NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER GRANOLA CUPS
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups are a simple, delightful treat or snack, combining crunchy granola with creamy peanut butter, all held together in a convenient cup. They're quick to make, require no baking, and are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving with a touch of wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
For the Granola Base:
- 1 ½ cups granola your favorite kind, store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter natural or conventional, adjust to your preference
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup for binding and sweetness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
For the Peanut Butter Topping:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk any kind, dairy or non-dairy
Optional: Pinch of salt
- Optional Garnish/Add-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
- A drizzle of melted chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners. This makes it much easier to remove the cups.
Make the Granola Base:
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and melted butter (or coconut oil).
- Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or gently heat on the stovetop, until the mixture is warm and runny enough to stir smoothly.
- Add the granola to the wet mixture and stir well until the granola is completely coated.
- Evenly divide the granola mixture among the 12 mini muffin cups. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact base.
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator while you prepare the topping.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk.
- Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add another teaspoon of milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Add an optional pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Assemble the Cups:
- Spoon the peanut butter topping evenly over the granola bases in each muffin cup. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- If desired, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Chill: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cups are firm and set.
- Serve and Store: Once firm, carefully remove the cups from the muffin tin. Peel off the paper liners just before serving. Store any leftover cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Granola Choice: Any type of granola works here! For a gluten-free version, ensure your granola and oats are certified gluten-free.
- Peanut Butter: Natural runny peanut butter works great for the base, while a slightly thicker, no-stir peanut butter might be easier for the topping, but either will work with adjustments.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on the sweetness of your granola and personal preference.
- Chocolate Layer: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate between the granola base and the peanut butter topping for an extra treat.
- Protein Boost: Stir a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder into the peanut butter topping mixture for added protein.
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) for peanut butter and ensure your granola is nut-free.