I am currently sitting on the end of my couch with a cup of coffee while listening to the evening thunderstorm. There is nothing more relaxing than the sound rain. Grumples is cuddled up next to me, which makes this moment even better. I figured this would be a great time to catch up on blogging before I log off for the night.
On Monday afternoon, I made delicious little protein packed peanut butter cups. I have had a crazy sweet tooth for the past couple of days and I wanted to make something super yummy, but healthy at the same time. I like food that makes me feel good. These little desserts are packed with protein, vitamins, healthy fats and all kinds of healthy benefits!
I have recently partnered up with CVS to bring you healthy recipes using their convenient and healthier brands. I’m also excited to introduce you to some of my favorite healthy CVS essentials. CVS has made a huge transition into a healthy living lifestyle and I love everything they stand for.
They decided to ditch the tobacco products in 2014 and trade it in for some of our favorite brands like Annie’s, Sabra, Stacey’s, Naked and more. The Gold Emblem Abound products are my favorite.
Ingredients:
2 Packets of CVShealth Vanilla Whey Protein
2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds
2 Tablespoons Ground Flaxseed
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
1 Tablespoon Honey (+ some optional)
12 Ounces 60% Dark Chocolate
1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
*If you have a peanut allergy, use sunflower seed butter or a nut-free alternative!
*Shop online via the app for some of these peanut butter cup ingredients:
Choose your essentials online with the CVS Pharmacy app and enjoy free shipping on orders over $49. The app will also check to see if certain products are available at your local CVS Pharmacy!
*want to make these super simple? cut everything but the protein powder, chocolate and peanut butter!
This recipe makes 48 little bite sized peanut butter cups.
Per peanut butter cup: 60 Calories, 4g Carbs, 3g Fat, 4g Protein, 2g Sugar, 1g Fiber
In a little mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil, honey, chia seeds, flaxseeds and peanut butter together.
I love that CVShealth carries these protein powder packets in the store. They are also great mixed with water or milk for a quick post workout shake. We used a lot of these while we were out exploring in Savannah. They have a whopping 26 grams of protein!
Add the protein packets to the mixing bowl. I had to add extra honey to help stir. You can use an elective mixer or melted coconut oil too.
The consistency will be just like cookie dough! Take a little taste test to make sure it’s perfect!
I used little candy cups for the holders. You can also use mini cupcake liners.
I melted the chocolate chips in the microwave for 45 seconds. Once the chips were slightly melted, I took them out and continued to stir until the chocolate was smooth and creamy. You don’t want to melt them all the way in the microwave or the chocolate will burn and clump.
Add about 1/2 tablespoon to the bottom of all the candy wrappers.
Roll the peanut butter balls into 1/2 tablespoon sized bites. You may have to change the size depending on how big your candy wrappers are.
Leave a little space around the peanut butter balls so that the chocolate can coat them all the way around.
Drizzle chocolate on and around the sides of the protein peanut butter balls.
You will use about 1/2 tablespoon of chocolate on the top.
Let the chocolates sit out for about one hour before diving into them!
I have been keeping them stored in a glass container on the counter!
Every bite was super delicious and sinful! If you are a peanut butter lover, you’ll fall hard for these! These are great little desserts to make for parties, the office, or for your kiddos!
Questions for you!
- What is your favorite dessert to make healthy?
- If you had to choose one or the other to give up for the rest of your life, which would it be…peanut butter or chocolate?
- What is one healthy summer essential you cannot live without?
’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about how to #FindYourHealthy. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
Elli says
That’s a great recipe!
1. Fruit cake
2. Chocolate! I can easily cut that out, but peanut butter… Never.
3. Watermelon
I just came back to Europe from studying in the US for four months and I miss all the healthy options available in stores over there so much. The snack sections in gas stations here are a disaster 😀
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Elli!
1. I don’t think I’ve ever had fruit cake!
2. I couldn’t live without chocolate!
3. YES!
That is why you have to prep all your stuff before you go out and about! It’s hard sometimes! Preparation is key.
Linda @ The Fitty says
I’m honestly trying to avoid dairy when I can, but there seems to be so much good recipes using whey protein out there I just might purchase a small tub and create recipes from that. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
You can easily make the swap from whey to a plant based! 😉
Brooklyn says
Yum these look delicious! I can’t wait to try them out xo!
