Description
Granola Cups Yogurt and Fruit
Ingredients
• 2 cup regular rolled oats
• ½ cup wheat germ
• ¼ cup dry roasted sunflower kernels
• ¼ cup flaked coconut
• 2 tablespoon flaxseeds
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup desired low-fat yogurt
• 1 ½ cup chopped fresh fruit and/or berries
Directions
1. In a large bowl combine first five ingredients. In a small saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour butter mixture over oat mixture; stir to coat. Cover and chill until cool.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups. Using moist hands, press oat mixture onto bottoms and up sides of prepared muffin cups. Bake 15 minutes or until edges are light brown. If centers puff during baking, re-press with the back of a small spoon. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack. Loosen and remove cups.
3. To serve, spoon yogurt into granola cups and top with fruit
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect granola cups every time. First, combine the dry ingredients—oats, wheat germ, sunflower kernels, coconut, and flaxseeds—in a large bowl. In a saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth syrup. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour this warm mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until every piece is coated. Chilling this mixture for at least 30 minutes is crucial; it makes the sticky granola easier to mold.
Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Using slightly moistened hands, take portions of the chilled granola and firmly press them into the cups, working the mixture up the sides to form a sturdy cup shape. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are golden. If the centers bubble up, gently press them down with the back of a spoon while still hot. Let the cups cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before carefully loosening and removing them with a small offset spatula or knife.
Serving Suggestions
While yogurt and fresh fruit are classic, these versatile cups can be enjoyed in many ways. For a decadent dessert, fill them with chocolate mousse or lemon curd. For a protein-packed breakfast, use Greek yogurt and top with nuts and a drizzle of nut butter. They also make excellent parfait vessels—layer yogurt, granola cup crumbles, and fruit. For a party, set up a topping bar with options like chia seeds, toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, and mixed berries.
How-to Summary
To create Granola Cups with Yogurt and Fruit: Mix dry oats, seeds, and coconut. Create a syrup by melting butter with sugar and honey. Combine, chill, then press the mixture into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes until golden. Cool completely, then fill with yogurt and top with fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and substitute the wheat germ with an equal amount of additional oats or a gluten-free flour like almond flour.
How do I store granola cups and how long do they last? Store unfilled cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Fill with yogurt and fruit just before serving.
My cups are crumbling. What went wrong? This usually means the mixture wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the tin or the butter-sugar syrup wasn’t fully incorporated. Ensure you press the mixture very firmly and that it’s adequately chilled before molding.
Can I use a different sweetener? Absolutely. Maple syrup can replace honey. For a refined sugar-free version, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, though the color and flavor will vary slightly.
Is there a way to make these vegan? Yes. Use a plant-based butter or coconut oil and maple syrup. Choose a dairy-free yogurt and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Not chilling the mixture before molding, which leads to difficult handling. Over-baking, which makes the cups bitter and too hard. Attempting to remove the cups from the pan while still warm, causing breakage. Using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats is fine, but do not use instant oatmeal packets. Finally, do not add wet fillings like yogurt too far in advance, or the cups will become soggy.
Conclusion
These Granola Cups are a simple, nutritious, and endlessly customizable foundation for a fantastic meal or snack. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common errors, you can create a perfectly crisp and delicious vessel. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit any taste or occasion. They are a surefire way to impress guests or add a special touch to your family’s breakfast routine. Enjoy the process and the delicious, wholesome results.