Breakfast Granola Cups Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s equal parts show-stopping and totally doable, look no further than these Breakfast Granola Cups. Imagine a crisp oat-and-nut granola shell, filled with creamy Greek yogurt and jeweled with vibrant fresh fruit — every bite is deliciously satisfying. These cute, portable cups are the ultimate healthy breakfast or snack, perfect for sharing with friends or giving your mornings a little “something special” treat. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll be reaching for this wholesome recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Breakfast Granola Cups is how a handful of pantry staples can transform into a crave-worthy breakfast. Each ingredient pulls its weight, from the hearty oats and crunchy nuts to the velvety yogurt and sweet berries, building layers of texture and natural sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These sturdy oats form the foundation of your cups, ensuring a crisp and chewy bite.
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts): Nuts add rich crunch and a nutty undertone — pick your favorite or mix them up!
- Honey or maple syrup: This natural sweetener binds everything together and adds a lovely caramelized flavor after baking.
- Coconut oil, melted: Coconut oil brings moisture and helps toast your granola cups to golden perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash draws out the natural sweetness of the granola, giving it an irresistible aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: A hint of spice brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make all the flavors pop.
- Greek yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, it’s the perfect filling for your granola cups.
- Fresh berries or fruit of choice: Berries add a refreshing, juicy finish — try strawberries, blueberries, or mango!
- Additional honey for drizzling (optional): A little extra drizzle is pure magic if you have a sweet tooth.
How to Make Breakfast Granola Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. This step ensures your Breakfast Granola Cups come out cleanly, holding their beautiful cup shape. A quick spritz of cooking spray or a wipe of coconut oil will do the trick.
Step 2: Mix the Granola Base
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly coat every bit. Don’t be afraid to get in there — a spatula works great, but clean hands make sure nothing is left behind.
Step 3: Shape the Cups
Spoon the oat mixture evenly into your muffin tin, dividing it among the 12 cups. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides so you create a little well in the center of each cup. This step is key for sturdy, scoopable cups — use the back of a spoon or your fingers to really pack it in.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cups are golden brown and smell amazing. Keep an eye on them near the end; ovens can vary, and you want them nicely toasted but not burned.
Step 5: Cool and Fill
Let the cups cool in the pan for about 10 minutes — this helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove. Then, gently lift them out and set them on a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, fill each cup with a generous spoonful of Greek yogurt, top with your favorite fruit, and add a drizzle of honey if desired. Now comes the best part: enjoy!
How to Serve Breakfast Granola Cups
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make these Breakfast Granola Cups shine. Sprinkle with extra chopped nuts, add a touch of citrus zest, or top with a handful of cacao nibs if you like a little chocolate crunch. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and aroma that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair these granola cups with a simple smoothie, a warm mug of tea, or scrambled eggs for a more substantial breakfast. If you’re hosting brunch, they look adorable alongside a platter of sliced fruit or a bowl of chia pudding for extra options.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation turns Breakfast Granola Cups from tasty to unforgettable. Serve them layered on a wooden board with a variety of colorful fruit in bowls so everyone can create their own. Or, pop them into colorful cupcake wrappers for easy serving at parties, picnics, or breakfast on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Unfilled granola cups keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep things from getting soggy, always add the yogurt and fruit right before serving — your future self will thank you!
Freezing
If you’d like to make a bigger batch, you can absolutely freeze the baked, unfilled cups. Let them cool completely, then stash them in a well-sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving for a speedy breakfast anytime.
Reheating
While these Breakfast Granola Cups are best enjoyed at room temp, you can re-crisp them by popping the empty cups in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Let them cool before you add your yogurt and toppings so everything stays fresh and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats aren’t quite as hearty, so they can get mushy or fall apart more easily. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best structure, but if you’re in a pinch, use quick oats and pack the mixture very firmly.
What other sweeteners can I use instead of honey or maple syrup?
Agave syrup or brown rice syrup works well as substitutes, though the flavor may be slightly different. Just make sure you use a liquid sweetener to help bind the ingredients together.
Are Breakfast Granola Cups gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, these cups are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten in ingredients like nuts or flavorings.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely — swap the honey for maple syrup or agave, and use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a fully vegan treat that’s just as delicious.
Why do my granola cups crumble when I try to remove them from the pan?
If the cups aren’t holding together, they may need a little more time to cool and set, or more pressure when shaping in the pan. Try letting them cool completely before removing, or adding an extra tablespoon of honey or coconut oil to improve binding.
Final Thoughts
Every time I whip up these Breakfast Granola Cups, I’m reminded how easy it is to bring a little joy to even the busiest mornings. They’re fun, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Grab your muffin tin and give them a try — your breakfast routine just got a major upgrade!
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Breakfast Granola Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 granola cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Breakfast Granola Cups are a delightful way to start your day. Crispy granola cups filled with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries make for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or snack. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, these cups are a perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Granola Cups:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Assembly:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh berries or fruit of choice
- additional honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix granola ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well coated.
- Shape granola cups: Divide the mixture evenly into muffin cups, pressing firmly to form a cup shape.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and fill: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and cool completely. Fill each cup with Greek yogurt, top with berries, and drizzle with honey if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the oats and nuts before mixing.
- The granola cups can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but fill with yogurt just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 granola cup with yogurt and fruit
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
