This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Granola fruit cups are a delightful and healthy treat, featuring a crunchy granola base filled with creamy yogurt topped with vibrant fresh berries!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
We add lots of tips in our recipe – so you can make this dish, understand why it works and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help home cooks of any skill level better understand the processes we use and why!
Table of Contents
Easy Fruit Cups with Granola Base
Granola fruit cups are an inventive twist on traditional breakfast and snack fare, showcasing a crunchy granola shell that holds a luscious layer of smooth yogurt, crowned with a colorful selection of fresh fruits. They strike a wonderful balance between the nutty, hearty flavor of granola and the sweet, tangy burst of berries, kiwi, or whatever fruits you choose to top them with. Ideal for meal prep or elegant brunches, these cups offer a customizable, visually appealing, and nutritious option that appeals to both health-conscious eaters and those looking for a delightful treat.
These cups are a super simple delicious way to start your day! They are kid tested and approved and keep well.
How to Make Granola Fruit Cups
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Rolled quick oats (3 cups) – Rolled quick oats serve as the hearty, fibrous base of the granola cups, offering a wholesome texture and a nutty flavor.
- Maple syrup (1 cup) – Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and slight stickiness, helping to bind the granola cups together while infusing them with its rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Peanut butter (1 cup) – Peanut butter contributes a creamy, nutty depth to the granola mixture, acting as a flavorful binder that also adds protein.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – A dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the granola cups, adding a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Cinnamon sprinkled into the mix offers a hint of spicy warmth, bringing a subtle complexity to the taste profile of the granola cups.
- Greek yogurt (2 cups) – Greek yogurt provides a thick, creamy layer atop the granola base, offering a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cups and adding a protein boost.
- Fruit of choice for topping – I used strawberries, kiwis, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries
Use this Method
In a large bowl mix together oats, syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Place this mixture in the fridge while setting up the rest of the ingredients
Gather all your chosen fruit, wash and dry. If you have fruit like strawberries and kiwis, cut them into small pieces.
Get a muffin pan out and add the cupcake liners to the pan. Scop about ¼ c of the oat mixture into each cup.
Once all the cups are scooped then add about two tablespoons of yogurt to each cup. Top with the fruit and enjoy! This can be stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips and Tricks for Making Fruit Cups
Choose Your Granola Wisely: Opt for a chunky, less sweetened granola to give the cups a sturdy base and prevent them from becoming too sweet once fruits and yogurt are added.
Bind the Granola Firmly: Mix your granola with a binding agent like honey, maple syrup, or melted peanut butter to help the cups hold their shape better once formed and baked.
Use Muffin Tins for Shaping: Press the granola mixture into muffin tins to shape your cups. Silicone muffin molds are especially good for easy removal without breaking the cups.
Chill Before Removing: After baking, let the granola cups cool and set in the fridge for at least an hour; this makes them easier to remove from the molds without falling apart.
Opt for Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and will hold up better in your granola cups, providing a creamy texture and a good protein boost.
Add a Layer of Nut Butter: For an extra layer of flavor and to prevent the granola cups from getting soggy, consider spreading a thin layer of almond or peanut butter over the base before adding yogurt.
Select Fresh and Seasonal Fruits: Top your cups with a variety of colorful, fresh, and seasonal fruits for the best flavor and visual appeal; consider berries, kiwi, mango, or pomegranate seeds.
Prep Ahead for Quick Breakfasts: Assemble your granola cups without the yogurt and fruit, and store them in an airtight container. Fill them with yogurt and fresh fruit right before serving for a quick and healthy breakfast.
Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup: For a touch of added sweetness and a glossy finish, drizzle your fruit-topped granola cups with a little honey or maple syrup.
Garnish with Nuts or Seeds: For added texture and nutritional value, sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds over the fruit-topped cups before serving.
FAQS
Yes, you can easily make vegan granola fruit cups by using a plant-based binder like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, and opting for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
The granola cups themselves can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Once filled with yogurt and fruit, they’re best enjoyed within a day to prevent sogginess.
