Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups are a fun and tasty treat! They mix smooth cottage cheese with creamy peanut butter, all wrapped in a chocolate coating. Yum!
Honestly, who would have thought cottage cheese could be so delicious? I love making these when I want a snack that’s sweet but still a bit healthy. They disappear fast at my house! 🥜🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Look for smooth and well-drained cottage cheese. It’s good for giving creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, you can try Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar consistency.
Peanut Butter: I recommend creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling, but crunchy can add a nice texture. Nut butter alternatives like almond or sunflower seed butter can work for nut allergies.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but dark chocolate is great if you prefer a richer taste. For a dairy-free option, use vegan chocolate chips.
Sweetener: I often use powdered sugar for quick mixability, but honey or maple syrup can be used instead. Always taste to adjust sweetness as per your preference!
How Do I Get Smooth Filling Without Lumps?
Getting your filling just right is key to the texture of these cups. Here’s a simple way to ensure a lump-free filling:
- Start with well-drained cottage cheese. Press it through a fine mesh strainer if needed.
- Blend it in a food processor until completely smooth before adding other ingredients. This makes a big difference!
- Add peanut butter, powdered sugar (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend again until everything is creamy and combined.
Take your time mixing! This step ensures that every bite of your treat will be creamy and delicious, without any surprises. Enjoy making these!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (smooth, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of active preparation time. You’ll then need to chill the cups for at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure they set properly. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
First, grab your food processor! Blend the cottage cheese until it’s super smooth to get rid of any lumps. Then, add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until it’s fully combined and creamy. This is your delicious filling!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Now, it’s time to melt the chocolate chips! You can do this using a double boiler setup or pops into the microwave in short bursts of 20 to 30 seconds. Stir well between intervals until it’s smooth and glossy. This will be the outer layer of your peanut butter cups.
3. Form the Cups:
Line a muffin tin with silicone cupcake liners or paper liners. Spoon about a teaspoon of that melted chocolate into each cup to create a base. Tilt the muffin tin gently so the chocolate coats the bottom evenly. Once done, pop the pan into the freezer for 5-10 minutes to let the bottom layer set.
4. Add the Filling:
After the chocolate has set, take the pan out of the freezer. Spoon a dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of your cottage cheese peanut butter filling into each chocolate base. Press the filling down gently to flatten it a bit.
5. Top with Chocolate:
Spoon more melted chocolate over each cup to fully cover the filling. Smooth out the top gently with the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer.
6. Garnish:
If you want to make them look extra special, drizzle a little more peanut butter on top of each cup. Finish it off by sprinkling a touch of flaky sea salt on each cup for that perfect sweet and salty balance!
7. Chill:
Pop the muffin tin back into the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes to an hour to set the chocolate completely. The longer they chill, the better they become!
8. Serve:
Once set, carefully remove the peanut butter cups from the liners. Enjoy them chilled as a creamy, tangy, and completely delicious treat!
These little cups are a lovely combination of creamy cottage cheese, rich peanut butter, and smooth chocolate, plus a little salt for crunch. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still feeling like a smart snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate, depending on your taste preference. For a dairy-free option, try vegan chocolate chips!
What If I Don’t Have a Food Processor?
No problem! You can mash the cottage cheese by hand using a fork, but it may not get as smooth. Alternatively, a blender would work too! Just make sure to blend until smooth before proceeding with the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for a longer shelf life; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative, such as tofu or a nut-based cheese spread. Also, choose a vegan chocolate and sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
