Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling
Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling are a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. These delicious treats offer all the indulgent flavor of traditional Reese’s Pieces Cookies but with a protein-packed twist that makes them perfect for post-workout snacking or a guilt-free dessert option. By incorporating cottage cheese into the filling, we’re creating a creamy, protein-rich center that maintains that classic peanut butter cup experience everyone loves.
Nutritional Benefits
These protein-packed treats offer significant nutritional advantages over store-bought alternatives. The combination of protein powder and cottage cheese delivers essential amino acids while keeping the sugar content lower than traditional candy. Plus, the dark chocolate coating provides antioxidants that can support overall health.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (2 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating these protein-packed treats requires simple, accessible ingredients that you can easily customize based on your dietary preferences:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate chips (1 cup) | Creates the cup shell | Milk chocolate chips, sugar-free chocolate chips, or carob chips |
| Coconut oil (1 tbsp) | Helps chocolate melt smoothly | Cocoa butter, MCT oil, or avocado oil |
| Cottage cheese (½ cup) | Protein-rich filling base | Greek yogurt, silken tofu, or ricotta cheese |
| Natural peanut butter (¼ cup) | Provides classic flavor | Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter |
| Vanilla protein powder (2 tbsp) | Adds protein and sweetness | Unflavored protein powder with 1 tsp vanilla extract, or collagen peptides |
| Honey (1 tbsp) | Natural sweetener | Maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener |
| Sea salt (pinch) | Enhances flavor | Himalayan salt or omit if using salted peanut butter |
Equipment Needed
– Muffin tin
– Paper cupcake liners
– Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
– Food processor or blender
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spatula
– Refrigerator
– Small ice cream scoop or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the muffin tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
3. Create chocolate shells: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner. Use the back of a spoon to push chocolate up the sides of the liner to form a cup. Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.
4. Make the filling: In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, peanut butter, protein powder, honey, and salt. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Fill the cups: Remove muffin tin from refrigerator. Place about 1 tablespoon of the protein-rich cottage cheese filling into each hardened chocolate cup.
6. Seal the cups: Top each cup with the remaining melted chocolate, making sure to completely cover the filling. Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to settle the chocolate.
7. Chill to set: Return the Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to completely set.
8. Serve: When ready to enjoy, peel away the paper liners from your homemade Reese’s Pieces Cookies alternative and serve.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Runny chocolate: If your chocolate coating isn’t thick enough, add a bit more melted chocolate to create a sturdier shell.
– Grainy filling: Ensure your cottage cheese is completely blended for a smooth texture. Straining it beforehand can help remove excess moisture.
– Chocolate seizing: If your chocolate becomes lumpy when melting, add a few more drops of coconut oil and stir gently.
– Expert touch: For a more authentic look, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cups before the final chocolate layer hardens.
– Protein boost: You can add an extra tablespoon of protein powder if you want to increase the protein content further.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigerator storage: These protein cups will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
– Freezer storage: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.
– Thawing: When ready to eat frozen cups, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or at room temperature for 15 minutes.
– Meal prep: Make a double batch on Sunday for a week’s worth of protein-packed snacks ready to grab and go.
Conclusion
These Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling are the perfect solution for anyone craving the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination but wanting to maintain a balanced diet. The protein-rich filling makes them substantially more nutritious than store-bought versions, while still delivering that indulgent flavor that makes Reese’s Pieces Cookies so irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout reward, a healthier dessert option, or just a delicious treat that aligns with your fitness goals, these homemade protein cups are sure to satisfy.
FAQ
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cottage cheese with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Just be sure to choose a protein powder that’s also dairy-free.
How many grams of protein are in each cup?
Each cup contains approximately 7-8 grams of protein, making them an excellent snack option for increasing your daily protein intake.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice textural contrast to the smooth filling. Just be aware that it might be slightly more difficult to get a completely smooth filling.
Are these suitable for keto diets?
With minor modifications, yes. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
How can I increase the protein content even more?
You can add an additional tablespoon of protein powder or mix in some unflavored collagen peptides to boost the protein content without significantly altering the taste.
Can children eat these protein cups?
Yes, these make a great healthier alternative to store-bought candy for children. They contain natural ingredients and less sugar while still tasting delicious.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling. If you enjoy these protein-packed treats, you’ll also love my Healthy Reeses Cups that use coconut oil for an even more nutritious chocolate coating.
