It includes the iconic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
Many delicious dessert pairings exist, yet for me, nothing beats the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. A high-quality peanut butter cup featuring a crisp dark chocolate exterior and an indulgent, smooth peanut butter interior, similar to those found in top-notch candy stores, always hits the spot.
This blend is what provided inspiration.
SofTech’
s recipe for
Peanut Butter–Oat Energy Cups
They provide all the great elements of a peanut butter cup—chocolate and peanut butter, naturally—but they also incorporate extra components that add more nutrients. These qualities make these cups an ideal choice for an energizing midday snack or as a delightful mini dessert.
These energizing cups are simple to prepare and involve no baking; however, you will need a mini-muffin pan. To facilitate removal after they’re done, line your muffin tray with either silicone or paper liners. For the filling, combine traditional rolled oats, crisp organic peanut butter, almond milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and salt into one big mixing bowl. Afterward, distribute this blend evenly across the lined muffin cavities—using a cookie scooper or an ice cream scoop can be helpful due to how slightly adhesive the mixture tends to be. Following this step, lightly compress the oat-based mixture within each cup so their surfaces become smooth before adding the chocolate topping.
You might simply pour a bit of melted chocolate over the top, but for a texture similar to that of a peanut butter cup—firm and crisp—you should blend some coconut oil with the chocolate. The coconut oil hardens at room temp, aiding in setting the chocolate properly and giving it a satisfying crunch upon biting. Distribute a small amount of this combined mixture across the oats in every mold using the spoon’s backside before placing the tray in the refrigerator to partially solidify the chocolate. Once around ten minutes have passed, add a dash of flaky sea salt atop to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate, followed by returning them to the fridge until they’re completely set, which takes roughly one hour. At this point, your creations can be enjoyed.
Related:
What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Peanut Butter Regularly
For those like myself who frequently crave a modestly sized treat during the afternoon or following supper, these cups serve as an ideal solution. Not only do they provide a slight protein lift along with beneficial gut fibers, but they also appease my desire for sweetness. By preparing a series of them on Sundays, I have enough to enjoy as a quick nibble or miniature indulgence throughout the entire week. These treats freeze exceptionally well too; thus, making several batches allows me to store extras in the freezer where they remain readily available when desired—no lengthy defrosting required.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe by decreasing the quantity of oats and incorporating some nuts, dried fruit, or flaxseeds. You could also use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter. For instance, almond butter combined with dried cherries and dark chocolate creates another delightful mix—while not as traditional as peanut butter and chocolate, it’s equally delicious.
The next time you’re searching for a simple and delightful snack that captures the essence of classic peanut butter cups, consider giving these energy bites a chance. You could find yourself preferring this effortless, no-bake option over traditional candies.
Related:
44 Nutritious Peanut Butter Recipes You’ll Love Making Indefinitely
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