Think granola is boring? Not this time. Our granola cups with yogurt are chewy, creamy, and endlessly customizable—whether you fill them with yogurt, applesauce, or ice cream. Easy to make ahead, with simple steps for quick breakfasts or snacks.
This post may contain affiliate links. The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. For more details, please refer to our disclaimer page.
✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!
If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Patricia—a mom of three who’s spent years perfecting recipes that fit our family’s gluten-free (and mixed diet) lifestyle. I know how important it is to have quick, easy snack ideas that don’t feel like the same thing over and over again—especially when you’re juggling picky eaters and dietary restrictions.
Today, we’re sharing no-bake granola cups with yogurt—chewy, satisfying, and easy to make ahead. These aren’t your typical granola bars. With no baking required, they’re perfect for anyone looking for a simple, flexible snack that works for different diets without feeling repetitive.
I first made these with my middle son, who spotted a similar idea in a kids’ magazine. We had so much fun making them, and I loved seeing his excitement in the kitchen. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it easier, tastier, and more adaptable—because every parent needs a reliable snack that’s anything but boring. That's why we wrote our 25 Not Boring Snack Ideas, and this recipe fits right in there!
If you need more easy, allergy-friendly snacks, be sure to check out all our snack recipes here!
😍Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Needed! A completely no-bake recipe that saves you time and keeps your kitchen cool. Easy enough for kids to help!
- A Cup That’s Never Boring: Fill them with yogurt, applesauce, ice cream, or thick smoothies, and switch up the toppings to keep things fun and fresh—your family won’t get tired of them.
- Allergy-Friendly, Worry-Free: Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or have picky eaters, this recipe has flexible options and fun flavors everyone will love.
- Meal Prep Gold: Our granola cups were designed with busy people in mind! Make them ahead and store them for a quick breakfast or healthy snack all week long.
🧠Nutrient Highlight: Why We Love This
Eating homemade snacks isn’t just about avoiding processed foods—it’s a chance to add healthy ingredients with real nutrients that support overall health and brain function. Here’s why these granola cups with yogurt are a great choice:
- Protein for Sustained Energy: With 10g of protein per serving, this snack can help maintain energy levels and support muscle health and mood regulation (1,2,3,4).
- Healthy Fats for Cognitive Support: Our brains thrive on the right kind of fats (5,6). Including ingredients rich in healthy fats (like peanut butter, chia seeds, and yogurt, helps nurture your brain and overall health (5,6).
- Fiber for Digestion and Steady Energy: These granola cups are loaded with fiber! Fiber has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar and support gut health (7,8,9).
- Homemade Food Benefits: Making your snacks from scratch decreases the need for processed ingredients that often sneak into our diets.
🫐Ingredients and Flavor Notes
Granola cups with yogurt are a great mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet—all thanks to simple ingredients that come together perfectly. Here’s why I use each of them:
- Rolled Oats: These are the base of our granola cups and provide a chewy texture while holding everything together. I use certified gluten-free oats to make sure this recipe is gluten-free.
- Peanut Butter: It’s the glue that binds the granola mixture while adding richness and a little protein. Plus, it brings that nutty flavor kids love. If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works great too!
- Ripe Bananas: Acting as a natural sweetener, bananas also bind the ingredients and make for a moist and tasty cup.
- Yogurt (Dairy or Dairy-Free): To fill the granola cups. I prefer thicker yogurt varieties like creamy Greek yogurt to hold its shape. To keep this recipe dairy-free, I used Riviera Greek-style vegan yogurt.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the granola mixture.
- Chia Seeds: These add a nutritional boost and help thicken the mixture when combined with wet ingredients.
- Cinnamon: For warmth and a hint of cozy, earthy flavor.
- Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Recommended Toppings:
- Chocolate Chips: I use mini chocolate chips when making this for the kids—they melt slightly into the yogurt for a fun treat.
- Fresh Berries: Sweet and tangy, they pair beautifully with the creamy yogurt and crunchy oats.
- Mini Marshmallows or Sprinkles: These are optional but make the granola cups feel extra special for birthday mornings or celebrations.
