Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Cups

These Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Cups are one of those easy little snacks that taste far more indulgent than the amount of effort that goes into making them.

They combine creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, rolled oats and crunchy cornflakes with a scoop of protein powder, before being finished with a layer of melted dark chocolate.

The result is a delicious combination of crunchy, chewy, peanut buttery and chocolatey in every bite.

And the best part? There’s no baking required.

If you’re looking for an easy high-protein snack that you can make ahead and keep in the fridge, these peanut butter protein bitess are definitely worth adding to the rotation.

Why You'll Love These Protein Peanut Butter Cups

There are a few reasons these have become such a handy snack for our household.

They're no-bake. There’s no need to turn on the oven. Simply mix, press, top with chocolate and refrigerate. Couldn’t be easier!

They're quick to make. You should know by now that I love a simple and quick recipe. Once the ingredients are measured out, the mixture comes together in just a few minutes. The longest part is honestly just waiting for them to set in the fridge.

They're crunchy and chewy. The rolled oats give the bites some substance, while the cornflakes add that really satisfying crunch.

They're chocolate and peanut butter. Honestly, does that combination ever disappoint?

They're great for meal prep. Make a batch, keep them refrigerated or in the freezer and you've got an easy snack ready whenever you need something sweet.

How To Make Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Bites

These no-bake protein bites couldn't be much easier to make.

Start by adding the peanut butter to a large bowl and microwave it for around 30 seconds, or until it has just melted and is easy to stir.

Add the maple syrup, protein powder, rolled oats and cornflakes.

Mix everything together really well until the dry ingredients are completely coated in the peanut butter mixture.

Spoon the mixture into a mini silicone muffin tray, filling each cavity around two-thirds full.

Now comes the important part: press the mixture down firmly.

I find slightly wet fingers work really well here. Press the mixture into the centre and around the edges of each cavity, making sure it's compact. This helps the bites hold together once they're set.

Next, spoon melted dark chocolate over the top of each bite and smooth it out with the back of a spoon.

Place the tray in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the bites are completely set.

Once they're firm, gently pop them out of the silicone tray.

That's it!

Protein peanut butter cups on a chopping board

My Tips For Getting The Best Crunch Bites

Press the mixture down firmly

Don't just spoon the mixture into the tray and leave it loose. Compacting it firmly is what helps create a bite that holds together once you remove it from the mould.

Wet your fingers

The mixture can be sticky, so slightly wetting your fingers makes it much easier to press everything into the silicone cups without having half the mixture stuck to your hands.

Don't over-melt the peanut butter

You only need the peanut butter soft enough to stir easily. Around 30 seconds in the microwave is usually enough, although microwaves vary.

Give them enough time to set

It's tempting to pull them out early, but letting them properly chill means the peanut butter mixture firms up and the chocolate topping sets properly.

A Handy High-Protein Snack

At 102 calories and 4.2g of protein per bite, these aren't designed to replace a full meal or protein shake. Instead, they're a handy little snack when you want something sweet while still adding a bit of protein to your day.

And because they're small, they're also easy to grab from the fridge when you're heading out, packing lunches or just want something with your afternoon coffee.

If you’re looking for a few of my favourite high protein meals be sure to check out my High-Protein Vegan Family Recipes eBook for some great suggestions to get you started.

Protein Peanut Butter Cups With Oats

Rolled oats are one of the ingredients I really like using in these protein peanut butter cups. They help give the cups a little more substance and chew, rather than making them feel like you're simply eating a layer of peanut butter and chocolate.

I use rolled oats because they have a slightly more substantial texture than quick oats, which works really well alongside the crunchy cornflakes. They also help bulk out the mixture, making these little cups more satisfying while adding some carbohydrates and fibre.

Because the oats aren't cooked, I wouldn't recommend swapping them for steel-cut oats, which would be much too firm and chewy in this recipe. Regular rolled oats are the way to go!

The combination of rolled oats and cornflakes is actually one of my favourite things about these cups. You get a little chew from the oats and plenty of crunch from the cornflakes, while the peanut butter holds everything together.

If you're looking for an easy protein snack with oats, this is a simple way to include them without needing to bake anything.

Protein Peanut Butter Cups Bite taken out of

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these protein bites no-bake?

Yes! These are completely no-bake protein bites. The peanut butter is simply warmed enough to make it easy to mix, then the bites are chilled in the fridge to set.

How much protein is in each peanut butter protein bite?

Each bite contains approximately 4.2g of protein, along with 102 calories, 8.3g carbohydrates and 4.6g fat. So, not bad macros for a nice little treat.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely. Smooth peanut butter gives you a more uniform texture, while crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to the bites.

Do protein bites need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps them stay firm and keeps the chocolate topping set.

Can I make these without protein powder?

The protein powder is part of the recipe and contributes to both the nutrition and texture, so removing it will change the consistency. I haven't tested these without protein powder, so I wouldn't recommend simply leaving it out without adjusting the recipe.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes. They're particularly handy for making ahead because you can prepare all 13 bites at once and keep them refrigerated for an easy snack throughout the week.

PRINT RECIPE

PREP TIME: 10min | COOK TIME: 0min | TOTAL TIME: 1hr 10min

SERVINGS: 13 cups

INGREDIENTS

Protein Peanut Butter Crunch Cups

3 tbsp peanut butter
3½ tbsp maple syrup
½ cup rolled oats
¾ cup cornflakes
¼ cup protein powder (vanilla or peanut butter flavoured works well)
½ cup dark chocolate, melted

METHOD

Add the peanut butter to a large bowl and microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until just melted and easy to stir.
Add the maple syrup, protein powder, rolled oats and cornflakes. Stir well until all of the dry ingredients are completely coated in the peanut butter mixture.
Spoon the mixture into a mini silicone muffin tray, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full.
Using clean, slightly wet fingers, press the mixture firmly into each cavity, making sure it is compact.
Spoon the melted dark chocolate over the top of each bite and smooth with the back of a spoon.
Place in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until completely set.
Gently pop the bites out of the silicone tray and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.