I am a total choco-holic, so if I had to give up PB or chocolate, PB would be gone in a second.
My healthy summer essential that I can’t live without is lemon water. I drink it year round, but it is so much more refreshing in the summer 🙂
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks B!
I think we all agree that peanut butter is amazing but chocolate cannot be cut!
Lemon water saves me. I don’t like normal plain water very much! Add lemon and I’m all over it!
xo
Jamie says
1. I don’t have very many healthy dessert recipes, but I’m open to starting to learn more about them. You have a couple recipes I want to try, this being one of them! Chocolate Covered Katie’s Chocolate Banana Bread is on my kitchen counter and that’s pretty healthy AND delicious. I know I need to cut down on sugar, so I want to find a way to make desserts but be satisfied with less sweet.
2. WHY WOULD YOU ASK THIS HARD QUESTION?! Ugh. Peanut butter, but I’m mad at you for asking that haha.
3. Watermelon for dayssss. That and any kind of fresh berry is my summer go-to.
Taralynn McNitt says
1. It’s all about using your favorite recipes and making healthier swaps! 🙂
2. IT’S A GOOD QUESTION!! WOULD YOU RATHER!? 😉 hahahaha
3. WATERMELON YES!!!! I literally read an entire chapter about watermelon yesterday.
Amanda says
Hello from New Zealand!
I have been reading your blog for years have today thought I should make my first comment! I love you style of writing and photography and food! It is so nice to read that you are really truly happy too 🙂
1. I love making my own chocolate with coconut oil, cacao powder, coconut sugar and different toppings like chia seeds, almonds, pistachios and dried cranberries! so yummy, you should try if if you haven’t before! 🙂 (ps, when its warm it melt super quickly so it best eaten straight out of the fridge or freezer)
2. I could NEVER give up chocolate. EVER!
3. It’s winter where I live at the moment (booooo!), but when it’s summer I can’t live without iced tea! I love peach black iced tea (no sweetener at all) to take with me in a tumbler to the beach!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Amanda!
Thank you for stopping by to comment. I love hearing from my readers! & thank you for all the compliments. I think it is so cool that you’re from New Zealand. I’d love to go there one day!
1. That sounds decadent. I must try!
2. NOPE! NOT HAPPENING!
3. Winter almost sounds good right about now. I am craving the beach!
Amanda says
Hi Taralynn,
Thanks for the comment back! I think it’s so nice that you take the time to reply. So many bloggers don’t make the effort and they really should cos that’s how you connect with your audience, after all without your readers, who would you be writing too ? 🙂
You must to come to NZ one day! Especially in summer (February is the best month) if you love the beach. Although we have many urban and built up cities, you are never more than 30 minutes drive from the beach! + there’s always someone on the side of the road selling fresh fruit and vege’s to take along with you to snack on. Ps: I’m sure your accent would be loved over here too! haha.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Amanda!
Of course. I love talking with my readers! I wouldn’t be a blogger without them. I’m so fortunate to be able to chat with people and connect all over the world. I’d love to go to NZ one day. It looks beautiful and I’m always hearing wonderful things about it. You’re selling it to me right now!! 😀
xo
Juice Salon says
good post
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks
Leslie says
I missed your healthier dessert recipes! Thank you for bringing them back and I love that you’re teaming up with CVS!
Taralynn McNitt says
They are so much fun! Thanks Leslie:)
Myriam says
Sorry if this appears twice but I’m not sure it worked :S
1) My breakfast in fact, which could be considered a dessert 😀 Since I’m vegan, I bake my own cookies and brownies. You can check the brownies here if you want 🙂
–> https://www.instagram.com/p/BA7TIcTLhjg/
The ingredients are: whole flour, banana, carob, almond or soy milk, water, cinnamon and baking powder 😀
2) That’s an easy one: peanut butter! I love chocolate way too much.
3) Nicecream! That is, vegan banana icecream, made by freezing bananas and them putting them in the blender. So good… it’s food porn 😛
Taralynn McNitt says
HI Myriam!
Brownies and cookies for breakfast sound great! Yours look fantastic, i bet they would also be great with peanut butter on top!
Chocolate for the win!
LOVE NICECREAM!! I like to add walnuts!
xo
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
These look delicious! Chocolate and peanut butter is my favorite combo but if i had to give one up i think id say peanut butter because my love for dark chocolate is stronger hahaha!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Heather!!
