Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just six pantry staples, these granola cups are both easy to prepare and wholesome.
- Customizable Fillings: Fill them with your favorite yogurt—dairy or plant-based—and top with any fresh fruits you have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day: Ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or a healthy dessert option.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and interactive way to encourage kids to enjoy more fruits and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed, not quick oats)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons natural smooth almond butter
- Your favorite yogurt (for filling, 2-3 tablespoons per granola cup)
- Chopped or sliced fresh fruit (for topping)
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease 9 muffin cups in your muffin pan; parchment liners can also be used.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine rolled oats, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a small pot over low heat, warm the maple syrup and almond butter, whisking until smooth and combined. The mixture should be warm and runny but not hot.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the almond butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until all the oats are well coated.
- Form Cups: Divide the mixture evenly among the 9 prepared muffin cups. Using a small piece of parchment paper or damp fingers, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, ensuring there are no gaps or holes.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool: Allow the granola cups to cool completely in the muffin pan. Once cooled, gently remove them using a butter knife or offset spatula to avoid crumbling.
- Fill and Serve: Fill each granola cup with 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite yogurt and top with chopped or sliced fresh fruit. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 9 granola cups.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes.
Variations
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to vary the flavor.
- Different Sweeteners: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, keeping in mind this may alter the flavor slightly.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits into the granola mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Flavorful Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store unfilled granola cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To restore crispness, place granola cups in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes, then let them cool completely before filling.
- Filled Cups: Once filled with yogurt and fruit, it’s best to enjoy the granola cups immediately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
FAQs
What type of oats should I use for this recipe?
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats may result in a less sturdy cup.
Can I make these granola cups nut-free?
Yes, substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
How can I prevent the granola cups from sticking to the muffin pan?
Ensure the muffin pan is well-greased, or use parchment paper liners to prevent sticking.
Can I prepare the granola cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cups in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Fill them just before serving.
What other fillings can I use besides yogurt?
Try fillings like chia pudding, avocado pudding, or your favorite custard for a different twist.
Are these granola cups gluten-free?
They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I use sweetened yogurt for the filling?
Yes, sweetened yogurt can be used; adjust the sweetness of the granola mixture accordingly if desired.
How do I keep the granola cups crispy after filling?
Serve them immediately after filling to maintain crispness.
Can I freeze the granola cups?
It’s not recommended, as freezing may alter their texture.
What fruits work best as toppings?
Berries, sliced kiwi, mango, or peaches are excellent choices, but feel free to use any fresh fruit you enjoy.
Conclusion
Fruit and yogurt granola cups are a delightful and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Fruit and yogurt granola cups
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 granola cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with fruit and yogurt granola cups! These edible treats are made from wholesome granola, baked into crispy cups, and filled with creamy yogurt and fresh fruit. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack, these cups are easy to make, customizable, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed, not quick oats)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons natural smooth almond butter
- Your favorite yogurt (2-3 tablespoons per cup for filling)
- Chopped or sliced fresh fruit (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease 9 muffin cups or use parchment liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: Heat maple syrup and almond butter over low heat until smooth and runny.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well to coat.
- Form Cups: Divide the mixture among 9 muffin cups, pressing firmly into the bottom and sides.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool: Let the cups cool completely in the pan, then gently remove them.
- Fill and Serve: Add yogurt to each cup and top with fresh fruit. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for almond butter.
- Storage: Unfilled cups can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Fill just before serving.
- Variations: Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