⚠️ Celiac Note: Always double-check that oats, peanut butter, and any toppings are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
🔁Substitutions
I know that sometimes we need to work with what's on hand or accommodate dietary preferences. Here are some swaps I've tried:
- Peanut-Butter Alternatives: If peanut butter isn't an option, almond butter is a great alternative as it has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Nut-free Alternatives: For a nut-free version, swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter. It has a nice creamy texture and will work well when making granola cups.
- Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be used to sweeten the granola mixture in equal amounts.
- Yogurt-Free: If you can’t find a dairy-free yogurt or want to switch things up, you can fill the cups with applesauce or a thick smoothie instead. Our peanut butter cup smoothie or healthy berry smoothie works well. Just be sure to assemble them right before eating, as the smoothie filling doesn’t store well inside the cups.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mash the Bananas
Place your ripe bananas into a large mixing bowl or plate. Then, using a fork or potato masher, mash them until smooth. You’re looking for consistency without large chunks, which helps bind the mixture evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add the mashed bananas, rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. Make sure all the oats are fully coated with the wet ingredients, creating a sticky granola mixture. The mixture will be on the drier side.
Tip: Mixing thoroughly is important to avoid dry pockets of oats. I like to use a sturdy spoon for this step.
Step 3: Prep the Muffin Tin
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin papers or grease each cup lightly with oil or cooking spray.
Step 4: Shape the Granola Cups
Take about 1 large spoonful of the granola mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch wide. Place the ball into the muffin cup. Then, using your fingers or the back of a ¼-cup measuring cup, press the ball into the bottom and up the sides to form a small cup shape.
Tip: Since the mixture is sticky, I wrap my measuring cup with plastic wrap to prevent sticking and get that perfect granola cup shape.
Step 5: Chill In The Fridge
Place the muffin tin in the fridge for about an hour to allow the granola cups to set and harden. This step is essential to make sure they hold their shape when filled with yogurt.
Step 6: Add Yogurt and Toppings
Once the granola cups have set, remove them from the fridge. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of creamy yogurt into each granola cup. Top your yogurt granola cups with your choice of fresh berries, chocolate chips, or any of your favorite fillings for a fun and tasty finish.
Topping Tip: For a fun twist, skip the yogurt and add ice cream instead (my kids love vanilla and strawberry with these granola cups) for a healthy dessert! Top with mini marshmallows or sprinkles for the ultimate treat.
💡Recipe Tips Recap
- Rest the Granola Mixture Before Shaping: I let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes after mixing. This gives the oats time to soak up the moisture, preventing the granola cups from being dry or crumbly.
- Use Plastic Wrap for Easy Shaping: Since the granola mixture can be sticky, I wrap the back of a ¼-cup measuring cup with plastic wrap. This helps create perfect granola cups without making a mess.
- Chill for at Least an Hour: Don’t skip the fridge time! Chilling allows the cups to firm up, so they hold their shape when filled with yogurt. I usually let them rest for at least an hour, but they can stay in the fridge overnight if needed.
- Choose the Right Kind of Yogurt: A thicker yogurt, like Greek or Riviera’s Greek-style vegan yogurt, works best. Thinner yogurts can make the cups soggy over time, so stick to a thicker option for the perfect texture.
⏲️ Easy Meal-Prep Snack Recipe
Hey! Did you know our breakfast granola cups are perfect for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts and snacks? Here’s what I do to stay ahead of busy weeks:
- Assembled Cups: If you’ve already added the yogurt, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just store them in an airtight container.
- Longer Storage: For longer meal prep (up to 5 days), keep the granola cups unfilled and add the yogurt and toppings right before eating to prevent sogginess.
🍴Recipe Variation Ideas
- Ice Cream Cups: These granola cups work really well as ice cream cups! SO if you want a fun easy dessert this is a great alternative!
- Chocolate Kick: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the granola mixture and sprinkle in some chocolate chips. The cocoa gives the granola cups a rich, chocolatey twist, making them perfect for dessert or fun after-school snack.
- Add Dried Fruit: Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to the granola mixture for natural sweetness.
- Tropical Twist: Mix shredded coconut into the granola mixture and top the yogurt with pineapple chunks, mango slices, and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
🥡How To Store This Recipe
Assembled Cups: To keep your granola cups fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The longer they sit, the softer they may become, so they’re best eaten sooner rather than later.