I think I’m right there with you:) I LOVE PB, but chocolate is my real love. Plus there is always almond butter waiting for me!
Holley says
Oh. My. Goodness. Must. Make. Immediately. ?
Taralynn McNitt says
Enjoy!
Emily B says
Oh my YUM! So going to try these!
I honestly like making any dessert healthy. I love sweets and don’t ever want to give them up. But I try to limit my dessert intake to just 2-3 times a week so healthy treats are my go-to for every other day!
Chocolate. Definitely chocolate.
Summer means lots of fresh fruits! Namely watermelon, cherries & peaches! And corn on the cob. Yum!
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you love them!!
You and me both girl! I like the healthy alternative.
Grilled corn on the cob is a great summer food! (that inner Iowa girl in me) and YES WATERMELON & PEACHES!!!
Crystal says
There’s something about protein powder that intimidates me.. but YES YES YES! This sounds amazing! Bought all the ingredients and it’s a go! Can’t wait! Thank you Taralynn!
Taralynn McNitt says
Never be intimidated by protein powder!!! It’s the best! 🙂 xo xo xo Let me know what you think of the peanut butter cups!!!
Bennie says
Oooh boy, tough questions. I like making all sorts of treats for myself so it’s difficult to pick just one.
Give up Chocoate or PB? Another tough one, I love both equally but maybe I’d stick with chocolate.
In the summer I like to make frozen popsicles for myself with Greek yogurt in them to help keep them healthy. Also, I like to slice bananas, top with a 1/4 tspn of peanut butter, stick in the freezer for a few mins, then top with melted chocolate chips, pop them back in the freezer and I have a frozen treat.
Taralynn McNitt says
It is hard to pick! I’ll give you that.
It’s hard to find a chocolate alternative.
OH YUM!!! I like to freeze my yogurt, but yogurt popsicles sound so much better!!! I think i’m going to go find some today.
Melissa says
Oh wowww- I’m a hugeee peanut butter lover so I cannot wait to try them! I also love how you’ve partnered with CVS. I love how convenient and close by they are!
1.What is your favorite dessert to make healthy?
I made these chocolate covered almond protein bites that are to.die.for!! I love keeping them for a quick bite of energy or to pack on trips. You can check out my recipe for them here: http://www.greenpalatelife.com/chocolate-covered-almond-protein-bites/
2.If you had to choose one or the other to give up for the rest of your life, which would it be…peanut butter or chocolate?
That’s so hard. 🙁 But probably peanut butter because I would find a workaround with almond or sunflower seed butter 😉
3.What is one healthy summer essential you cannot live without?
I love watermelon, pineapple, smoothies, and popsicles in the summer! I make these hazelnut vanilla coffee pops that I really love, so probably those would be my final choice. 🙂
http://www.greenpalatelife.com/hazelnut-vanilla-coffee-pops/
Xo,
Melissa
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Melissa!!
CVS is my favorite and I’m there all the time.
THOSE LOOK AMAZING!! Thank you for sharing that recipe.
Yes those are my thoughts exactly.
You’ve named all of my favorites!!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Hannah Lee says
I just wanted to let you know that I adore you so much. I constantly look forward to your posts! Every week when getting ready to make my grocery list, my boyfriend and I look at your blog for healthy meal ideas! So far we are both down 5 lbs, and we plan on having your turkey burgers for dinner tonight! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Hannah!
That means a lot to me 😀 That makes me feel so special and gives my posts some purpose. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the turkey burgers!!! xo xo
kelly says
Hey Tara! These look fabulous! 🙂 BUT do you know an alternative to the cocoanut oil? I’m not a fan of cocoanut 🙁
1. I honestly don’t know how to do that… When I do dessert I go all out and it’s usually super sugary amazingness. But I guess I like to eat strawberries and whipped cream together. Is that healthy? Haha
2. That’s soooooo hard because I love them both SO much! I guess I’d have to keep chocolate 🙂
3. Super simple. Water! I drink it all the time in summer!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Kelly! You don’t have to add coconut oil at all!:)
Whipped cream and strawberries is one of my favorites. It’s nice and light!
Keeping chocolate is for the win!
I wish I could be more like you! I have to really force myself to drink water sometimes!
