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Granola Cups Recipe: The Perfect Portable Breakfast or Snack

Easy Homemade Granola Cups Recipe – Healthy, Customizable, and Delicious

Granola cups are the perfect fusion of taste and convenience, combining the wholesome ingredients of classic granola with the versatility of a breakfast bowl. Ideal for busy mornings, quick snacks, or even as a light dessert, these granola cups are easy to make, customizable, and portable. They’re crafted with simple ingredients like oats, nuts, honey, and coconut oil, then molded into cup shapes to be filled with yogurt, fresh fruit, or any toppings of your choice. With their crunchy, satisfying texture and naturally sweet flavor, granola cups are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-packed start to the day or a healthy snack on the go.

Granola Cups
Granola Cups

Unlike store-bought granola bars, these homemade granola cups are free from preservatives and excess sugars. Making them from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier, fresher snack tailored to your taste. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step to make delicious granola cups that are not only nutritious but also look beautiful and appetizing. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these wonderful treats.

 

Ingredients for Granola Cups

Basic Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats – The foundation of the granola, providing fiber and texture.
  • ½ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped – Adds crunch, protein, and healthy fats.
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut – For extra flavor and texture.
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup – A natural sweetener that binds the ingredients together.
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted – Helps the granola cups hold their shape and adds a light coconut flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the sweetness.

Optional Fillings:

  • Greek yogurt – For a creamy, protein-packed filling.
  • Fresh berries – Adds a burst of flavor and color.
  • Nut butter – Provides a rich, creamy texture.
  • Chopped fruit (bananas, strawberries, kiwi) – Brings fresh, natural sweetness.
  • Chocolate chips or granola for topping – Adds extra crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Granola Mixture

  • Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  • Add wet ingredients: Pour in the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and well combined.

2. Mold the Granola Cups

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure an even bake.
  • Prepare the muffin tin: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with silicone cups for easy removal.
  • Form the cups: Divide the granola mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides, creating a cup shape. Make sure each cup is compact to prevent crumbling.

3. Bake the Granola Cups

  • Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the granola cups are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  • Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let the granola cups cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up.

4. Fill and Serve

  • Add desired fillings: Once the granola cups are completely cool, fill them with your favorite ingredients, such as Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
  • Serve immediately: Enjoy your granola cups fresh, or store them in an airtight container to enjoy throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Granola Cups

  1. Press Firmly for Stability: Ensuring the granola mixture is packed tightly into the muffin cups helps the cups hold their shape once baked.
  2. Cool Completely Before Filling: Cooling the granola cups completely prevents them from falling apart when filled.
  3. Use Parchment or Silicone Liners: Liners make removing the granola cups easier, especially if you’re not using a non-stick pan.

Variations and Customizations

  • Chocolate Granola Cups: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the granola mixture for a chocolatey twist, or mix in chocolate chips.
  • Protein-Packed Cups: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture for a boost in protein.
  • Nut-Free Option: Substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you have a nut allergy.

Serving Suggestions

Granola cups are a versatile treat and can be enjoyed in various ways:

  • Breakfast: Fill with yogurt and berries for a quick, wholesome breakfast.
  • Dessert: Fill with a scoop of frozen yogurt and top with chocolate chips for a healthier dessert.
  • Snack: Add peanut butter and banana slices for a satisfying snack that’s rich in protein and potassium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make granola cups ahead of time?

Yes, granola cups can be made up to a week in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.

What can I use to fill granola cups?

Popular fillings include Greek yogurt, nut butters, fresh fruit, or even chocolate mousse for a dessert version.

How do I prevent the granola cups from falling apart?

Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the muffin cups and let them cool completely before adding fillings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients.

Conclusion

Granola cups are a fun and versatile way to enjoy a wholesome snack or breakfast. These portable, delicious cups combine the best of granola’s crunch and flavor with the customizable fun of your favorite fillings. Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast, a healthy snack, or an on-the-go treat, these granola cups are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to make these in no time. Enjoy the natural sweetness, satisfying crunch, and endless possibilities that come with this tasty treat.

Granola Cups

Chef Asma
Granola cups are a delightful and versatile treat that combine the wholesome goodness of granola with the convenience of a portable snack. These crunchy, cup-shaped delights are made from a mixture of oats, nuts, honey, and coconut oil, baked to perfection, and then filled with your choice of yogurt, fresh fruits, or nut butters. Perfect for breakfast on the go, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, granola cups are both nutritious and delicious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Baking
Cuisine Baking
Servings 12 cups
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Granola Cups:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Fillings:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
  • Sliced bananas
  • Nut butter peanut butter, almond butter
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped fresh fruits kiwi, mango

Instructions
 

Prepare the Granola Mixture:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Form the Granola Cups:

  • Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with silicone muffin liners.
  • Divide the granola mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
  • Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to create a bowl shape.

Bake:

  • Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the granola cups to cool completely in the tin to firm up.

Fill and Serve:

  • Once cooled, carefully remove the granola cups from the muffin tin.
  • Fill each cup with your desired fillings, such as Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries, sliced bananas with a drizzle of nut butter, or a combination of your favorite fruits and toppings.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Storage: Unfilled granola cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Fill them just before serving to maintain their crispness.
  • Customization: Feel free to customize the granola mixture by adding dried fruits, seeds, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
  • Serving Suggestions: Granola cups make for a great breakfast option when filled with yogurt and fruits, or a satisfying snack when paired with nut butter and banana slices.
Keyword Baking

Chef Asma

I’m Chef Asma, and I enjoy making simple, flavorful dishes that anyone can recreate at home. Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing recipes that blend traditional and modern flavors. I aim to make cooking approachable and fun for everyone.

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