Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (ensure certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional fillings: Greek yogurt, fresh berries, nut butter, or sliced bananas
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This lower temperature ensures the granola cups crisp up without burning the honey or nuts. Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with coconut oil or non-stick cooking spray. Proper greasing is vital to ensure the cups pop out easily once they are cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and sea salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry oats and stir thoroughly. Make sure every single oat flake is coated in the sweet mixture so the cups hold their shape.
- Divide the oat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Use the back of a spoon or a small greased measuring cup to press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin well. You want to create a deep indentation in the center to hold your fillings. Press down hard; the tighter you pack the mixture, the better the cups will hold together.
- Place the muffin tin in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are a deep golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as the honey can transition from caramelized to burnt quite quickly.
- This is the most important step! Remove the tin from the oven and let the cups cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. As they cool, the honey and coconut oil will harden, “gluing” the oats together. If you try to remove them while they are warm, they will likely crumble into loose granola.
- Once completely cool, gently run a thin knife around the edges of each cup to loosen it and lift it out. Fill the center of each granola cup with a dollop of yogurt and top with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds. Serve immediately or store the empty shells for later use.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes