No Bake Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Cups
I love having a satisfying and healthy snack on hand after school for my kids, and these No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Cups have become a new favorite! The first time I made these, my kids and few other kids in the neighborhood gobbled these up in a single day. If you are looking for a healthyish after school snack for your kids or maybe you just want a healthy little treat for yourself, be sure to give these a try. They are so easy to make, and no baking is required.
My little ones devour these crunchy, chocolatey cups that I can feel good about serving thanks to their short list of clean ingredients. The great thing about these granola cups is that rather than a traditional granola bar, this is a far more fun presentation and it’s so easy to control the quality of ingredients. On meal prep days, I often batch prep extras to stock our refrigerator or freezer with these irresistible layered treats. With customizable nut butter, specially selected toasty granola and the addition of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, this combination truly yields the best granola recipe in terms of wholesome deliciousness! Seriously so cute and ready in minutes, these have fast become a household favorite after school bite.
Gluten Free Granola
When selecting a quality granola to use in recipes, it’s important to note that not all standard granolas are guaranteed gluten-free. Many traditional versions contain glutenous oats or wheat-based ingredients that can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten ataxia who require strict gluten avoidance. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause severe reactions or inflammation for sensitive individuals, so scrutinizing labels is crucial. Look for seals indicating certified gluten-free status, or better yet, opt for dedicated gluten-free brands made with bases like quinoa flakes rather than potentially contaminated oats. Handcrafted batches further reduce gluten risks. Taking care to only utilize granolas confirmed as 100% gluten-free ensures the safest, healthiest indulgence for gluten-free lifestyles when preparing tasty creations like these No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Cups.
Gluten Free Oats
It’s important to note that oats themselves do not naturally contain gluten. However, the majority of commercially available oats end up contaminated with traces of gluten during growing or processing methods. So while oats are technically gluten-free in their pure form, most on grocery shelves—especially those not labeled gluten-free—are likely to have gluten cross-contamination. For those requiring a strict gluten-free diet, it’s best to only consume oats that have a certified gluten-free label on the packaging to ensure safety.
Serve
Serve these cups alongside some Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a filling afternoon snack or even a fun breakfast. Pair with fresh fruit or veggies for a complete afternoon snack or breakfast.
Storage
After assembling the no bake peanut butter chocolate granola cups, be sure to store them properly to retain freshness. Transfer the finished cups into an airtight container, making sure the lid seals completely to prevent moisture loss and preserve the crunchy texture. Airtight containers also keep the granola crunch protected so it doesn’t absorb kitchen odors or become stale. Stacked in a sturdy container without air exposure, these will stay crispy and delicious for up to 2 weeks stored at room temperature if they even last that long! For longer storage up to 1 month, transfer the container to the refrigerator or freezer instead. Thanks to proper air-tight precautions and chilled temperatures, you’ll be able to enjoy these homemade cups for weeks.
What You Need to Make No Bake Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Cups
- Granola – You can use store-bought granola or you can make your own homemade granola! I prefer a crunchy granola for this recipe. Use gluten-free oats or quinoa flakes as a different base grain. To keep the ingredients list as clean as possible, try to avoid any with added sugar like brown sugar. In tailoring this recipe to your dietary needs, you could even use an oat-free granola recipe or mix. My favorite grain-free, store-bought option is made by Purely Elizabeth.
- Peanuts – You can really use any type of nut that you prefer. Raw pecans would also make a great addition, as would raw pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrients. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, shredded coconut, dried fruit or golden raisins would be some other additional add ins.
- Peanut butter – You can substitute with any nut butter or seed butter. My personal favorite is actually SunButter! Cashew butter and almond butter also make a solid substitutions. To make these even more chocolatey, you can stir in 1-2 TBS cocoa powder into your chosen nut butter.
- Honey – Other sweetener options include pure maple syrup and coconut sugar. Brown rice syrup isn’t as clean of an option as honey or maple syrup but can be used. If the nut butter seems dry, smooth it out by stirring in a bit of melted coconut oil or almond milk.
- Dark chocolate chips – I prefer dark chocolate for this recipe, but you could do milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. My favorite brand is Enjoy Life as they are free from the top 14 allergens. Hu is another good option as it free from any refined sugar. You could even sprinkle a few cacao nibs on top for another fun variation.
- Coconut oil – Avocado oil would also work as a substitute, but I prefer the slightly sweet flavor of coconut oil. I would not suggest olive oil as that will like change the flavor of the melted chocolate too much.
Additions:
- Protein powder – If you want to try to get more protein in the day, this is an easy way to do it. Just add a couple of scoops of your favorite protein or collagen powder. Vanilla protein powder would be a great choice. You can mix up the flavor too and use chocolate protein powder. You can also simply add unflavored collagen. All are great options! While not part of the actual recipe you can also add a splash of vanilla extract for even more of a vanilla taste!
- Added flavor – Sub a couple TBS of the granola for unsweetened coconut flakes of hemp seeds for added flavor and texture. Add 2 TBS hemp hearts or ground whole flaxseeds to the granola layer for extra protein and nutrients.
- Decadent layer – Add a thin layer of ice cream between the nut butter mixture and melted chocolate.
- Spices – Stir 1/2 to 1 tsp warming spices like ground ginger or cinnamon into the nut butter.
- Salt – Although not an actual ingredient, you are welcome to add a pinch of salt. I am always looking for ways to add healthy salt to my diet to stay hydrated.
- Fresh fruit – If you intend to eat all of the granola cups that day, perhaps at a play date, you could add a layer of fruit between the granola mixture and melted chocolate. I think sliced bananas, strawberries or blueberries would be amazing.
How to Make No Bake Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Cups
- Mix – Using a large bowl, mix all of the granola cup ingredients together. It should be very sticky so if needed add more honey.
- Press – Scoop the mixture into your prepared muffin tin . You want to use either muffin liners or a silicone muffin tray so the granola cups can be removed easily. Press granola mixture down evenly into an even layer. If using a silicone muffin tray, I like to place on a regular baking sheet to ensure that the cups stay even while setting in the freezer. Freeze for about 15 minutes until they are firm.
- Melt – Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil over medium heat in a heat proof small bowl, then pour over the granola cups.
- Setting – Place back into the freezer until the chocolate has set. Store in the refrigerator.
No Bake Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Cups
Ingredients
Granola Cup Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups granola
- 1 cup peanuts chopped
- 3 TBS peanut butter
- 3 TBS honey and more if needed
Optional:
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
- 12 oz. dark chocolate chips
- 1 TBS coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix all Granola Cup Ingredients together in mixing bowl. Stir to fully combine. Mixture should be “sticky”. Add 1-2 more TBS honey if needed.
- Press mixture evenly into each muffin tin, pressing down slightly. Place in freezer for about 15 minutes, until firm.
- Melt Chocolate Topping Ingredients in microwave or double boiler, stirring frequently, being careful not to burn.
- Evenly distribute over the tops of each granola cup. Use back of spoon to spread out.
- Place back in freezer until chocolate has set.
- Store in the refrigerator.