Loaded with oats, nuts, and seeds, these Chocolate Granola Cups make a great mid-day snack and a healthier dessert alternative.

What I love most about these treats is that, aside from melting the chocolate, they are no-bake granola cups. So, the honey in the cups does not need to be heated and, therefore, does not lose any of its nutrients!

It also doesn’t take much effort to make these. You only need about 10 minutes of active preparation time. The rest of the time is for cooling, to allow the chocolate and granola to set.

Although the peanut butter in this recipe is optional, I highly recommend using it :). My husband and kids, aka my “taste-testers”, tried both versions and loved the ones with peanut butter. Not to say they didn’t enjoy the chocolate-only ones!

Anyway, try making this and let me know how you like it in the comments below!

Chocolate Granola Cups nuts seeds dark chocolate honey

Ingredients and possible substitutes:

Dark Chocolate (70% or higher) – Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, improves heart health, and is a great mood booster! If you prefer milk chocolate, it would work great as well.
rolled oats – for additional health benefits
almonds (sliced or slivered) – this can of course be substituted for any other nut of your choice. Or, you can use several types of nuts and mix.
flax seeds – you can also use chia seeds
sunflower seeds
pumpkin seeds
Honey – or maple syrup, or agave syrup – or combine 50% honey and 50% agave or maple syrup
Peanut butter – optional, but highly recommended.

You can also add dried cranberries, sesame seeds, and any other nut/seed you wish.

What should I use to mold the Chocolate Granola Cups?

I personally prefer using a silicone mold. It’s so convenient to take out the granola cups from the silicone mold. Just gently push them out. It’s also a worthy investment because there are so many dishes and baked goods that you can make using a silicone mold.

This is the one I used:

https://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cre8athome-20&language=en_CA&o=15&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=as_ss_li_til&asins=B07S39WNGV&linkId=211892202c3ebe5473906885cd09e296

The proportions in the recipe allow for 30 mini chocolate granola cups (1.4 inches in diameter x 1 inch deep).

See below for alternative granola bar instructions.

How to prepare the Chocolate Granola Cups:

Preheat the oven to 150°F
Fill the bottom of each cup with about 5 mg. of chocolate. Place mold with the chocolate in the oven and allow the chocolate to melt – approximately 7-10 minutes.
While the chocolate is melting in the oven, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds in a medium bowl. Pour in the honey and peanut butter (if using) and stir well. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more honey to ensure the granola ingredients are well coated.
Take the melted chocolate out of the oven and use a small pastry brush or a small silicone brush to spread the chocolate over the bottom and inner walls of the cups.
Distribute the granola mixture equally between the cups, pressing the granola mixture firmly into the cup. Cover the granola cups with parchment paper and, again, firmly press the mixture in each cup with your fingers. Use the back of a spoon to even out and flatten the tops of the cups.
Refrigerate the granola cups inside the mold/muffin tin and allow them to cool for at least one hour before serving.

What if I don’t have the mold?

Alternatively, instead of cups, you can make granola bars.

Just follow the steps below:

Line a 8 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, so it lifts out easily.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds. Pour in the honey and peanut butter (if using) and stir well. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more honey to ensure the granola ingredients are well coated.
Transfer the mixture into the baking dish, cover the top of the granola with parchment paper and firmly (very firmly) press the mixture with your hands to form an even layer.
Melt the chocolate in a medium oven-safe bowl by placing it in a 150°F preheated oven (about 10 minutes)
Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the granola bar mixture. You can use a silicone spatula to spread evenly. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour
Transfer the set granola onto a large cutting board and cut into even squares or rectangles.

Try these other desserts:

Mazurek Shortcake Dessert

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Honey-Glazed Apple and Blueberry Pastry Cups