It includes the iconic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
Many fantastic dessert pairings exist, yet for me, chocolate paired with peanut butter stands among the finest. A delicious peanut butter cup featuring a crisp dark chocolate exterior coupled with a rich, smooth peanut butter interior—much akin to those found in high-quality confectionery stores—is truly delightful.
This blend was what sparked inspiration in me. Pawonation.com’ 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 cups serve as an ideal midday energy boost or just the right size for a sweet treat.
These energizing cups are simple to prepare without needing to bake; however, you will require a mini-muffin pan. Place either silicone or paper liners inside the muffin tray so that removing the final products becomes effortless. For the filling, combine traditional rolled oats, crisp organic peanut butter, almond milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and some salt. Mix these components thoroughly within a big mixing bowl before distributing the blend evenly into your prepared muffin compartments. Using a cookie scooper or an ice cream scoop works best here since the combination tends to be quite thick. After filling each compartment, lightly compress the oat-based contents to ensure they fit snugly in their molds and create smooth surfaces ready for adding the chocolate topping.
You can simply pour a bit of melted chocolate on top; however, for a texture similar to a peanut butter cup—firm and crisp—you should blend some coconut oil with the chocolate. The coconut oil hardens at room temperature, which ensures your chocolate sets nicely and has a satisfying crunch when bitten. Distribute a small amount of this blended chocolate over the oats in each mold using the back of a spoon, then place the tray in the refrigerator to partially set the chocolate. Once around ten minutes have passed, add some flakes of sea salt atop to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate, before returning them to the fridge until they're completely hardened. This process takes roughly one hour, after which your treats are prepared for consumption.
Related: What Occurs to Your Body If You Consume Peanut Butter Frequently?
For those like myself who frequently look for a modest treat of sweetness during the afternoon or following dinner, these cups hit the spot perfectly. Not only do they provide a slight protein lift and beneficial gut fibers, but they also cater to my craving for sweets. Making a batch over the weekend allows me to enjoy them as a quick snack or petite dessert throughout the week. These treats store exceptionally well in the freezer too; thus, preparing several batches ahead lets me keep some readily available anytime I fancy one or two. Thawing them doesn’t require much time either.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe by decreasing the quantity of oats and incorporating some nuts, dried fruits, or flaxseeds. You could also substitute a different type of nut butter for the peanut butter. For instance, almond butter combined with dried cherries and dark chocolate creates another delightful mix—though 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 delight over traditional candies.
Related: 44 Nutritious Peanut Butter Recipes You’ll Love Making Again and Again
Read the initial article on Pawonation.com
Post a Comment