Peanut Butter Banana Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas. These no-bake cups are perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or even a grab-and-go breakfast. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying treat thatโs perfect for any time of day.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Itโs a simple, no-bake recipe that requires minimal ingredients.
- The combination of peanut butter and banana is a classic, satisfying flavor.
- Itโs naturally sweetened with bananas, making it a healthier dessert option.
- These cups are perfect for meal prep and can be stored for later use.
- You can easily customize the recipe with different toppings or ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Peanut butter (preferably creamy)
- Bananas (ripe)
- Dark or milk chocolate (melted)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Directions
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone muffin molds.
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix until fully combined. You can add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor, if desired.
- In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into each muffin liner, enough to cover the bottom.
- Spoon the peanut butter and banana mixture on top of the chocolate layer in each liner.
- Pour another layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter and banana mixture, covering it completely.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cup for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the cups are firm and set.
- Once theyโre set, remove the cups from the liners and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 12 Peanut Butter Banana Cups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter for those with nut allergies.
- Toppings: Add crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chia seeds on top of the final chocolate layer for added texture and flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can mix a little honey or maple syrup into the peanut butter and banana mixture.
- Chocolate Type: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the Peanut Butter Banana Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cups can also be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: No reheating is necessary. You can enjoy these cups straight from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, allow them to thaw for a few minutes before eating.
FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be?
For this recipe, itโs best to use ripe bananas, as they are sweeter and easier to mash.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can add a nice texture to the cups if you prefer.
Can I make these cups vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based chocolate and ensure your peanut butter is vegan-friendly.
What type of chocolate works best?
You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Dark chocolate pairs especially well with peanut butter and banana.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Itโs not recommended to use frozen bananas in this recipe, as they release excess water when thawed.
Can I add protein powder to the peanut butter mixture?
Yes, adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder can make these cups a protein-packed snack.
Do I have to use muffin liners?
While muffin liners make it easier to remove the cups, you can also use silicone molds or lightly greased muffin tins.
Can I make these cups nut-free?
Yes, substitute peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
How long do these cups last in the fridge?
Peanut Butter Banana Cups can last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
You can experiment with adding small pieces of fruit like berries or raisins, but keep in mind the texture and sweetness will change.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Cups are a quick and easy treat that brings together the delicious flavors of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate. Whether youโre looking for a healthy dessert, a snack, or a fun treat to make with kids, this recipe is a perfect choice. With various ways to customize the flavors and textures, you can easily make it your own. Plus, they store well, making them great for meal prep or to have on hand whenever you crave a sweet treat!
PrintPeanut Butter Banana Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6โ8 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Cups are a delicious and healthy treat that combines creamy peanut butter and sweet bananas, all wrapped up in a smooth chocolate shell. Theyโre perfect for a quick snack or dessert and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural preferred)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Mix in the peanut butter until well combined. Add a pinch of salt if you prefer a slightly salted taste. Set aside.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Assemble the cups: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cup, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
- Add the filling: Place a spoonful of the banana and peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer in each cup. Then, spoon more melted chocolate over the filling to cover it completely.
- Chill: Place the cups in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Serve: Once firm, remove the cups from the muffin tin and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- You can customize these cups by adding crushed nuts or shredded coconut on top for extra texture.
- For a lower sugar version, use unsweetened chocolate or sugar-free chocolate chips.
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