If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: the No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe. These little treats bring together the perfect harmony of crunchy oats, creamy peanut butter, and just the right touch of sweetness without ever turning on the oven. They’re simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to enjoy anytime you want a quick boost of energy or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Trust me, once you try this recipe, no other granola cup will quite hit the spot the same way again.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe relies on a handful of kitchen staples that come together to create a textured and flavor-packed treat. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s the natural sweetness, creamy richness, or a little hint of crunch.

Rolled oats (2 1/2 cups): The base of our granola cups, providing hearty texture and a wholesome crunch.
Honey (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and acts as the glue to hold everything together.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup for filling): Brings luscious creaminess and that unmistakable nutty flavor you crave.
Coconut oil (1/4 cup): Helps bind and adds a subtle tropical hint while keeping the mix smooth.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the overall taste with a delicate fragrance and warmth.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors throughout.
Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): A delightful surprise of melty chocolate bits tucked inside the oats.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Used in the filling to add light sweetness and smooth texture.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Whipped into the filling to create a silky, fluffy contrast to the crunchy cups.
Melted chocolate (optional): Perfect for drizzling on top and adding visual appeal and extra indulgence.
Chopped peanuts (optional): A crunchy, nutty garnish that amps up the peanut flavor and texture.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Granola Mixture

Start by heating up the honey, creamy peanut butter, and coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently but continuously until everything melts into a shiny, smooth mixture. This warm blend is what brings the oats and flavors together, making the granola cups stick firmly without baking.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt

Once your mixture is smooth, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla lends a lovely aroma, while the pinch of salt makes each bite taste perfectly balanced rather than too sweet.

Step 3: Coat Rolled Oats and Mix in Chocolate Chips

Pour the rolled oats into the warm peanut butter mixture and stir until every oat is coated in that deliciously sticky, glossy binding. If you love a hint of chocolate (and who doesn’t?), fold in the mini chocolate chips now so they’ll stay nestled throughout the granola base.

Step 4: Form Granola Cups

Line a muffin tin with paper liners to keep things neat and easy. Divide the granola mixture evenly among the cups, pressing it down firmly with your fingers or a spoon. This step is key to shaping sturdy little cups that will hold the creamy filling perfectly.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Pop the muffin tin into the refrigerator and let the cups chill as you prepare the filling. This cooling step firms up the base so it holds its shape beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

While the granola cups chill, beat together the second half of your creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. This luscious filling is a dreamy contrast to the grainy granola shell and keeps the flavor punchy.

Step 7: Assemble the Granola Cups

Spoon the peanut butter filling into each set granola cup, filling them generously. This is where your cups truly transform into little bites of peanut-buttery heaven.

Step 8: Add Optional Finishing Touches

If you’re feeling fancy or want to elevate the presentation, drizzle each cup with melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top. These simple additions make each cup look irresistible and add extra layers of flavor and crunch.

Step 9: Final Chill

Place the filled cups back in the refrigerator for at least one hour. The chilling firms up the filling nicely and prepares your treats for the best texture and flavor experience.

Step 10: Ready to Serve!

Once chilled and set, your granola cups are ready to enjoy. They’re conveniently snack-sized and perfect for anytime indulgence without guilt.

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

Garnishes

Top your granola cups with a quick dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance their visual appeal and complement the sweet and nutty flavors. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced banana also add a lovely pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair these granola cups with a glass of cold milk, a cup of your favorite coffee, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced snack or dessert option. They also make a great light breakfast companion, especially alongside a yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get playful? Serve your No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and scattered chopped peanuts for a charming party platter. Alternatively, wrap them individually in colorful wax paper for grab-and-go treats that look as cute as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover granola cups should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh, maintains the filling’s creaminess, and preserves the crunch in the granola shell for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy these treats over several days.

Freezing

These granola cups freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag to enjoy for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! These cups are meant to be enjoyed chilled for the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy. If they get too cold, leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the filling slightly.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to both the granola cups and the filling, making your snacks wonderfully nutty and slightly more rustic in bite.

Are there any alternatives to coconut oil?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with unsalted butter or even vegetable oil. Just keep in mind coconut oil adds a subtle flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully, so the taste may vary slightly.

Can I make these granola cups vegan?

Definitely. Swap honey for maple syrup and use plant-based heavy cream alternatives in the filling. Vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free peanut butter keep these cups fully plant-friendly and just as delicious.

How long do these granola cups last at room temperature?

Since these cups contain dairy in the filling, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and consume within a week. At room temperature, they might soften or spoil more quickly.

Can I add other mix-ins like dried fruit or seeds?

For sure! Feel free to customize your granola cups by adding dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or even shredded coconut. Just toss them in with the oats to distribute evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about being able to whip up a wholesome, flavorful treat that needs no oven time and minimal fuss. The No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe is my go-to when I want a quick, satisfying snack packed with texture and rich flavors. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these delightful cups as much as I do. Happy snacking!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

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4.4 from 90 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 granola cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups are a delightful, easy-to-make snack featuring a crunchy granola cup filled with a creamy peanut butter filling. Perfect for a quick treat or dessert without any baking required, they combine the wholesome flavors of oats, peanut butter, and a touch of sweetness with optional chocolate and peanuts for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Granola Cups

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Peanut Butter Filling

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings

Melted chocolate
Chopped peanuts

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Instructions

Prepare the Granola Cups: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted together, ensuring even blending of ingredients.
Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to incorporate their flavors without cooking them off.
Combine with Oats: Add the rolled oats to the saucepan and mix thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated with the peanut butter-honey mixture. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips at this stage for added texture and flavor.
Form Granola Cups: Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Divide the granola mixture evenly among the lined cups. Press the mixture firmly and evenly against the sides and bottom of each muffin cup to create a well-formed cup shape that will hold the filling.
Refrigerate to Set: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and chill until the granola cups are firm, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes, preparing them to hold the filling.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy, creating a rich filling for the granola cups.
Assemble the Cups: Remove the set granola cups from the refrigerator and spoon the peanut butter filling into each cup evenly, filling the cavities completely.
Add Optional Toppings: Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cups and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra flavor, texture, and a decorative finish.
Final Chill: Place the assembled granola cups back in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or until the filling is firm and set, ensuring the cups hold their shape when served.
Serve and Enjoy: Once fully chilled, serve these delicious no-bake peanut butter granola cups as a convenient snack or dessert. They are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator.

Notes

Use paper liners to make removing the granola cups from the muffin tin easier and to prevent sticking.
The mini chocolate chips are optional but add a nice chocolate flavor and texture contrast.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative.
Pressing the granola mixture firmly into the cups is essential for them to hold their shape after chilling.
Store the finished granola cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American