Unfilled Cups: For meal prep, store the unfilled granola cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
As a busy mom and longtime food blogger, I know how important it is to find simple recipes that work for your family’s needs. This casserole has become one of our go-to weekend favorites, and I hope it becomes a hit in your home too!
❔Recipe FAQ
This is usually due to dry spots in the mixture or not enough resting/chilling time. Make sure to mix thoroughly so every oat is coated in the wet ingredients. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before shaping to help the oats absorb moisture, and don’t skip the hour of chilling—it’s essential for firming them up.
Yes! If you’re looking for yogurt-free options, try applesauce, thick smoothies, or even ice cream for a fun dessert. Just keep in mind that these alternative fillings are best added right before serving to avoid soggy cups.
Yes! To avoid sogginess, store the granola cups unfilled in an airtight container and add the yogurt or other fillings right before eating. If you need them to be ready-to-go, only assemble enough for 2-3 days. For long-term storage, freeze the unfilled cups and thaw them when needed.
🌟 Loved this healthy breakfast recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!
🥣Recipe Pairing
We love these healthy granola cups with yogurt as an easy breakfast or healthy after-school snack. They pair really well with our pineapple slushie (my kid's favorite smoothie!).
👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!
📖 Recipe
No Bake Granola Cups with Yogurt
Ingredients
Granola Cups
- 2 cups rolled oats certified gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 bananas mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave or honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt dairy or non-dairy
- ½ cup fresh berries
Instructions
- Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or potato masher.
- Mix the ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until all the oats are evenly coated.2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup peanut butter, 2 bananas, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt
- Let the mixture rest: Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes to let the oats absorb moisture.
- Prepare the muffin tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease each cup.
- Shape the granola cups: Scoop a large spoonful of the mixture, roll it into a 1-inch ball, and place it in a muffin cup. Use your fingers or the back of a plastic-wrapped ¼-cup measuring cup to press the ball into the bottom and sides, forming a cup shape.
- Chill the cups: Place the muffin tin in the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the cups to set.
- Fill and top: Once set, spoon about 2 tablespoons of yogurt into each granola cup and top with fresh berries, chocolate chips, or your favorite toppings.1 ½ cups Greek yogurt, ½ cup fresh berries
Notes
Nutrition
📝Information Source
- Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Lemmens, S. G., & Westerterp, K. R. (2012). Dietary protein–its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. British journal of nutrition, 108(S2), S105-S112.
- Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2008). Protein intake and energy balance. Regulatory peptides, 149(1-3), 67-69.
- Magesh, P. (2022). Food And Mood-The Interplay Between Nutrition, Mood, Brain, And Behavior. IJO-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research (ISSN 2811-2466), 5(12), 01-12.
- Flaskerud, J. H. (2015). Mood and food. Issues in mental health nursing, 36(4), 307-310.
- Chianese, R., Coccurello, R., Viggiano, A., Scafuro, M., Fiore, M., Coppola, G., … & Meccariello, R. (2018). Impact of dietary fats on brain functions. Current neuropharmacology, 16(7), 1059-1085.
- Romano, A., Koczwara, J. B., Gallelli, C. A., Vergara, D., Di Bonaventura, M. V. M., Gaetani, S., & Giudetti, A. M. (2017). Fats for thoughts: an update on brain fatty acid metabolism. The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology, 84, 40-45.
- Makki, K., Deehan, E. C., Walter, J., & Bäckhed, F. (2018). The impact of dietary fiber on gut microbiota in host health and disease. Cell host & microbe, 23(6), 705-715.
- Zhang, G., Wang, D., Ding, Y., Zhang, J., Ding, Y., & Lyu, F. (2024). Effect and mechanism of insoluble dietary fiber on postprandial blood sugar regulation. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 104354.
- Makori, I. (2024). Effect of Dietary Fiber Intake on Blood Sugar Levels in Kenya. American Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 6(1), 12-22.
Patricia Granek says
I had fun developing this recipe with my kiddos. My son actually inspired these granola cups and we love adding different toppings to each one. I would love to hear feedback if you make this recipe, and some of your favorite things to add to the top! Have you tried it with ice cream yet, so good!!!