Vegan Granola Cups

Vegan Granola Cups

Ingredients:

For the Granola Cups:

  • 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or any other seeds of choice)
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling (Optional):

  • Vegan yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt)
  • Fresh fruit (such as berries, banana slices, or mango)
  • Nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter)
  • Chopped dark chocolate (for a sweet treat)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with oil or use silicone muffin liners.
  2. Prepare the Granola Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and salt.
    • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, almond butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Mix and Form the Granola Cups:
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
    • Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin cup. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to form a compact cup shape.
  4. Bake the Granola Cups:
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the granola has crisped up. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as oven times can vary.
    • Remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin.
  5. Fill the Granola Cups:
    • Once the granola cups have cooled and hardened, gently remove them from the muffin tin.
    • Fill each cup with your desired toppings, such as vegan yogurt, fresh fruit, a drizzle of nut butter, or a sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. These granola cups also work well for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

Tips for Success:

  • Make it Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, simply swap out the nuts with seeds like pumpkin seeds or use additional oats and coconut for texture.
  • Customizable Filling: You can fill the granola cups with any combination of vegan yogurt, fruit, or nut butter. Try a mix of berries, banana slices, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a treat!
  • Storage: Store the empty granola cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage. Just add your toppings when you’re ready to eat.

These Vegan Granola Cups are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or fuel up during a busy afternoon. With their crunchy texture, natural sweetness, and endless filling possibilities, they make for a perfect customizable snack or breakfast option! 🌱🥣🍯