Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling are the answer when you’re craving a rich, chocolatey peanut butter treat but still want extra protein and a more balanced dessert, and they’re just as fun to customize as Reese’s Pieces Cookies or Homemade Reese’s Eggs. In this post, we’ll walk through how to make high-protein peanut butter cups with a creamy cottage cheese center, plus simple variations so you can recreate all your favorite candy-bar-style desserts at home.
Nutritional Benefits
These high-protein peanut butter cups are built to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your macros.
– Protein boost: Cottage cheese and protein powder give each cup a solid hit of protein, helping keep you full and support muscle recovery.
– Balanced fats: Natural peanut butter and dark chocolate add satisfying fats for steady energy.
– Lower sugar option: Using dark chocolate and a touch of sweetener keeps the sweetness without overloading on sugar.
– Portion-friendly: Because they’re rich and creamy, one or two cups usually feel like enough.
Here’s an example of approximate nutrition per cup (this will vary based on your exact ingredients and cup size):
| Nutrition | Per Cup (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130–150 |
| Protein | 8–10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–12 g |
| Sugars | 5–7 g |
| Fat | 7–9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3–5 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 70–120 mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for the chocolate shells and creamy filling, plus easy swaps to fit your diet.
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate | Forms the chocolate shell | Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, sugar-free chocolate |
| Coconut oil | Thins chocolate, helps it set with a soft bite | Butter, ghee, or neutral oil (texture may vary slightly) |
| Low-fat cottage cheese | Protein-rich creamy filling base | Greek yogurt (thicker, tangier), ricotta (milder and softer) |
| Natural creamy peanut butter | Classic nutty flavor for the filling | Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter |
| Vanilla protein powder | Boosts protein and thickens filling | Chocolate protein powder or unflavored protein powder |
| Maple syrup or honey | Sweetens the filling | Agave, sugar-free syrup, or a few drops of liquid stevia |
| Vanilla extract | Adds warm dessert flavor | Almond extract (use less), or skip if using strongly flavored protein |
| Fine sea salt | Balances sweetness and enhances flavors | Regular table salt (use slightly less), flaky salt on top |
| Mini chocolate chips or crushed peanuts (optional) | Texture and garnish | Cacao nibs, crushed pretzels, or mini candy pieces |
Equipment Needed
– Silicone muffin pan or metal muffin tin with paper liners
– Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
– Small mixing bowls
– Blender or food processor (to blend cottage cheese smooth)
– Spoon or small cookie scoop
– Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
These Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling come together in simple stages, and the steps are similar to making other fun homemade candy-style recipes like Reese’s Pieces Cookies.
1. Prep your pan
– Line a muffin tin with silicone liners or paper liners.
– Clear space in your freezer so the tray can sit flat.
2. Melt the chocolate
– Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.
– Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
– Avoid overheating so the chocolate doesn’t seize.
3. Make the chocolate bases
– Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each muffin liner.
– Tilt or swirl the liner so the chocolate coats the bottom and slightly up the sides.
– Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
4. Blend the cottage cheese
– Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor.
– Blend until completely smooth and creamy (no curds visible).
– Scrape down the sides as needed for a silky texture.
5. Mix the protein peanut butter filling
– In a bowl, combine blended cottage cheese, peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
– Stir until thick, smooth, and scoopable; the texture should be similar to frosting.
– If it’s too thin, add a bit more protein powder; if too thick, loosen with a teaspoon of milk or water.
6. Fill the chocolate shells
– Remove the muffin tin from the freezer.
– Add about 1–1½ teaspoons of the cottage cheese filling to each chocolate base, leaving a small border around the edges for the top chocolate layer.
– Gently press the filling down so it sits flat.
7. Seal with more chocolate
– Spoon more melted chocolate over each cup, just enough to cover the filling completely.
– Tap the pan gently on the counter to level the tops and release air bubbles.
8. Add toppings (optional but recommended)
– While the tops are still soft, sprinkle with flaky salt, crushed peanuts, or a few mini chocolate chips.
– For a playful candy spin like Reese’s Pieces Cookies, you can press a couple of colorful candy pieces into a few cups for variety.
9. Chill until set
– Place the tray back in the freezer for 20–30 minutes, or in the fridge for about 45–60 minutes, until the chocolate is fully firm.
– Once set, peel off the liners and enjoy.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Filling is too runny:
– Add more protein powder, a spoonful at a time, or a bit more peanut butter until it thickens. Chill for 10 minutes, then try filling the cups again.
– Chocolate is too thick to spread:
– Stir in an extra teaspoon of coconut oil and re-melt gently in the microwave.
– Cottage cheese texture is grainy:
– Keep blending until completely smooth before adding other ingredients; this step makes the biggest difference in a truly creamy filling.
– Cups stick to the pan:
– Use silicone liners or a silicone muffin tray for the easiest release.
– Want them sweeter?
– Taste the filling before assembling. Add a little extra maple syrup or honey if needed, then balance with a tiny pinch more salt.
– Flavor twists:
– Add cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or use chocolate protein powder for a richer, brownie-like flavor.
– Swirl in a bit of crushed cookies or brownie crumbs if you love mashup-style Reeses Brownies desserts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Fridge:
– Store cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–6 days.
– Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating for the best creamy texture.
– Freezer:
– Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag.
– They keep well for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving.
– Meal prep friendly:
– Make a double batch and portion them into small containers for built-in portion control and easy grab-and-go treats.
Conclusion
Protein Reeses Cups with Cottage Cheese Filling are a fun, high-protein twist on classic peanut butter cups that prove you don’t have to choose between dessert and nutrition, and if you enjoy playful candy-inspired bakes like Reese’s Pieces Cookies, you’ll love how customizable these little cups are. Keep a stash in your fridge or freezer for a satisfying treat after dinner, a post-workout snack, or an easy option to share when you’re craving something sweet but still want to feel good about what’s in your dessert.
FAQ
Can I make these without cottage cheese?
Yes. Swap the cottage cheese for thick Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and extra peanut butter. Just note the texture will be slightly tangier and may be softer, so keep them chilled.
Do I have to use protein powder?
No, but it does help thicken the filling and boosts protein. If skipping it, reduce the blended cottage cheese slightly and add a bit more nut butter to keep the filling thick.
Which cottage cheese works best?
Low-fat or 2% cottage cheese usually gives the best balance of creaminess and calories. Full-fat will be extra rich, while fat-free may be a bit less creamy.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes. Use dairy-free cottage cheese or thick dairy-free yogurt, vegan protein powder, plant-based chocolate, and a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup.
How can I turn this into a bigger dessert?
Press a layer of chocolate into the bottom of a parchment-lined loaf pan, spread the cottage cheese filling over it, then top with more chocolate. Chill and slice into bars for a crowd-pleasing Reeses Dessert tray that will remind you of your favorite Home Made Reese Cups or even a pan of Reeses Brownies.
If you love fun, shareable sweets like Healthy Reeses Cups or other candy-inspired bakes, you might also enjoy serving these alongside a party snack board featuring savory dips such as this Reese’s Pieces Cookies themed platter for the perfect salty-sweet combo.
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