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- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - ½ cup chopped pecans - 1 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) The base of our granola cups starts with rolled oats. They add fiber and a great texture. Next, we have chopped pecans. They give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. I like to use protein powder for added nutrition. You can choose vanilla or unflavored. Both work well! - ¼ cup maple syrup - ½ cup almond butter (or any nut butter) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For sweetness, we use maple syrup. It adds rich flavor and natural sweetness. Almond butter acts as a binder, helping the cups stick together. You can swap it for any nut butter you like. The vanilla extract gives a warm taste that enhances all the flavors. - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt - ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional) - ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. If you want to add more texture, consider dried cranberries or dark chocolate chips. Both options give extra flavor and sweetness. You really can’t go wrong with these choices! To start, gather a large mixing bowl. Add 1 ½ cups of rolled oats, ½ cup of chopped pecans, 1 cup of protein powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. This step helps ensure they blend evenly. Next, grab a microwave-safe bowl. In this bowl, combine ½ cup of almond butter and ¼ cup of maple syrup. Warm them together for about 15-20 seconds. This warming makes the mixture runny. Once warm, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds flavor and richness. Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry mix. Use a spatula or your hands to blend everything together. The mixture should be sticky and hold its shape. If you want, fold in ¼ cup of dried cranberries and ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips. Line a muffin tin with parchment liners or lightly grease it. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin cup. Press down firmly to pack it tightly. This helps the granola cups hold their shape. After filling the muffin tin, place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time firms up the granola cups. Once ready, remove them from the tin and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious, no-bake maple pecan protein granola cups! To achieve a sticky mixture, start by mixing your dry ingredients well. This includes rolled oats, chopped pecans, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps. Next, warm the almond butter and maple syrup together in the microwave. This step makes the mixture easier to blend. It should be runny but not too hot. Once combined, pour this over the dry mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until everything is well coated. The mixture needs to stick together well. If it feels too dry, add a little more nut butter or syrup. You can change the nut butter for new flavors. Try peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each adds a unique twist. For add-ins, think about dried fruits like raisins or apricots for sweetness. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition. If you love chocolate, consider using cocoa powder in place of some protein powder. This gives a rich taste. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor. Enjoy these granola cups for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. They are great on their own, but toppings can make them even better. Drizzle with extra maple syrup for sweetness. Fresh fruit like bananas or berries adds flavor and color. You can also add yogurt on top for creaminess. Get creative with toppings to make each serving special. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of these granola cups. Here are two fun ideas: - Chocolate Nut Variation: Swap in chocolate protein powder for vanilla. You can also add dark chocolate chips for a rich taste. The chocolate pairs well with the maple and pecans. - Fruit and Nut Variation: Add your favorite dried fruits like raisins or apricots. You can mix in walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. This makes each bite a tasty surprise. These granola cups can fit many diets. Here are a few suggestions: - Gluten-free options: Use certified gluten-free oats. This keeps the recipe gluten-free while still tasty. - Vegan substitutions: To make these vegan, replace the protein powder with a plant-based option. Use maple syrup and nut butter, which are already vegan. With these changes, you can enjoy these cups no matter your diet! To keep your no-bake maple pecan protein granola cups fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure to store them in the fridge for the best taste and texture. These granola cups will last up to one week in the fridge. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. You don’t really need to reheat these granola cups. They taste great cold. If you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for about 10 seconds. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or snack right out of the fridge. Drizzle with more maple syrup for an extra treat! Yes, you can use other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. Just chop them up like the pecans. You can also use seeds if you prefer. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch too. Feel free to experiment with what you have at home. Absolutely! To make these cups vegan, swap the honey or maple syrup for agave syrup. Use a plant-based protein powder. Almond butter is already vegan, so you’re good there. Just check your chocolate chips as some brands may contain milk. You can easily adjust this recipe. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free oats. Choose a protein powder that fits your diet. Look for one that is dairy-free if needed. You can also use nut butter alternatives like sunflower butter for nut-free needs. These granola cups are easy to make and packed with flavor. You learned about the main ingredients like oats and pecans and the key sweeteners. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure great results. You can customize flavors or adjust for dietary needs. Store them well for long-lasting freshness. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite mix-ins. These tasty cups are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast. Happy cooking!

No-Bake Maple Pecan Protein Granola Cups

Create delicious and healthy No-Bake Maple Pecan Protein Granola Cups at home! Packed with nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, and protein powder, these easy-to-make cups are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Ready to satisfy your cravings? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a tasty treat that fuels your day!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups rolled oats

½ cup pecans, chopped

1 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)

¼ cup maple syrup

½ cup almond butter (or any nut butter)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)

¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

    In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the almond butter and maple syrup together for about 15-20 seconds until they are slightly runny and easier to mix. Stir in the vanilla extract.

      Pour the almond butter and maple mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together.

        If desired, fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips at this stage for an extra burst of flavor.

          Line a muffin tin with parchment paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

            Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin cup and press down firmly to pack it tightly. This will help the granola cups hold their shape once set.

              Once all muffin cups are filled, place the tin in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the granola cups to firm up.

                After chilling, carefully remove the granola cups from the muffin tin and transfer them to an airtight container.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 cups

                    - Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these granola cups as a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert. For added flair, drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or top with fresh fruit when serving!