Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

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Introduction

Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit are a delightful, healthy treat that combines the crunch of homemade granola with the creaminess of yogurt and the sweetness of fresh fruits. These mini cups are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a light dessert. They’re easy to make, customizable, and offer a nutritious option to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, this recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a quick and satisfying bite that’s both wholesome and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a healthy snack for the family, or looking for a way to enjoy fruit in a new form, Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit will become a go-to favorite.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Healthy snacks
• Meal prep for the week
• Serving at parties or gatherings
• A fun, customizable dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit will quickly become one of your favorite treats:

• Nutrient-Packed: These granola cups are filled with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and fresh fruit, providing a great balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Customizable: You can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences, whether it’s switching up the fruit, adding seeds or nuts, or experimenting with different yogurt flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These granola cups can be made in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings or prepping ahead for snacks throughout the week.
• Naturally Sweetened: The granola is sweetened with honey or maple syrup, making it a more natural, less sugary alternative to traditional store-bought granola bars.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a standalone snack, breakfast, or dessert, and serve them with your favorite yogurt or even plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

To make these Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit, you’ll need the following:

Granola Cups:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Yogurt and Fruit Topping:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (berries, banana slices, mango, or kiwi)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
• A few mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These provide the base for the granola, offering fiber and a satisfying crunch. They’re also naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.
• Nuts and Coconut: A mix of nuts and shredded coconut adds texture and flavor to the granola cups, offering healthy fats and protein.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners give the granola a touch of sweetness without relying on refined sugars.
• Greek Yogurt: Full of protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is the creamy element that pairs beautifully with the granola and fruit. You can easily swap for non-dairy yogurt if you prefer.
• Fresh Fruit: The combination of colorful fruits adds natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants, making these granola cups even more nutritious.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit:

1: Prepare the Granola Cups

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. Ensure the oats and nuts are evenly coated in the syrup and oil.
5. Form the Cups: Spoon the granola mixture into the muffin tin, pressing it down firmly to create small cups. You want the granola to hold its shape once baked, so press it tightly into the wells of the tin.

2: Bake the Granola Cups

6. Bake the Cups: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the granola cups are golden brown around the edges.
7. Cool the Granola Cups: Once baked, allow the granola cups to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing them. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

3: Prepare the Yogurt and Fruit Topping

8. Sweeten the Yogurt (Optional): If you want to sweeten the yogurt, mix the Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
9. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and slice your chosen fruit. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are popular choices, but feel free to use bananas, mango, or kiwi for variety.

4: Assemble the Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

10. Assemble the Cups: Once the granola cups have cooled, spoon a generous amount of sweetened yogurt into each cup.
11. Top with Fruit: Add a mixture of your favorite fresh fruit on top of the yogurt.
12. Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a few mint leaves on top for added texture and freshness.

How to Serve Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit can be served in several delightful ways:

• For Breakfast: These granola cups make a fantastic, nutritious breakfast that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Pair them with a glass of fresh juice or a cup of coffee for a complete start to your day.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a light afternoon snack. The combination of protein from the yogurt and fiber from the oats will keep you full and satisfied.
• As a Dessert: Serve these granola cups as a healthy dessert option at a gathering or party. They’re light but still satisfy the craving for something sweet.
• For Meal Prep: Since these granola cups are easy to store and can be made in advance, they are perfect for meal prepping and grabbing a healthy bite when needed.

Additional Tips for Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

To make your Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit even more delicious, consider these tips:

• Customize the Granola Base: Experiment with adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the granola mixture. Dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots are great additions.
• Use Seasonal Fruit: Take advantage of the fruits in season. Summer berries are a great choice for a burst of color, while winter fruits like citrus or pomegranate add variety.
• Make it Dairy-Free: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt, such as almond or coconut yogurt.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, top the yogurt and fruit with additional granola or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts.
• Chill Before Serving: If you prefer your granola cups chilled, place them in the fridge for an hour before serving. The yogurt will firm up and provide a refreshing treat.

Recipe Variations for Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

Here are 10 fun variations to try with your Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit:

1. Tropical Granola Cups: Add chopped pineapple, mango, and shredded coconut to the fruit topping for a tropical twist.
2. Berry Medley: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fresh and tangy combination.
3. Peach and Almond: Top your yogurt with fresh peach slices and a sprinkle of slivered almonds for a lovely summer flavor.
4. Apple Cinnamon: Use thinly sliced apples and sprinkle with cinnamon for a comforting, fall-inspired topping.
5. Chocolate-Covered Granola Cups: Mix cocoa powder into the granola for a chocolaty flavor. Top with banana slices and drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
6. Chia Pudding Granola Cups: Add a layer of chia pudding under the yogurt for an extra creamy texture and added nutrients.
7. Pomegranate and Pistachio: Top your yogurt with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
8. Maple Pear Granola Cups: Sweeten the yogurt with a touch of maple syrup and top with sliced pears and walnuts for a cozy fall option.
9. Citrus Granola Cups: Add orange or grapefruit segments for a refreshing citrus touch that pairs well with the yogurt.
10. Nut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle almond or peanut butter over the yogurt and fruit for a rich, nutty flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

• Freezing: Granola cups can be made in advance and frozen for up to 1 month. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before adding the yogurt and fruit toppings.
• Storage: Store granola cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For the best texture, assemble the yogurt and fruit just before serving, as the yogurt may soften the granola over time.

Special Equipment for Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

Here are a few kitchen tools that will make making Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit easier:

• Muffin Tin: A standard muffin tin works perfectly for forming the granola cups.
• Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls to keep the dry and wet ingredients separate while preparing the granola.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements will help ensure the right proportions of ingredients for the granola and yogurt.
• Cooling Rack: Allow the granola cups to cool properly by transferring them to a cooling rack to avoid sogginess.

FAQ Section for Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit

1. Can I make these granola cups gluten-free?
   Yes, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, and check that your other ingredients (like yogurt and sweeteners) are gluten-free.
2. How can I make these granola cups sweeter?
   You can add extra honey or maple syrup to both the granola and the yogurt, or even sprinkle some brown sugar on top before baking.
3. Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain Greek yogurt?
   Yes, flavored yogurt works well, but it may make the granola cups a bit sweeter. Consider using vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt for added flavor.
4. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
   While fresh fruit is ideal, you can use frozen fruit. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
5. Can I make these granola cups dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt.

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Conclusion

Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit are a healthy, customizable, and delicious treat that is perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, they’re packed with nutrients, flavor, and crunch. This recipe is easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and a great way to incorporate more fruits and whole grains into your diet. Make a batch today and enjoy a sweet, wholesome treat that everyone will love!