First, let me start by stating clearly, I am not a vegan. When I see vegan recipes, I tend to eye them with suspicion figuring what they lack in unhealthy ingredients they also lack in flavor. So when I say a vegan recipe is delish, it must be. If you love granola like me and have a weak spot for peanut butter, also like me, this simple and delicious combination of ingredients is sure to make your taste buds sing.
Yummy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups
One thing I do try to avoid is sugar. So when I saw this recipe offered a sugar-free granola option, I liked that idea. Also, if you are allergic to nuts or any of the ingredients, you can experiment with different nut or seed butters and choose a granola that contains your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Cups:
2 ½ cups of your preferred granola or our sugar-free granola below
1 cup peanuts, or your choice of seeds and nuts, chopped
3 tablespoons natural peanut butter or almond butter
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, or to taste
Filling:
1 cup natural peanut butter
Topping:
12 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Combine the granola, chopped peanuts, peanut butter, and honey or maple syrup in a medium-sized bowl adding a bit more honey/maple syrup if it appears too dry. You want to get a sticky consistency so the cups can be formed and stay together.
- Spoon the mixture into a 12-cup cupcake pan and press it down to the sides to create the cups. Make sure it is staying together. If not, you might need to dump it back in the bowl and add a bit more honey/maple syrup.
- Place the tin in the freezer for at least 5–10 minutes, until the cups firm up.
- Meanwhile, melt the peanut butter so it’s ready to pour it into the granola cups when they are ready. You should let the peanut butter cool slightly first.
- Place the pan back in the freezer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the peanut butter to firm up.
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil, and mix until smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate on top of the firmed peanut butter and chill once more until everything has set.
- Keep the cups in the fridge in an air-tight container.
Sugar-Free Granola Recipe
If you want to reduce the sugar, you can use this sugar-free granola recipe instead of using a store-bought brand.
Ingredients
2 cup oats, dry
1/2 cup cashews
1/4 cup almonds, sliced
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Fold the eggs into your dry mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto your cookie sheet.
- Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. Check often to make sure it isn’t burning.
- Use in the granola cup recipe, or store for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
Both recipes provide a delicious option ready to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.
