Customizable Breakfast Granola Cups

Customizable Breakfast Granola Cups are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. These crunchy, wholesome cups are made from baked granola, and they can be filled with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. From fresh fruits and yogurt to nuts and seeds, these granola cups are fully customizable, making them the perfect breakfast or snack for any morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Customizable Breakfast Granola Cups are not only tasty but also fun to make! The granola cups are crisp and satisfying, providing a great base for whatever toppings you prefer. Whether you like a fruit-filled, yogurt-topped breakfast or a more protein-packed option with nuts and seeds, these granola cups can be adjusted to meet your dietary needs and cravings. They’re easy to prepare, and you can make a batch in advance for a quick and healthy breakfast on busy mornings.

Ingredients

For the Granola Cups:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or butter

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping Ideas (Choose your favorites!):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)

• 1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)

• 1/2 banana, sliced

• 1/4 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds

• 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter)

• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut

• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness
  (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

2. Make the Granola Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until the oats are evenly coated.

3. Form the Granola Cups: Divide the granola mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups. Press the mixture down firmly to create a cup shape in each muffin well. The more compact the mixture, the better the cups will hold together.

4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the granola cups are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Assemble the Granola Cups: Once the granola cups are fully cooled, fill them with your choice of toppings, such as yogurt, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butter, or honey.

6. Serve: Serve immediately as a healthy breakfast or snack. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 granola cups

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 12-15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: For a protein boost, add a spoonful of protein powder to the granola mixture or top the cups with a serving of Greek yogurt.

• Make it vegan: Use non-dairy yogurt and maple syrup, and replace butter with coconut oil to make this recipe vegan.

• Add dried fruit: Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots to the granola mixture for extra texture and sweetness.

• Use different spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to add new flavors to the granola base.

• Chocolate lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs to the granola mixture for a touch of sweetness and chocolatey flavor.

Storage/Reheating

You can store the granola cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to make them in advance, you can freeze the unfilled granola cups for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.

FAQs

Can I make these granola cups ahead of time?

Yes, the granola cups can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life—just fill them with toppings when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make the granola cups gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice, depending on your preference.

Can I add protein powder to the granola base?

Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the granola mixture for extra protein, especially if you’re looking for a more filling breakfast option.

What toppings work best for these granola cups?

The possibilities are endless! Some popular options include Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, chia seeds, nuts, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey. You can get creative with your toppings to suit your taste.

How can I prevent the granola cups from falling apart?

Press the granola mixture firmly into the muffin tin before baking. If you find they’re still falling apart, try adding a little more melted coconut oil or butter to help bind the mixture together.

Can I make these granola cups without a muffin tin?

While a muffin tin is ideal for shaping the cups, you can also shape the granola mixture into small clusters on a baking sheet if you don’t have a muffin tin. Just be sure to bake them longer if needed.

Can I use a different type of oil for the granola base?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or melted butter as a substitute for coconut oil.

How do I reheat the granola cups?

Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds, depending on your preference.

How can I make the granola cups more crunchy?

For extra crunch, bake the granola cups a little longer until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Conclusion

Customizable Breakfast Granola Cups are a fun, healthy, and versatile breakfast option. With their crisp, homemade granola base and endless topping possibilities, they can be tailored to suit any dietary preference or craving. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or when you’re craving a satisfying snack, these granola cups are both nourishing and delicious. Whether you prefer fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey, these cups will quickly become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy the crunch, flavor, and flexibility that these granola cups bring to your table!