These Oatmeal Cups with Acai Yogurt are tasty little snacks that are perfect for breakfast or anytime! They are packed with wholesome oats and topped with creamy acai yogurt.
Making these cups is a breeze! I love preparing a batch ahead of time, so I have a quick and healthy treat ready whenever I need a pick-me-up. They’re so good, I could eat them every day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: The star of these oatmeal cups! Rolled oats provide texture and nutrition. If you have quick oats on hand, you can use those, though the texture will be slightly softer.
Mashed banana: This replaces eggs and adds natural sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce or even pumpkin puree can work well as substitutes.
Nut butter: Almond butter gives a nice flavor, but feel free to swap it out for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if allergies are a concern! Each brings its unique taste.
Acai yogurt: For a fruity twist, I’m all for using acai yogurt, but plain Greek yogurt mixed with acai powder is a great swap if you want that Greek protein boost.
Berry jam: You can use any berry jam you like! If you want to cut back on sugar, opt for a low-sugar or homemade version. It really adds a nice fruity layer!
How Do I Get My Oatmeal Cups to Hold Their Shape?
One important step to ensure your oatmeal cups hold up is to press the mixture tightly into the muffin tin. The more compact it is, the better it will bake into a solid shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing everything well, then take a handful of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup.
- Make sure there are no gaps or holes. It should feel sturdy!
- Keep an eye on them while they bake. When they get golden brown, they are ready!
Let them cool fully in the pan before removing for best results.
How to Make Oatmeal Cups with Acai Yogurt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup acai yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt mixed with acai powder)
- 1/4 cup berry jam or preserves (e.g., blueberry or mixed berry)
- Fresh berries for topping (blueberries, strawberries, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus around 15-20 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cups cool completely for best results. In total, you should be ready to serve in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a muffin tin to ensure the oatmeal cups don’t stick.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, mashed banana, honey or maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or spoon to combine everything until the ingredients are fully mixed and the mixture feels cohesive.
3. Form the Oat Cups
Now, take the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. Make sure to pack it down well to help it hold together when baked.
4. Bake the Cups
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden brown and for the cups to feel set.
5. Cool & Remove
Once they’re baked to perfection, take the muffin tin out of the oven. Let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan completely so they firm up and hold their shape. When cool, gently remove each cup from the tin.
6. Add the Yummy Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Fill each oat cup with about a tablespoon of acai yogurt. Top that with a spoonful of berry jam or preserves. Finally, add a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or halved strawberries on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
These delicious cups can be served right away, or you can pop them in the fridge for a chilled treat. Either way, they make a delightful snack or breakfast option!
Enjoy your wholesome Oatmeal Cups with Acai Yogurt—packed with flavor and nutrition!
Can I Substitute the Banana in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a ripe banana, you can use unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree instead. They’ll add moisture and a hint of sweetness without altering the taste too much.
How Do I Store Leftover Oatmeal Cups?
Store the leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold, or you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Can I Freeze the Oatmeal Cups?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. You can use a mix of different fruits, add nuts or seeds for crunch, or even drizzle some nut butter for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!