If you’re craving something snackable, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups are truly the ultimate treat. They’re everything you could want in a snack: wholesome, packed with nutty flavor, kissed with chocolate, and so fuss-free you’ll have them chilling in the fridge in ten minutes flat. The best part? There’s no oven needed, so you can make these year-round — even on the hottest summer days. Whether you need a lunchbox hero, a post-workout bite, or just a little midday pick-me-up, these cups are here to make life deliciously easy.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with a handful of classic pantry staples. Each ingredient brings something wonderful to the mix — creaminess, crunch, sweetness, or that irresistible peanut butter hug. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These lend the perfect chewy texture and give the cups their satisfying, hearty bite.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show for richness, flavor, and to bind all the ingredients together.
Honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings everything together while helping the mixture set.
Mini chocolate chips: For little surprise pockets of chocolate that melt in your mouth (and look adorable too).
Chopped peanuts (optional): Add extra crunch and an extra pop of peanutty goodness if you like a bit more texture.
Vanilla extract: A dash of warmth that rounds out the flavors and makes the cups smell irresistible.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make the peanut butter flavor shine.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

Step 1: Warm Up the Peanut Butter Base

Start by grabbing your favorite medium saucepan and setting it on low heat. Add in your creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup), stirring gently until everything is smooth, glossy, and just warmed through. This gentle warming helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to stir in the oats later.

Step 2: Stir in the Aromatics

Once that peanut butter mixture is silky, take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This is hands-down my favorite part — the aroma is absolutely dreamy, and you’ll already be counting down the minutes until you can take a bite.

Step 3: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Now it’s time for all the good stuff! Add your rolled oats, chopped peanuts (if you’re using them), and those mini chocolate chips. Mix everything together until every oat is coated and the mixture looks like a bowlful of chunky, sticky goodness. Make sure you work a bit quickly here, so the chocolate chips don’t melt completely.

Step 4: Portion and Press

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone mold. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of your mixture into each cup and firmly press it down with the back of a spoon. Don’t be shy — pressing firmly helps the cups keep their shape once they’re chilled.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Pop the muffin tin in the refrigerator and let the cups chill for at least 1 hour, or until they’re firm and easily pop out of the liner. This wait time is the hardest part, but it’s so worth it!

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups

Garnishes

Dress up your No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, extra mini chocolate chips on top, or even a quick drizzle of melted chocolate. These simple garnishes add major curb appeal and a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Looking to round out your snack? Pair these cups with fresh apple or banana slices for a snack plate, or enjoy them with a smoothie for an energizing breakfast-on-the-go. They also make a fabulous sweet ending to a light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and nestle your No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups into colorful cupcake liners when serving at parties, or stack a few in glass jars for a cute giftable treat. You can even break them up and sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal as a hearty topper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any extra No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to a week, making them ideal for meal prep or busy weekdays when you need a grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

If you like to plan ahead, these cups freeze beautifully. Lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or two when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

No need to reheat! These treats are best enjoyed straight from the fridge (or after a quick thaw from the freezer). If you do want to soften them slightly, leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter make delicious swaps in this recipe. Each brings its own personality to the cups, so feel free to experiment based on your taste or dietary needs.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you choose certified gluten-free oats, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups will be naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone with sensitivities.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, or a tablespoon of flax or chia seeds are all fantastic mix-ins. Just don’t overload the batter, or the cups might not hold together as well.

How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?

Using muffin liners or a silicone muffin pan is key. If you’re in a pinch, you can spray the cups lightly with nonstick spray, but liners make cleanup even easier.

What if I want them a bit sweeter?

If you’re craving a sweeter treat, you can add a touch more honey or maple syrup — or toss in an extra handful of mini chocolate chips. Taste the mixture before pressing it into the cups to find your perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick, nourishing snacks that feel a little extra special, you owe it to yourself to whip up a batch of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups. They’ve become a go-to in my kitchen for good reason, and I just know you’re going to fall for their chewy, chocolatey charm. Happy snacking!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 12 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups are a delicious and easy snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Made with simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey, these granola cups are a wholesome treat that you can enjoy any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter and honey until smooth and warmed through.
Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Add oats, chopped peanuts (if using), and mini chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
Form the Granola Cups: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone mold. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each cup and press firmly to form a compact base.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.