Granola Cups

Imagine a little cup of crunchy, sweet, and satisfying goodness that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Well, that’s exactly what these Granola Cups are—mini bowls made from homemade granola that you can fill with whatever your heart desires. Whether you’re craving a little yogurt parfait, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of honey, these granola cups have you covered.

They’re crispy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them an irresistible snack. And the best part? You get to eat the bowl too! Trust me, these granola cups will become a go-to for your morning routine, afternoon cravings, or whenever you want to add a little crunch to your day.

Why You’ll Love Granola Cups

Customizable:

The best part about these granola cups is that you can fill them with whatever you love! From Greek yogurt and berries to chocolate chips and peanut butter, the possibilities are endless.

Perfect for Meal Prep:

Make a batch of these granola cups, store them in an airtight container, and use them throughout the week. They’re great for busy mornings or quick snacks!

Delicious and Nutritious:

Made with oats, nuts, seeds, and a little bit of honey, these granola cups are a healthier option compared to store-bought granola bars or sugary snacks.

Quick and Easy:

These are simple to make and only take about 15 minutes to prep. The oven does the rest!

Fun to Make:

Get creative and experiment with different fillings, toppings, or add-ins. Granola cups are a fun and interactive snack that everyone can enjoy making and eating!

Ingredients in Granola Cups

Here’s what you’ll need to make these perfectly crunchy granola cups:

For the Granola:

• Rolled Oats: The base of the granola cups, providing fiber and texture.
• Nuts and Seeds: I love adding almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: The natural sweeteners that bind the oats and give the granola its golden sweetness.
• Coconut Oil: Helps to crisp up the granola as it bakes, giving it that perfect golden crunch.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon gives that cozy, comforting flavor that pairs so well with granola.
• Salt: Just a little bit to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to make sure the granola cups don’t stick.

2. Mix the Granola Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are well coated with the syrup and oil.

3. Form the Cups:

Spoon the granola mixture into the muffin tin, pressing it down into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form little “bowls.” You want to pack the mixture tightly so that the cups hold their shape while baking.

4. Bake the Granola Cups:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the granola cups are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the tin.

5. Fill and Serve:

Once the granola cups have cooled, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Then, fill each cup with your favorite toppings—yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey. You can get creative with the fillings and toppings based on your preferences.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 35mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%
Potassium: 150mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Granola Cups

As a Breakfast:

Fill your granola cup with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a quick, nutritious, and filling breakfast. It’s the perfect start to your day!

As a Snack:

These granola cups make an excellent afternoon snack. Fill them with peanut butter and banana slices for a satisfying, protein-packed treat.

As a Dessert:

Top with whipped cream, dark chocolate chips, and a drizzle of caramel for a sweet and indulgent treat. They’re like a mini sundae in a bowl!

As a Parfait:

Layer your granola cup with layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit to create a fun and customizable parfait.

Additional Tips

Store Leftovers:

If you have extra granola cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay crispy and fresh, ready for the next time you need a quick snack.

Get Creative with Toppings:

The granola cups are perfect for customization. You can add nut butter, chia seeds, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a special touch.

Make Them Vegan:

For a vegan version, simply swap the honey for maple syrup and use a plant-based yogurt to fill the cups.

Nut-Free Option:

If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. These will add crunch and texture without the nuts.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these granola cups ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can bake the granola cups and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just fill them right before serving.

Q2: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A2: Rolled oats are preferred for granola cups because they hold their texture better. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the granola may not be as crunchy.

Q3: Can I use a different sweetener besides honey or maple syrup?
A3: Yes! You can use agave nectar or even coconut sugar if you prefer a different sweetener. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness level you like.

Q4: Can I freeze these granola cups?
A4: Yes! Once they’ve cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and fill them with your toppings.

Q5: How do I make sure the granola cups hold their shape?
A5: Make sure to press the granola mixture firmly into the muffin tin to create compact cups. This helps them stay together when baked.

Q6: Can I make these cups without coconut oil?
A6: Yes! If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use butter or any other neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the granola mix?
A7: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will make these granola cups even more delicious. Add them after baking, so they don’t melt during cooking.

Q8: Can I make these granola cups gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe gluten-free.

Q9: How do I prevent the granola cups from getting soggy?
A9: Make sure to let the granola cups cool completely before filling them. Filling them with moisture-rich ingredients like yogurt or fruit right before serving will help maintain their crunch.

Q10: Can I use granola cups for lunch or dinner?
A10: Definitely! You can fill them with savory options like hummus, avocado, or a salad. The granola cups are versatile and can work for any meal of the day.

Conclusion

These Granola Cups are the perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and customizable. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a snack or meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you fill them with yogurt, fruit, or even a little chocolate, these cups are a fun, creative way to enjoy your granola. Enjoy!

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