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If you’re looking for a snack that’s both indulgent and wholesome, this Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine chewy oats and rich peanut butter united in a perfect bite, topped with smooth melted chocolate and a hint of sea salt for that irresistible contrast. These little cups are not only easy to make, but packed with satisfying flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more whether it’s a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe requires only a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—from the creamy peanut butter providing richness, to the hearty oats lending a chewy texture, and the chocolate giving that luscious finish.
- Peanut butter (2/3 cup): This is the creamy base that binds everything together and delivers lots of nutty flavor.
- Old fashioned (rolled) oats (3/4 cup): They add a satisfying chew and wholesome texture that balances the softness of the peanut butter.
- Maple syrup (2 tbsp): A natural sweetener that brings gentle sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Peanut butter (1 tbsp per oat cup): Extra dollops for topping, adding a rich, gooey surprise in every bite.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): For mixing with protein powder if you want an extra boost.
- Protein powder (3 tbsp): Optional but great for a protein-packed snack to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup, melted): The crowning glory—decadent, silky chocolate that hardens into a perfect shell.
- Flakey sea salt (optional): A sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors and adds just the right touch of contrast.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup
Start by combining the creamy peanut butter with the sweet maple syrup in a bowl. This blend creates a smooth, sticky base that helps hold your oat cups together and gives a lovely balance of richness and natural sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Oats
Next, stir in the rolled oats until everything is well combined. The oats add that beautiful chewy texture and make the cups hearty and filling without being heavy.
Step 3: Press the Mixture into Molds
Using silicon molds makes this step fun and easy. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the oat mixture into each mold cavity and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a cookie scoop to create an even base layer. This ensures each cup has a solid foundation to hold the toppings.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Layer
Now, add a dollop of plain peanut butter on top of each base layer, or for an extra protein punch, mix the 1/2 cup peanut butter with protein powder and spread that mixture instead. Once you’ve topped each cup, pop the tray in the freezer for about 20 minutes to let everything set nicely.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
While the cups firm up, melt your chocolate chips. Use the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each round to avoid overheating, adding a teaspoon or two of oil for smoothness. This melted chocolate will give your oat cups that elegant finishing touch.
Step 6: Top the Cups with Chocolate and Freeze
Carefully spoon or spread the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer of each cup. Return them to the freezer for another 20 minutes to harden the chocolate into a delicious shell.
Step 7: Finish with Sea Salt and Enjoy
Once set, remove your Peanut Butter Oat Cups from the molds and sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt to brighten all those flavors. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed — simple, satisfying, and delightful in every bite.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top brings out the sweetness of these oat cups and adds an exciting crunch, but you can also experiment with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or a few cacao nibs to add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Though these cups make a fantastic standalone snack, pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt can turn them into a well-rounded breakfast or a perfect afternoon treat packed with nutrients and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, layer these Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe beauties in a glass jar with alternating layers of granola or chopped nuts. You can also dip the bottoms in chocolate and decorate with sprinkles to add a fun twist that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These oat cups store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They stay fresh and maintain their texture, so you can enjoy a quick snack whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, pop the Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. They thaw quickly and still taste just as delectable as the day you made them.
Reheating
Since these are best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply allow frozen cups to sit out for a few minutes or thaw overnight in the fridge for the perfect texture before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a pleasant crunch to your oat cups. Just be aware it might make the mixture slightly more crumbly, so press firmly into the molds.
Is it possible to make these cups nut-free?
You can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to keep this recipe nut-free. The flavor will change slightly, but the oat cups will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can work in a pinch, but rolled oats provide better texture and structure for these cups. Quick oats tend to be finer and may make the mixture less firm, so the cups might not hold together as well.
Do I have to add protein powder?
Nope! Protein powder is optional and only added if you want a nutrition boost. The oat cups are tasty and filling without it, so feel free to skip or adjust based on your preference.
How long should the oat cups be frozen before eating?
Freezing for at least 20 minutes after each stage ensures the bases and chocolate layers set properly. After the final freeze, they’ll be firm and easy to handle, making them perfect for snacking on the go.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend giving this Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe a try enough! Whether you’re craving something sweet, need a quick energy boost, or want to treat yourself to a healthy snack, these cups hit all the right notes. They’re easy to customize, store well, and just downright delicious. So grab your ingredients, get mixing, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite snack.
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Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peanut Butter Oat Cups are a delicious, no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, wholesome oats, and rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert, they offer a satisfying balance of protein and sweetness with a hint of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Base
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 3/4 cup old fashioned (rolled) oats
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Topping
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (per oat cup) or 1/2 cup peanut butter mixed with 3 tbsp protein powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (melted)
- Flakey sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter and maple syrup: In a bowl, combine the 2/3 cup peanut butter and 2 tablespoons maple syrup until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add oats: Stir in the 3/4 cup rolled oats until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form bases: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the oat mixture into silicone molds using a cookie scoop or spoon. Press down evenly with a spoon to create a flat base layer.
- Add peanut butter topping: Add a dollop of 1 tablespoon peanut butter on top of each oat cup. Alternatively, mix 1/2 cup peanut butter with 3 tablespoons protein powder and spread this mixture on top of each base. Freeze the cups for 20 minutes to set the topping.
- Melt chocolate: While the oat cups are freezing, melt 1 cup chocolate chips in the microwave with 2 teaspoons of oil, heating in 30-second increments and stirring well after each interval until smooth.
- Apply chocolate layer: Remove the oat cups from the freezer and spoon the melted chocolate over the tops of each cup. Return to the freezer and freeze for an additional 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Serve: Remove the cups from the silicone molds, sprinkle with flakey sea salt if desired, and enjoy your peanut butter oat cups!
Notes
- Use silicone molds for easy removal of cups once frozen.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar.
- Adding protein powder to the peanut butter topping boosts the protein content and makes it more filling.
- The oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a nice shine.
- Store leftover cups in the freezer to keep them firm and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