Savannah Fouty says
Ohhh tough choices…
1) Favorite healthy dessert would be frozen yogurt! So simple but half the calories!
2) I would give up chocolate! I’m a tad obsessed with peanut butter and the possibilities are endless. I add it to literally everything!
3) Definitely sun screen and mint water!
Love your blog! Been a fan since day 1! Keep it up and thanks for being so honest with us about your struggles. I look up to you as a health mentor!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes:D Love making frozen yogurt!
Hahaha peanut butter is the best! It would be so hard to go without it.
SUNSCREEN! yes!
Thank you for the kind words Savannah!! xo xo
Donna says
I make a gluten free crepe and fill with seasonal fruits. I then top with a small dallop of organic whipped cream.
I would give up chocolate.
I crave watermelon in the summer. It’s so hydrating.
Love the recipe! Thanks
Taralynn McNitt says
OH YUM!!! I’m coming over for some crepes. Save some for me 😀
I am always craving watermelon too!
xo
Belle says
These turned out so well. Thank you for another great recipe!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re welcome Belle! So glad you liked them.
Ann says
This recipe sounds so good! I usually make an angel food cake cut into cubes and layered with sugar free white chocolate pudding and light whipped cream with all kinds of seasonal berries mixed in! So yummy! As for chocolate or peanut butter, definitely would keep chocolate!! And my go to for summer is berries, of all kinds! Another question for you, my husband is traveling to Charlotte for work and wanted a recommendation for dinner? I know you’ve mentioned a couple of places before but can’t always remember the names. Thanks Tara!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow that dessert does sound good! I have never heard of doing anything like that and I love angel food cake! I especially like it with red hots. Some of my favorite places are Nan & Byrons, Bakersfield, Cabo Fish Taco, Mac’s Speed Shop or Cowfish. If he wants healthy & quick, my faves are Chopt & Lunas Living Kithen!
Ann says
Thanks so much Tara, I’ll let him know! Have a wonderful week!
shanna says
omg, you are evil and mean for making us choose between peanut butter and chocolate! haha ugh. ok, lets see. I’d give up chocolate. but I probably couldn’t give up reese’s peanut butter cups.
1. I’m bad at deconstructing recipes so I usually just look for recipes that are done for me.
2. see above. 😉
3. water. I can’t get enough water in the summer.
Hannah says
These look so good! I will definitely make some with my vega protein powder!
1- This is such a hard question! I make so many healthy desserts but I really love cookies from Sallys healthy baking and banana bread from chcolate covered Katie! Give them a try if you havent, you won’t be disappointed!
2- Again, so hard! But I have to say I would give up chocolate. I mostly only eat dark chocolate since I avoid dairy but I eat peanut butter multiple times a day.
3- Healthy summer essential and is definitely fruit! Berries, melon, bananas, everything!
Hope you having a great week, keep up your hard work. Always love your blog.
Jessie says
Taralynn, I’m a recent follower of your blog. I love the way you live your life to the absolute fullest! Your posts are well written and full of energy.
I made these peanut butter cups last night and they are awesome! I’ve been switching up my diet recently for healthier choices and finding new treats for my sweet tooth has been challenging. This is perfect. Thank you!
1. I love making chocolate covered fruit. It’s the best of both worlds, fruit and chocolate!
2. That is a hard one because those are my top two favorite things! I’d probably say peanut butter though. I love it but go through phases where I don’t eat it for a while and that never happens with chocolate.
3. Getting outside. I love all seasons but by the time summer rolls around I’m craving that Vitamin D enriched sunshine that I spend as much time outside as possible!
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jess says
love all your cvs posts
Lil says
love this and love cvs!
Brit says
These turned out so well!
Taralynn McNitt says
great!!!
Orlea says
Best recipe for peanut butter cups!
Halle says
I made these without the chia seeds and my kids loved them
Taralynn McNitt says
So glad to hear that!
Sara says
I just went into CVS for the first time since reading your blog and I cannot believe I live a block away and haven’t seen these products before! Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
you’re welcome! they are game changers!
Chander says
Thank you for these recipes!
Moira Higgins says
I have made this recipe twice now and tonight I’m going to attempt it again but using white chocolate!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds so good!!!! Let me know what you think!
Macy says
Those look so good. Can I use just coconut oil and peanut butter?
Taralynn McNitt says
Of course!