Homemade Granola Cups

This granola cups recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive breakfast or snack that's both nutritious and beautiful. The crunchy oat cups create the perfect vessel for creamy yogurt and vibrant fresh fruit, making an everyday meal feel special.

I first created these for a weekend brunch with friends, and they were such a hit that they've become my signature dish for baby showers and holiday breakfasts. The combination of textures always impresses guests who think they took much more effort than they actually did.

Ingredients

• Regular rolled oats: Provide the hearty foundation and that classic granola texture
• Wheat germ: Adds a nutritional boost with essential nutrients and a subtle nutty flavor
• Dry roasted sunflower kernels: Create delightful crunch and healthy fats
• Flaked coconut: Contributes natural sweetness and tropical flavor
• Flaxseeds: Deliver omega 3s and a pleasant nuttiness when baked
• Butter: Binds everything together and creates that irresistible rich flavor
• Dark brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes that regular sugar cannot match
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps the cups hold their shape
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and complements the nuttiness of the grains
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all flavors with its aromatic qualities
• Low fat yogurt: Provides protein and creamy contrast to the crunchy cups
• Fresh fruit: Adds natural sweetness, color, and nutritional benefits

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Combine the oats, wheat germ, sunflower kernels, coconut, and flaxseeds in a large bowl. Take time to ensure even distribution of the smaller ingredients like flaxseeds which tend to settle at the bottom.

Create the Binding Mixture:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves, about 3 minutes. The mixture should look glossy and smooth without any sugar granules. Remove from heat and add vanilla which will sizzle slightly as it hits the hot mixture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the warm butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until every bit of the dry ingredients is coated. This ensures your cups will hold together properly. The mixture will be sticky and clumpy which is exactly what you want.

Chill the Mixture:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the fats to solidify making the mixture easier to press into the muffin cups.

Shape the Granola Cups:

Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 12cup muffin tin. Using slightly damp hands, press the chilled oat mixture onto the bottoms and up the sides of each muffin cup. Aim for an even thickness throughout to ensure even baking. The moisture on your hands prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn light brown. Watch carefully as the coconut can burn quickly. If the centers puff up during baking, gently press them back down with the back of a spoon while still hot.

Cool Completely:

Allow the cups to cool in the muffin tin placed on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for the cups to set properly. Once completely cool, carefully loosen the edges with a butter knife and gently remove from the tin.

Serve with Flair:

Fill each cup with a generous spoonful of your favorite yogurt and top with a colorful arrangement of fresh fruits. For the best presentation, add the yogurt and fruit just before serving.

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The flaxseeds are truly the hidden gem in this recipe. I discovered their importance when I once made these without them and the cups were more fragile. Not only do they add structural integrity, but they provide a nutritional boost that makes me feel good about serving these even as a dessert. Last Christmas, my niece specifically requested these instead of cookies for Santa, saying he probably needed something healthier for his journey.

Make Ahead Magic

These granola cups are perfect for meal prep. After baking, allow them to cool completely then store in an airtight container with layers of waxed paper between them. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for unexpected guests or busy mornings when you need something special but don't have time to cook.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt this recipe throughout the year using seasonal fruits for the freshest flavors and best value. In summer, use berries, peaches, and nectarines. Fall calls for apple slices, pears, and cranberries. Winter can feature citrus segments and pomegranate seeds. Spring brings strawberries and rhubarb compote. The yogurt flavor can also be adjusted to complement your fruit choices—plain Greek yogurt provides protein while vanilla or honey varieties add sweetness.

Kid Friendly Fun

Turn this recipe into an interactive breakfast bar for children. Prepare the granola cups in advance, then set out various yogurt flavors and a rainbow of fruit options. Let kids build their own creation, which significantly increases the likelihood they'll eat it all. This approach works wonderfully for playdates, birthday breakfasts, or holiday mornings when excitement is high and patience for elaborate cooking is low.

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These granola cups are sure to become a staple in your kitchen for both special occasions and everyday treats!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the granola mixture?

Yes! Feel free to customize the granola mixture with alternatives like chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) instead of sunflower kernels, chia seeds instead of flaxseeds, or skip the coconut if preferred. Just maintain the same total proportions to ensure the cups hold together properly.

→ What types of yogurt work best in these cups?

Greek yogurt works exceptionally well due to its thicker consistency, but any yogurt you enjoy will work. Try vanilla, honey, or fruit-flavored varieties for extra sweetness, or use plain yogurt for a less sweet option. Plant-based yogurts also work for a dairy-free alternative.

→ Why did my granola cups fall apart?

This typically happens if the binding mixture (butter, sugar, honey) isn't thoroughly incorporated with the dry ingredients. Make sure to mix well and press firmly into the muffin cups. Also, letting them cool completely before removing from the pan is crucial for structural integrity.

→ What fruits pair best with these granola cups?

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work beautifully due to their size and vibrant flavor. Diced mango, kiwi, peaches, and bananas are also excellent choices. Consider seasonal fruits for the freshest flavor and brightest colors.

→ Can I make these granola cups vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of honey, and fill with your favorite plant-based yogurt. The result will be equally delicious and entirely vegan-friendly.

→ How do I prevent the granola cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Beyond lightly greasing the muffin cups as instructed, you can also use paper or silicone muffin liners for easier removal. If using paper liners, gently peel them away before serving. For an extra precaution, let the cups cool completely before attempting to remove them.