Absolutely. Store-bought granola works well for convenience, though you may want to break down larger chunks to ensure the cups form easily and hold together.
Ensure your granola mixture has enough of a sticky binder (like honey or maple syrup) and press the mixture firmly into the molds. Letting them cool and set in the fridge before removing them from the molds also helps.
Berries, diced mango, kiwi slices, and pomegranate seeds are great for their vibrant colors, ease of eating, and sweet flavors that contrast nicely with the granola and yogurt. Choose fruits that aren’t too watery to prevent sogginess.
The granola cups can be made and stored in advance, but it’s best to add the yogurt and fruit shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the granola from softening too much.
Thick, Greek yogurt is ideal for its creaminess and ability to hold up well as a filling. For a sweeter, lighter option, vanilla or flavored yogurts are also delicious.
Granola fruit cups can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients you use. Opt for low-sugar granola, natural sweeteners, and plain Greek yogurt to keep the sugar content down and increase the protein.
Using ripe, sweet fruits and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can naturally sweeten the cups without the need for added sugars. Choosing a naturally sweetened granola also helps.
The granola cups can be frozen for up to a month. However, freeze them unfilled and let them thaw at room temperature before adding yogurt and fruit.
What to Serve with Granola Fruit Cups
Smoothie Bowls: Pairing granola fruit cups with smoothie bowls offers a nutritious, vibrant breakfast or brunch option, combining the crunchiness of granola with the smooth, creamy texture of blended fruits and vegetables.
Freshly Squeezed Juice: A glass of freshly squeezed orange, apple, or carrot juice complements the natural sweetness of the fruit cups, providing a refreshing and vitamin-rich beverage choice.
Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea balances the cold, creamy texture of the yogurt and fresh fruits in the granola cups, making for a cozy and complete breakfast experience.
Egg Dishes: Serve granola fruit cups alongside egg dishes like scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a protein-rich addition that rounds out the meal, catering to those who desire a balance of sweet and savory. Try hashbrown egg cups!
Toast with Avocado or Nut Butter: Toast topped with avocado or nut butter adds a savory or creamy element to your meal, offering a satisfying contrast in textures and flavors alongside the crunchy and fruity granola cups.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly soft or creamy ones like Brie or goat cheese, can add a luxurious, savory counterpoint to the sweet and tangy profile of the granola fruit cups.
Assorted Pastries: For a more indulgent breakfast or brunch, pair the granola fruit cups with a selection of pastries like croissants, muffins, or scones, allowing for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Yogurt Parfaits: For a yogurt-centric meal, offer a variety of yogurt parfaits with different layers and mix-ins, providing guests with an array of flavors and the fun of comparing different combinations.
Pancakes or Waffles: Fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles add a comforting, carb-rich element to the meal, which can be particularly appealing for larger gatherings or weekend brunches.
Fruit Salad: A large bowl of fruit salad, featuring fruits not used in the granola cups, offers additional vitamins and a variety of flavors, making for a refreshing and healthful side that complements the denser texture of the granola.
Try these other breakfast recipes:
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Follow on Instagram
CONNECT WITH SWEET C’S!
Be sure to follow me on social media and get in on all the fun!
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Granola Fruit Cups
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled quick oats
- 1 cup Maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup Peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups greek yogurt
- 2 cups fruit I like to use strawberries, kiwis, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together oats, syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Place this mixture in the fridge while setting up the rest of the ingredients
- Gather all your chosen fruit, wash and dry. If you have fruit like strawberries and kiwis, cut them into small pieces.
- Get a muffin pan out and add the cupcake liners to the pan. Scop about ¼ c of the oat mixture into each cup.
- Once all the cups are scooped then add about two tablespoons of yogurt to each cup. Top with the fruit and enjoy! This can be stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Delicious breakfast!
Easy perfect breakfast!