Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling – A Healthy & Delicious Snack

Are you a fan of sweet yet healthy treats? If you’ve been craving a snack that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your need for something wholesome, then Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling are exactly what you need. These delightful little cups combine crunchy, chewy granola with the creamy richness of peanut butter, all topped off with a drizzle of decadent chocolate. Whether you’re preparing them for an afternoon snack, a post-workout treat, or a sweet addition to your breakfast, these granola cups are sure to impress.

The Perfect Combination: Crunchy Granola, Creamy Peanut Butter, and Rich Chocolate

What’s not to love about the combination of granola, peanut butter, and chocolate? The granola cups are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, providing a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness. Add to that the creamy, salty peanut butter filling, and you’ve got the perfect bite. To top it all off, a rich chocolate drizzle ties everything together, creating a mouth-watering treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why Choose Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling?

There are plenty of reasons why Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling should be your go-to snack. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These granola cups combine wholesome ingredients with a touch of indulgence, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought treats. The oats provide fiber, while the peanut butter offers a dose of healthy fats and protein. And of course, who can resist a drizzle of chocolate?

Moreover, these cups are customizable. If you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower butter. You can also adjust the sweetness level based on your preference, making them a versatile option for various dietary needs.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Granola Cups

Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to make these Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling. This recipe requires basic pantry staples, making it a quick and easy treat to prepare at home.

For the Granola Cups:

• 2 cups rolled oats – The base of the granola, providing fiber and a hearty texture.
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup – Natural sweeteners that bind the granola together while adding sweetness.
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted – Adds a touch of healthy fat and helps bind the ingredients.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – For a rich, aromatic flavor.
• ¼ tsp salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional) – Adds a warm, cozy spice to the granola.
• ½ cup chopped nuts – Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work perfectly to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips – A sweet treat that melts into the granola cups, adding a burst of chocolate flavor.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter – The star of the filling, offering creaminess and a nutty flavor.
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup – For sweetness to balance the peanut butter’s richness.
• ¼ tsp salt – To enhance the flavors and bring out the sweetness in the peanut butter.

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips – Rich chocolate for drizzling.
• 1 tsp coconut oil – Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and adds a bit of shine.

How to Make Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create these indulgent yet healthy granola cups.

1. Prepare the Granola Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a muffin tin, grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Then, in a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until well mixed.

Next, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips. This mixture will be the base of your granola cups. Press the mixture firmly into each muffin cup, creating a small well in the center.

2. Bake and Cool

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the granola cups for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Let them cool completely in the tin before removing them. This cooling step is essential to ensure that the granola holds its shape when you take it out of the muffin tin.

3. Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While the granola cups are cooling, you can prepare the peanut butter filling. In a small bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, honey, and salt. Stir until smooth. This filling is simple to make, but it adds so much flavor to the cups.

Once the granola cups have cooled, spoon about one tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture into each cup. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference for the amount of filling in each cup.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle

Now, let’s make the chocolate drizzle. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling.

5. Set and Serve

Place the granola cups in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Once the chocolate has firmed up, your Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling are ready to serve! You can enjoy them immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for later.

Serving Suggestions

These granola cups are perfect as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you want to make them even more indulgent, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also get creative with your toppings by adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutritional Benefits of Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling

These granola cups are not only delicious but also pack some nutritional benefits. Let’s take a quick look at the key ingredients:

• Oats provide fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
• Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, which helps build and repair tissues.
• Honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
• Coconut oil provides healthy fats that support brain function and heart health.
• Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can boost heart health when consumed in moderation.

With these wholesome ingredients, Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling are a much healthier alternative to store-bought candies or cookies.

Conclusion

Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling are a delightful and healthy treat that combines the crunch of oats, the richness of peanut butter, and the sweetness of chocolate. These cups are perfect for satisfying your cravings without feeling guilty. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of these treats in no time. Whether you’re looking for a snack, dessert, or breakfast option, these granola cups are sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs About Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling

1. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can easily swap out peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower butter to make the recipe nut-free or to suit different tastes.

2. Can I make these granola cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! These granola cups store well in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

3. Can I freeze these granola cups?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just place the granola cups in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

4. Are these granola cups gluten-free?

The recipe calls for rolled oats, which are naturally gluten-free. However, if you need to make them completely gluten-free, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free chocolate chips.

5. How do I make the chocolate drizzle thinner?

If the chocolate drizzle is too thick, simply add a little more coconut oil or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to drizzle.

These easy-to-make Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet snack without compromising on nutrition. So, gather your ingredients and start making these tasty treats today!

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