These granola cups are the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity. The golden-baked granola provides a satisfying crunch, while the smooth yogurt adds a rich creaminess that pairs perfectly with the tart sweetness of fresh berries.
Not only are these granola cups delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and yogurt flavors. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert. Plus, they look as good as they taste, making them an excellent choice for serving at brunches or get-togethers.
Full Recipe:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the oats are fully coated.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and dried fruit.
- Divide the granola mixture evenly among a greased muffin tin, pressing it firmly into the bottom and up the sides to create a cup shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the granola cups to cool completely in the tin.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the granola cups from the tin.
- Fill each granola cup with a dollop of Greek yogurt and top with fresh berries.
- Serve immediately, or store the granola cups separately from the yogurt and berries to keep them crispy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Nutritional Benefits
Granola cups are not only a delicious treat but also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. The rolled oats serve as the base of these cups, providing a rich source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and keep you feeling full longer. Oats are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, making this a well-rounded choice for breakfast or a snack.
Customizability
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap out the nuts and dried fruits for your favorites, making it easy to tailor the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. If you’re looking to make the recipe vegan, simply replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Additionally, the granola cups can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
Serving Suggestions
These granola cups are incredibly versatile. They make for an excellent grab-and-go breakfast option, but they can also be served as a light dessert or a healthy snack. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or a fresh fruit smoothie for a complete, nutritious meal. For a more indulgent twist, drizzle a little bit of honey or agave syrup on top of the yogurt before adding the berries.
Storage Tips
To ensure that your granola cups stay crunchy, it’s best to store them separately from the yogurt and berries. Keep the granola cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fill with yogurt and top with berries. If you’re planning to prepare these in advance for meal prep, consider storing the granola cups in the fridge once they’ve been filled to keep them fresh longer.
Perfect for Gatherings
Granola cups are not just a personal treat—they’re also a hit at gatherings! Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a family breakfast, or a casual get-together, these granola cups are sure to impress. Their visually appealing presentation and delightful taste make them an ideal choice for entertaining. You can set up a granola cup station where guests can customize their own cups with a variety of yogurt flavors and toppings, adding a fun and interactive element to your event.
Dietary Considerations
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free. To make the recipe vegan, simply replace the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or coconut yogurt. For those who are watching their sugar intake, the brown sugar can be reduced or replaced with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Origins and Popularity of Granola
Granola, a popular breakfast food and snack, has its roots in the health food movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally created as a nutritious and energy-packed food, granola has evolved over the years into a versatile and beloved staple. Its combination of oats, nuts, and sweeteners makes it a favorite choice for those looking for a wholesome yet delicious start to their day. The idea of using granola as a base for cups filled with yogurt and fresh fruits is a modern twist, offering a fun and visually appealing way to enjoy these traditional ingredients.
Granola Cups: A Modern Twist
Granola cups are a creative and contemporary way to enjoy traditional granola. By molding the granola mixture into cup shapes and baking them until crisp, you get a portable, edible container that’s perfect for holding a variety of fillings. This recipe pairs the granola cups with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries, creating a balanced blend of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tart—all in one bite. This combination not only looks appealing but also makes for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal or snack.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in contributing to its overall health benefits:
- Oats: As the primary ingredient, oats are packed with soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Oats also provide a steady release of energy, making them an ideal choice for breakfast.
- Nuts: Nuts like almonds and walnuts add healthy fats, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They contribute to satiety and help maintain blood sugar levels throughout the day.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add flavor and a touch of sweetness without the refined sugars found in many commercial granolas. They also provide antioxidants and have a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and it also contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. The creamy texture of Greek yogurt complements the crunchy granola perfectly.
- Berries: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor, as well as vibrant color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is nutritious.
Presentation Tips
When serving these granola cups, consider arranging them on a platter with a variety of toppings on the side, such as additional nuts, seeds, honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. This allows everyone to customize their own cup, adding a personal touch to their meal. The visual appeal of these granola cups makes them a great choice for breakfast buffets, brunches, or even as a healthy dessert option at parties.
Making It Your Own
One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. You can experiment with different types of yogurt, such as vanilla-flavored, honey-sweetened, or even dairy-free options like coconut or almond yogurt. The granola base can also be varied by adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger, or by including superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts for an extra nutritional boost.
If you’re catering to different dietary preferences, you can easily adjust the ingredients to make the granola cups vegan, gluten-free, or lower in sugar. For instance, replacing the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener or using a combination of stevia and erythritol can make the recipe suitable for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Granola cups are a fantastic option for families, especially those with kids. Children often enjoy the hands-on aspect of making these cups—pressing the granola mixture into muffin tins and choosing their own toppings. This recipe can be a fun weekend activity that not only teaches kids about healthy eating but also allows them to express their creativity in the kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These granola cups are an excellent choice for meal prep, as they can be made in advance and stored for later use. Simply prepare a batch of granola cups on the weekend, and you’ll have a quick, grab-and-go breakfast or snack ready for the week ahead. They’re also a convenient option for busy mornings when you need a nutritious meal that doesn’t require much time to prepare. Just add yogurt and berries, and you’re set!
Environmental Considerations
For those who are environmentally conscious, this recipe offers the benefit of reducing single-use packaging. By making your own granola cups and using reusable containers to store them, you can cut down on the waste generated by store-bought granola bars or individually packaged snacks. Plus, making your own granola at home allows you to control the quality and source of your ingredients, ensuring they align with your values, whether that means choosing organic, locally-sourced, or fair-trade products.
Conclusion
Granola Cups with Yogurt and Berries are more than just a recipe—they’re a delightful, nutritious, and versatile dish that can fit into any lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, these granola cups have you covered. Their combination of wholesome ingredients, customizable options, and beautiful presentation make them a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.