These Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option. Packed with protein and rich chocolate flavor, these oatmeal cups are easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy them on-the-go or as a satisfying start to your day.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 24-27 minutes
- Total Time: 34-37 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 cups oats (quick, minute, or rolled)
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cavity muffin tin with liners.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, milk, maple syrup, eggs, and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add the oats, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Fill Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cavities of the muffin tin, pouring about ¼ cup of batter into each cavity.
Bake:
- Bake for about 24-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the oatmeal cups comes out clean.
Cool:
- Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these oatmeal cups warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a complete breakfast.
- Spread with a bit of additional peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
Cooking Tips
- Protein powder can be replaced with 3 tablespoons of additional cocoa powder and ¼ cup of additional oats. You may also wish to add 1 tablespoon of additional maple syrup as some protein powders do add additional sweetness.
- Banana can be replaced with ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
- For additional protein, you can replace ¼ cup of oats with ¼ cup of ground flaxseed.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: A great source of whole grains and provide sustained energy.
- Banana: Provides natural sweetness and is rich in potassium.
- Peanut Butter: Adds healthy fats and protein.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Boosts protein content for muscle repair and growth.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Storage
- Store the oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the oatmeal cups in a freezer-friendly container for up to one month.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Easy to make and great for meal prepping.
- Packed with protein and fiber, they keep you full and satisfied.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal Cups are a tasty and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. They are simple to prepare and versatile, making them a perfect addition to your meal prep routine. Enjoy the rich flavors and health benefits of these delightful oatmeal cups!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of protein powder?
- Yes, you can use any protein powder you prefer, such as vanilla or plant-based protein. Keep in mind that this might alter the flavor slightly.
- What can I use instead of peanut butter?
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut/seed butter of your choice.
- Can I make these oatmeal cups vegan?
- Yes, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk.
- How do I prevent the oatmeal cups from sticking to the muffin liners?
- Use non-stick muffin liners or lightly spray the liners with cooking spray before adding the batter.
- Can I add other mix-ins to the oatmeal cups?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even more chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- What if I don’t have maple syrup?
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or another liquid sweetener.
- How do I reheat the oatmeal cups?
- Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes.
- Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
- Steel-cut oats are not recommended for this recipe as they have a different texture and require a longer cooking time.
- Are these oatmeal cups suitable for kids?
- Yes, they are a healthy and tasty snack for kids, and you can adjust the sweetness to their liking.
- Can I make these oatmeal cups without protein powder?
- Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the protein powder and replace it with additional oats and cocoa powder, as mentioned in the cooking tips.