Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to combine a little naughty with your nice. And when the naughty (i.e., the candy) happens to have less sugar and nothing artificial, all the better!
Midway through the afternoon, I frequently get a sensation of hunger that no carrot or celery stick will satisfy. I like vegetables a lot, but this is the time of day that I inevitably want something salty and crunchy or sweet and creamy. Perhaps it’s more a case of wanting to eat than being truly hungry, but it’s hard to get any work done when I’m fixated on the perfect snack…and chances are if I don’t properly deal with it, I will mindlessly graze until dinner!
The following yogurt-based treat is a speedy snack that satisfies my sweet tooth–and it offers the added bonus of a little something salty and crunchy. Until recently, I always made this with creamy peanut butter and a teaspoon or two of chocolate chips. But my new infatuation with powdered peanut butter (I know, I’m sort of late to this party!) and a box of healthier dark chocolate peanut butter cups from UNREAL sparked a tasty twist. (As a side note, all of the products manufactured by this fair-trade company are dairy-free/vegan and contain no gluten, corn or soy, making them a suitable option for those with a variety of food allergies, restrictions, or preferences.)
Though your favorite peanut butter may absolutely be used–and I have used it many times–I do really like the way powdered peanut butter works in this high-protein mix. It’s easy to incorporate and offers all the protein of regular peanuts with none of the fat. Because I do fall into the camp of people who think certain fats are good for us and keep us satisfied longer, I often grab whole milk yogurt. But as you will see in the photos, sometimes the grocery store sells out of my favorite Stonyfield cups and I fill in with what they have. As I mention in the recipe comments, either can be used, although a yogurt with some fat will offer a smoother taste and, I think, more flavor with less added sweetener. The bottom line is that the recipe is flexible. Use what you like and tweak the mix-ins to suit your tastebuds.
You can also use peanut flour in this recipe. In that case, you may wish to add a pinch of salt.
- 2/3 cup (or one 5.3-ounce container) plain Greek yogurt (you may use preferred milk fat %–see notes)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder (like PB2; may substitute regular peanut butter)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: 1 mini chocolate peanut butter cup, chopped, or 2 teaspoons chocolate chips; 1-2 teaspoons chopped salted peanuts
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In a small bowl (or right in a single serve cup), stir together all of the ingredients until smooth. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Top with chopped peanut butter cup, chocolate chips and/or chopped peanuts, if desired. For a frosty treat, you can freeze the yogurt for 30-45 minutes or until slightly frozen–just don’t forget about it or it won’t be creamy anymore!
- *Fat-free, low-fat and whole milk yogurt all work well. The higher the fat content, however, the smoother the flavor. I also find that I’m satisfied with less honey when using a yogurt with some milk fat.
I love peanut butter so gave this a try. Honestly, does not taste enough like pb for me ro make again. And I used 3 Tbs of PB2.
I’m sorry this didn’t do it for you and appreciate the feedback. To clarify, when mixed with the yogurt, the peanut butter powder isn’t intended to make the yogurt taste like straight peanut butter, but rather to provide the flavor…and a yogurt that has more tartness and less fat may detract from that. Again, I do appreciate your comment.
My favorite is this
Wonderful!
Where do you find the peanut butter powder locally? What super market department would have it?
Most of the larger stores carry the PB2 brand, Linda. I recently bought a different brand at Lemon Street Market, just to try. I went to my kitchen because I couldn’t remember the name. It’s called Just Great Stuff…and it is!
Now that was good! I had some of both on hand………thought I would make me some NOW. I also had a couple of pretzels on the side.
Pretzels on the side sound perfect. So glad you liked!
Hello Ann! This is right up my alley .. I usually want something a bit sweet AND salty! I will have to look for the peanut butter cups also. I am willing to bet that my Kroger will have them. I love Stonyfield yogurt and I wish our Kroger had more selection in the small cups. I tend to get the plain, simply because hardly any sugar and the flavored kind tastes far too sweet to me.
Many years ago, I learned of PB2 through Weight Watchers, at that time one had to order it directly from the source, it was not available in any store. It is easy to find it now though thankfully. I think they even have a version that is chocolate PB2.
Will let you know when I try this .
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Mary Lou! I haven’t ventured into the chocolate powdered peanut butter yet. There might be no return!
Whoa. I dont feel guilty after this one. I will be making this often!
So glad it’s a keeper, Jessie. Enjoy!