also be used. Be sure to adjust the amount according to your preference since some sweeteners are sweeter than others.
- Customize with toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt to your frozen peanut butter cups just before freezing. This will add a salty-sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and chocolate flavors. For added indulgence, drizzle a bit more sugar-free dark chocolate on top after freezing.
- Make ahead: These frozen peanut butter cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. This makes them a great option for meal prep or a grab-and-go snack when you’re craving something sweet but want to stay on track with your WW goals.
- Vary the flavor: If you want to experiment, you can add other flavors to the peanut butter filling, like a small amount of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor, or a dash of cinnamon for a warming spice.
Nutritional Information (Per Peanut Butter Cup)
This recipe makes 12 high-protein frozen peanut butter cups. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (one cup):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Total Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
SmartPoints (WW Points): 4
Each High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cup has 4 WW SmartPoints. This makes them a fantastic low-point dessert or snack option for anyone following the Weight Watchers program. With their combination of protein, healthy fats, and low carbs, these peanut butter cups satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your progress.
Final Thoughts on High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups
These High-Protein Frozen Peanut Butter Cups are the perfect snack or dessert for anyone looking to indulge in something sweet while sticking to their WW points and low-carb goals. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and the satisfying flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, they’re a treat you’ll return to time and time again. Whether you’re on a keto diet, a WW plan, or just looking for a healthier dessert option, these peanut butter cups are sure to please!
Enjoy making these simple yet delicious treats as part of your weekly meal prep, and treat yourself to a protein-packed indulgence that won’t break your diet. With their low-point count, these frozen peanut butter cups are the ultimate way to enjoy a rich, satisfying snack without any guilt.
