Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Cups

Name: Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups milk (or almond milk); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Balanced Inspiration

I love starting my day on a cozy note, and these Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Cups do just that! With their warm, fragrant aroma of cinnamon and the hint of vanilla, they transform my mornings into a delightful experience. They are not only easy to make but also perfectly portable, making them ideal for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. Each cup is a delicious blend of flavors and textures, offering a wholesome start to the day that keeps me satisfied for hours.

Created by

Jacqueline Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-21T19:01:35.650Z

Whipping up these breakfast cups has become a delightful morning ritual for me. The warm spices fill my kitchen with an inviting scent that always makes my family curious. I’ve learned that using a mix of oats and yogurt creates a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy topping, making each bite a wonderful experience.

One tip I swear by is letting the cups cool slightly before serving; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. They are perfect for meal prep too, as they store well in the fridge, making busy mornings so much easier.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Warm and inviting flavors that make mornings special
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
Nutritious and satisfying for any breakfast lover

      

Perfecting Your Breakfast Cups

The base of these Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Cups is built on rolled oats, providing a hearty texture that holds the mixture together. Using old-fashioned rolled oats allows them to absorb the moisture without becoming mushy, ensuring a satisfying bite. For a chewy texture, avoid quick oats, as they can turn overly soft and lose their structure during baking. If you prefer a gluten-free option, simply use certified gluten-free oats to enjoy these cups guilt-free.

Incorporating Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also boosts the protein content, making these breakfast cups a filling option. The acidity in the yogurt interacts with the baking powder, helping the cups to rise and become fluffy. If you need a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt such as almond or coconut yogurt, but make sure to choose a brand without added sugars for the best flavor balance.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the great advantages of these breakfast cups is their meal prep potential. After baking, allow the cups to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes them perfect for busy mornings when you can simply grab one (or two!) and enjoy them on-the-go. For added convenience, consider reheating the cups in the microwave for 20-30 seconds prior to serving, which will enhance the flavors as the cinnamon aroma returns.

If you want to make these breakfast cups even more versatile, try freezing them! Allow the cups to cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply microwave them from frozen for 50-60 seconds, or until heated through, for a warm and comforting breakfast any day of the week.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delicious Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Cups.

Main Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk (or almond milk)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Make sure to mix the ingredients well for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your breakfast cups.

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, milk, honey, yogurt, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cups are firm and lightly golden on top.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cups cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store in the fridge for later!

These breakfast cups can be customized with your favorite add-ins or toppings!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the mixture for added texture and flavor. You can also freeze these cups for a quick breakfast on busy days!

Flavor Variations

While the classic combination of cinnamon and vanilla is incredibly satisfying, feel free to experiment with flavors! Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder can transform these breakfast cups into a chocolatey treat, while incorporating mashed ripe bananas can enhance their natural sweetness and add moisture. Additionally, you could fold in some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even fresh berries for extra texture and flavor. Just remember that adding denser ingredients will affect the bake time slightly, so keep an eye on the cups as they bake.

For a nutty twist, replace half of the rolled oats with almond meal or finely ground nuts. This will not only introduce a different texture but also a delightful nutty taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding spices such as nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a unique flavor profile that adds dimension to your breakfast cups.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your breakfast cups turn out too dense, it could be due to an overmixing of the batter, which might cause gluten development. Make sure to mix just until combined for the best texture. Additionally, if they stuck to the muffin tin, try greasing the tin more thoroughly or using silicone muffin liners, which can provide a non-stick surface and help maintain the shape of the cups during extraction.

Are your breakfast cups coming out too dry? This may be due to overbaking or not enough liquid in the mixture. Each oven is different, so I recommend starting with the minimum baking time, and checking for doneness when they are firm to the touch and lightly golden on top. You can always add a little extra milk to the mixture if you find the batter too thick before baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats can be used, they may result in a softer texture. Rolled oats create a better structure for the cups.

→ How long do these cups last in the fridge?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make these cups vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup and use plant-based yogurt and milk.

→ What can I add to the cups for extra flavor?

You can include chopped nuts, fruits, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.