Indulge in the perfect blend of convenience and flavor with our “Crunchy Comfort” No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups, a delightful snack that marries the wholesomeness of granola with the creamy richness of peanut butter. These granola cups offer a nutritious and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. Ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a healthy dessert option, these no-bake cups are not only packed with energy-boosting ingredients but also customizable to fit any dietary preference.
Why You’ll Love “Crunchy Comfort” No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups:
- No-Bake Ease: Perfect for when you want to keep things simple and cool in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- Nutritiously Delicious: Packed with fiber from oats and protein from peanut butter, these cups are as wholesome as they are tasty.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients Notes For “Crunchy Comfort” No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups:
- Oats: Rolled oats provide the best texture for these cups, offering a chewy and satisfying base.
- Peanut Butter: Acts as a natural binder and flavor base. Use creamy for smoothness or chunky for extra texture.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
- Coconut Oil: Helps solidify the mixture, allowing the cups to maintain their shape.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Optional mix-ins for added flavor and crunch.
Recipe Steps:
- Mix Granola Base: In a large bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and your choice of mix-ins until well combined.
- Shape Cups: Press the mixture firmly into the cups of a mini muffin tin lined with paper or silicone cupcake liners, creating a small well in the center of each for filling later.
- Chill to Set: Freeze the granola cups for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
- Fill Cups: Once chilled and firm, fill the center of each cup with additional peanut butter, melted chocolate, or a combination of both.
- Final Chill: Place the filled cups back in the freezer for an additional 10-15 minutes to set the filling.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for best freshness.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cups and enjoy them as a frozen treat or let them thaw slightly before eating.
Easy Recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups
Ingredients
For the Granola Cups:
- Old-fashioned oats: 2 cups – for the base of the cups.
- Shredded coconut: 1/2 cup – adds texture and flavor.
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans): 1/2 cup – for crunch.
- Peanut butter: 3/4 cup – acts as a binder and adds flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 cup – natural sweeteners to bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – enhances flavor.
- Salt: A pinch – balances sweetness.
For the Filling:
- Dark chocolate: 1 cup, melted – for a rich, indulgent filling.
- Peanut butter: 1/4 cup, melted – to drizzle on top.
- Optional: Jam, for a fruity filling alternative.
Instructions
- Mix the Granola Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, gently warm the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and easily stirrable. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
- Form the Cups:
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone muffin pan for easy removal.
- Divide the granola mixture among the cups, pressing firmly into the bottom and up the sides to form a cup shape. Make sure to create a well in the center for the filling.
- Chill the Cups:
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the granola cups are firm.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Once the granola cups are firm, carefully remove them from the tin. Fill each cup with melted dark chocolate (or jam, if you prefer). Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
- Add Peanut Butter Drizzle:
- Melt the 1/4 cup of peanut butter and drizzle it over the filled cups. Use a toothpick or knife to create swirls or patterns if desired.
- Final Chill:
- Refrigerate the granola cups again until the chocolate and peanut butter are set, about 30 minutes.
- Serve:
- Once set, the No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups are ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.