If you’ve ever craved a delightful morning treat that bridges the gap between health and flavor, let me introduce you to my cherished recipe for Breakfast Granola Cups. Imagine biting into a cup made entirely of oats, honey, and a hint of vanilla, filled with creamy yogurt and vibrant fresh fruit. Not only is it a feast for the senses, but it also kickstarts your day on a blissful note.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Customization: You can tweak this recipe with different fruits and flavors, making it a perfect fit for every palate.
- On-the-Go Breakfast: These granola cups are portable, making them excellent for busy mornings.
- Nutritious Delight: Packed with oats and fruit, they provide a hearty start to your day.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare these in advance, so you’re always two steps ahead on those hectic mornings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a joy because they’re simple yet effective in creating a delicious masterpiece. You’ll find that each component contributes to the overall flavor, crunch, or heavenly aroma that makes these Breakfast Granola Cups truly special.
- 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana: This ingredient helps to bind everything together while adding natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey or agave: Provides a touch of sweetness and that classic granola stickiness.
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla takes the aroma to the next level.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with oats.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more savory.
- 1 1/4 cup rolled oats: The star of the show, giving texture and substance to the cups.
- Yogurt or fresh fruit: For topping, adding creaminess and freshness to the final result.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make these Breakfast Granola Cups your own! With a little creativity, you can easily adapt the recipe according to what’s in your pantry or suit your dietary restraints.
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch and protein.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in each bite.
- Berry Burst: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a tangy touch.
How to Make Breakfast Granola Cups
Step 1: Prepping the Base
Start by greasing a muffin tin thoroughly and set it aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. This mixture is your binding agent and the sweet heart of the cups.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
Stir in cinnamon, salt, and oats into your wet mixture. Ensure everything is well combined to distribute the flavors evenly before portioning the mixture into six muffin cups, pressing it up firmly on the sides.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 330°F and bake for about 12 minutes. Once out, press the sides again gently with a spoon to maintain their cup shape. Let them cool for about 10 minutes to ensure they don’t crumble when you take them out.
Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Granola Cups
- Pressing Matters: Be sure to press the granola mixture firmly into the muffin tin to help the cups maintain their shape.
- Cool with Patience: Allow the cups to cool fully before removing them to avoid crumbling.
- Yielding Double: If serving a crowd, just double the recipe without any alteration issues.
- Customize Your Heat: For a little spice, add a dash of cayenne or nutmeg.
How to Serve Breakfast Granola Cups
Garnishes
Top these lovely little cups with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some seasonal fruit like berries or sliced kiwi to add freshness and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these granola cups with a smoothie or fresh juice for a complete, balanced breakfast. They also go well with a cup of robust coffee or herbal tea.
Creative Ways to Present
When hosting a brunch, try serving your Breakfast Granola Cups on a charming platter with a little honey drizzled decoratively around them. Use mint leaves as part of the presentation for a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover granola cups in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for midweek breakfast grabs.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, these cups can be frozen. Simply wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy later, reheat your granola cups in the oven at a low temperature until just warm. This prevents them from becoming too soft or losing their delightful crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats provide a sturdier texture and better hold, quick oats can be used in a pinch, though the cups may be slightly less crunchy.
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What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
If a muffin tin is unavailable, try using silicone muffin cups on a baking sheet for similar results without the need for greasing.
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How can I make these granola cups vegan?
To make these vegan, use mashed banana instead of applesauce and agave instead of honey. Top with coconut yogurt for a complete vegan treat.
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Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you are using certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Breakfast Granola Cups are more than just a recipe; they are my love letter to every busy morning seeking a healthy and delicious start. Effortlessly simple yet impressive, they promise both joy and nourishment. I’m so excited for you to try them – I believe they might just become your new breakfast staple. Enjoy every delicious, crunchy, wholesome bite!
Print
Breakfast Granola Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 granola cups
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast with these homemade granola cups, made from wholesome oats and natural sweeteners, baked into crispy, portable muffin-shaped treats perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana
- 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
Optional Toppings
- Yogurt
- Fresh fruits
Instructions
- Prepare the muffin tin: Grease a standard or mini muffin tin well with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the granola cups after baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk together applesauce (or mashed banana), honey (or agave), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats until the mixture is evenly coated and sticks together slightly.
- Portion into muffin cups: Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups (about 1/2 cup each), pressing firmly into the sides to form a cup shape.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 330°F (165°C). Bake the granola cups for approximately 12 minutes, until golden around the edges.
- Reinforce shape: Remove from oven and gently press the sides of each cup with a spoon to maintain their shape. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
- Cool and serve: Let the granola cups sit in the tin for about 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully remove. Serve with yogurt or fresh fruit on top.
Notes
- Doubling the ingredients will yield a dozen granola cups, perfect for meal prep or serving a family.
- These cups can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to customize by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
- Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly into the tins to prevent crumbling during removal.
- You can serve these cups with a dollop of yogurt or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 granola cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 34 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
