These Breakfast Granola Cups are a perfect grab-and-go option for busy mornings, or a delightful addition to your weekend brunch spread. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, and cinnamon, they offer a satisfying balance of flavor and nutrition to start your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – These granola cups are simple to prepare and bake in just 12 minutes.
Customizable – Top with yogurt, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings for a personalized breakfast.
Meal prep friendly – Make a batch ahead of time for a convenient breakfast all week long.
Healthy ingredients – With oats, natural sweeteners, and no refined sugar, these cups are a wholesome way to enjoy breakfast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana
1/4 cup honey or agave
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup rolled oats
Yogurt or fresh fruit, for topping

Directions

Prepare the muffin tin: Grease a muffin tin or mini muffin tin and set it aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), honey (or agave), and vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in the cinnamon, salt, and rolled oats until everything is evenly mixed.
Fill the muffin tin: Portion the mixture into six muffin cups, pressing the batter up the sides as firmly as possible to form a cup shape.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 330°F (165°C) and bake for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, remove from the oven and use a spoon to gently press the sides back into the muffin tins to help form a firmer cup.
Cool: Allow the granola cups to sit in the tin for 10 minutes to prevent crumbling before removing.
Serve: Top the cooled cups with yogurt or fresh fruit of your choice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 granola cups (double for a dozen)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Different sweeteners: You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave, or coconut nectar for a different flavor.
Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Vegan option: Use mashed banana in place of applesauce and agave instead of honey to make the recipe fully plant-based.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced flavor profile.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: These granola cups freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave at room temperature for an hour or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, simply double all of the ingredients to yield a dozen granola cups.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats provide a better texture for granola cups, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. The texture may be slightly softer with quick oats.

Can I make these without honey or agave?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, brown sugar, or another sweetener of your choice.

Can I add protein to these granola cups?

Yes, you can mix in a scoop of protein powder, or add some nut butter to the mixture for an extra protein boost.

How long can I store these granola cups?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I add fruit directly into the granola cup mixture?

While you can add chopped dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) into the mixture, fresh fruit is best used as a topping after the granola cups have baked and cooled.

How can I make these cups sweeter?

Feel free to add more honey or agave, or sprinkle a little coconut sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness.

Are these granola cups gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these granola cups can be gluten-free.

Can I use frozen fruit as a topping?

Yes, frozen fruit works fine as a topping. Just be aware that frozen berries may release more juice once thawed.

Can I make these in mini muffin tins?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin for smaller granola cups, just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary (they may cook a little faster).

Conclusion

These Breakfast Granola Cups are a fantastic, healthy breakfast option that’s both convenient and customizable. Whether you enjoy them with yogurt, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for meal prep or a quick morning bite. Make them ahead, freeze for later, or simply enjoy as a wholesome start to your day!