Effortless Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

Irresistible No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

Creamy peanut butter swirls through these no-bake granola cups, creating a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings instantly.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, these cups deliver a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness.

The recipe combines simple pantry staples in a quick, effortless method.

Chocolate drizzles add an extra layer of decadence to these irresistible bites.

Each morsel promises a delectable blend of nutty and sweet flavors that dance on your palate.

The no-fuss preparation means you can whip up these cups in mere minutes.

Dive into this delicious recipe and treat yourself to a moment of pure culinary joy.

Instructions For Making No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

  • Melty Magic

Warm up peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in the microwave until everything transforms into a silky smooth liquid. The ingredients will start dancing together, creating a delicious base for your granola cups.

  • Oat Symphony

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in rolled oats, adding a sprinkle of chia seeds and tiny chocolate chips for extra excitement. This is where the flavor party begins.

  • Flavor Fusion

Pour the warm liquid over the dry ingredients and give everything a good stir. Make sure each oat gets a delicious coating of the sweet mixture. Add a splash of vanilla for that extra magical touch.

  • Cup Creation

Use paper liners in a muffin tin and carefully press the mixture into each cup. Pack it down firmly so your granola cups hold their shape like little edible treasures.

  • Chill Zone

Pop the muffin tin into the refrigerator and let the cups set for about an hour. This is when the magic happens and everything firms up into perfect, bite-sized treats.

  • Final Flourish

When ready, gently remove the cups from their liners. For extra indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with crushed peanuts if you’re feeling fancy.

  • Enjoy and Store

Devour these delightful treats immediately or store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week – if they last that long!

Creative Swaps For No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

  • Granola Cup Mastery: Quick Pro Tips and Delicious Twists
  • Protein Power Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra nutritional punch without changing the recipe's core texture.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap regular rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats to make these granola cups safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  • Vegan-Friendly Swap: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips to transform this recipe into a completely plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter to create unique taste profiles, or mix in dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for added complexity and natural sweetness.

Ideas For Serving No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

  • Breakfast Boost: Pair these granola cups with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed morning meal that'll keep you energized.
  • Snack Time Delight: Pack these cups in lunchboxes or grab as a quick afternoon pick-me-up when hunger strikes between meals.
  • Dessert Transformation: Crumble the granola cups over vanilla ice cream or use as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls for a sweet twist.
  • Party Pleaser: Create a DIY topping bar with extra chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits so guests can customize their granola cups at gatherings.

Best Way To Store No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

  • Quick Fridge Storage: Keep these granola cups in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 7-10 days without losing their delightful crunch.
  • Layer Defense: When stacking in storage, place parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and maintain the cups' beautiful shape and texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual cups in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before enjoying.
  • Portable Snack Hack: Pack these granola cups in small mason jars or compartmentalized containers for easy work, school, or gym snacks. They'll stay fresh and intact during transport.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 11

Grab These For No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

For Base Ingredients:
  • Rolled Oats: Hearty whole grain providing a robust, nutty foundation with delightful chewy texture.
  • Chia Seeds: Tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with omega-3s and extra protein crunch.
For Binding Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy protein-rich glue that holds everything together with rich, indulgent flavor.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that helps ingredients stick and adds golden warmth.
  • Maple Syrup: Delectable alternative sweetener with deep caramel undertones.
  • Coconut Oil: Silky binder that helps mixture set and adds subtle tropical notes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that softens and rounds out the overall taste profile.
For Accent Ingredients:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Delightful bursts of sweetness that melt beautifully into the mixture.
  • Crushed Peanuts: Optional crunchy topping that adds rustic texture and nutty intensity.
  • Melted Chocolate: Optional luxurious drizzle that transforms simple granola cups into decadent treats.

Helpful Tools For No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and creating the granola mixture.
  • Muffin tin: Helps shape the granola cups into perfect bite-sized treats.
  • Paper liners: Ensures easy removal and keeps the cups looking neat.
  • Spoon: Great for mixing ingredients and pressing the mixture into liners.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps achieve precise ingredient amounts.
Print
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Effortless Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

Effortless Peanut Butter Granola Cups


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Irresistible no-bake peanut butter granola cups combine creamy richness with crunchy texture. Sweet and salty notes blend perfectly, offering quick energy for snack enthusiasts without complicated preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (120 ml) natural peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chia seeds or flaxseeds
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Melted chocolate for drizzling
  • Crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Liquid Base Preparation: Combine peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in brief intervals until completely melted and seamlessly blended.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Transfer rolled oats into a large mixing bowl, incorporating chia seeds and mini chocolate chips to create a robust and textured foundation.
  3. Mixture Integration: Pour the warm liquid mixture over dry ingredients, adding vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every oat becomes uniformly coated and glistening.
  4. Molding and Shaping: Line a muffin tin with paper liners, then carefully press the granola mixture into each compartment using a spoon or fingertips to create compact, well-structured cups.
  5. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the muffin tin for approximately one hour, allowing the granola cups to solidify into a firm, cohesive texture.
  6. Final Embellishment: Optional decorative touch – drizzle melted chocolate over the surface and sprinkle crushed peanuts to enhance visual appeal and add an extra layer of crunch.
  7. Serving and Storage: Delicately remove granola cups from paper liners, ready to enjoy immediately or store in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Use high-quality non-stick paper liners or lightly grease the muffin tin to ensure easy removal of granola cups without breaking.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Avoid overheating peanut butter mixture; short microwave bursts prevent ingredient separation and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Customize Texture Variation: Adjust liquid-to-dry ingredient ratio for crunchier or softer granola cups by slightly increasing or decreasing oats and liquid components.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan version, use gluten-free oats for celiac-friendly option, and replace chocolate chips with dried fruits for healthier alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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