Wholesome Granola Cups: A Perfect Bite-Sized Treat

Granola Cups are a delightful combination of crunchy, sweet, and creamy textures that make them ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. These bite-sized treats are made by shaping a simple granola mixture into muffin tins, baking until golden, and then filling them with your favorite toppings like yogurt and fresh fruits. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also customizable, healthy, and easy to prepare—a perfect option for meal prep or entertaining guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a versatile and fun recipe to add to your repertoire, these Granola Cups are sure to impress. Here’s why they stand out:

• Perfect portion-controlled bites: Each cup is just the right size for a satisfying snack or breakfast.
• Kid-friendly and interactive: Kids love helping press the granola mixture into the cups and adding their favorite toppings.
• Customizable to your taste: Swap out ingredients and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Meal prep-friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store them for busy mornings or quick snacks.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners, these cups are a nutritious treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the granola cups:

• Rolled oats (2 cups)
• Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts) – ½ cup
• Honey or maple syrup – ¼ cup
• Melted coconut oil or butter – ¼ cup
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup
• Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For the fillings and toppings:

• Yogurt (Greek, dairy-free, or flavored)
• Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices, kiwi, etc.)
• Optional: Nut butter drizzle, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or use silicone liners for easy removal.

2. Mix the granola base

In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and salt. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, and brown sugar until fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the warm liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

3. Form the cups

Divide the granola mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to create a well-shaped cup. Pressing firmly ensures the cups hold their shape after baking.

4. Bake to perfection

Bake the granola cups for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Fill and top

Once the granola cups are cooled, fill each one with yogurt and top with your favorite fresh fruits, such as sliced bananas, berries, or kiwi. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, nut butter, or sprinkle shredded coconut.

6. Serve or store

Enjoy your Granola Cups immediately, or store unfilled cups in an airtight container for up to a week. Fill them with yogurt and toppings just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 granola cups
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling time)

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Recipe Variations

Want to get creative with your Granola Cups? Here are some ideas:

• No-bake option: Skip the baking step and chill the cups in the fridge until firm. This works especially well if your mixture is sticky enough.
• Chocolate lovers: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cups for a decadent twist.
• Nut-free version: Substitute sunflower seed butter for nut butter and omit any nuts to make these allergy-friendly.
• Add-ins for texture: Mix in mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chia seeds into the granola base for added flavor and crunch.
• Alternative fillings: Try chia pudding, cottage cheese, or a drizzle of almond butter instead of yogurt.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store filled granola cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, keep the granola cups unfilled and store them separately from the yogurt and toppings.
• Freeze: Unfilled granola cups can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
• Best served: Granola Cups are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as it may soften the granola base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide the best structure, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. Expect a softer texture.

How do I make these vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey and opt for a dairy-free yogurt like almond or coconut-based.

Do I have to bake the cups?
No! For a no-bake version, simply press the mixture into muffin tins and chill until firm.

Can I use flavored yogurt?
Absolutely! Vanilla, berry, or coconut yogurt all pair beautifully with the granola cups.

What’s the best way to remove them from the muffin tin?
Let the cups cool completely before using a knife to gently lift them out. Silicone muffin pans make removal effortless.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats.

What other fillings can I use?
Get creative! Try chia pudding, cottage cheese, mashed avocado with lemon juice, or a drizzle of nut butter.

Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Kids will enjoy pressing the granola mixture into the cups and decorating with fruit.

How do I keep the cups from going soggy?
Fill the cups with yogurt and toppings just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Are they good for meal prep?
Yes! Store the unfilled granola cups and toppings separately, then assemble in the morning for a quick and fresh treat.

Conclusion

Granola Cups are a wholesome, colorful, and delicious way to enjoy a balanced breakfast or snack. With their crunchy granola base and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, or impressing guests at brunch. Easy to make, fun to customize, and packed with flavor—these little cups are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.