Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups

Name: Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 2 cups almond milk; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; Fresh fruits for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Collection

I absolutely love starting my day with something that feels both indulgent and wholesome. These Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups have become my go-to morning treat because they combine the rich flavors of vanilla and almond with healthy ingredients. Packed with oats, nuts, and a hint of sweetness, they keep me energized and satisfied all morning long. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze. If you’re looking for a delicious way to kick off your day, you have to give these a try!

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:45:35.665Z

During one of my weekend brunch adventures, I wanted to create a breakfast that felt special yet didn’t take a lot of time. After some experimenting, I discovered that combining oats with almond milk and vanilla essence gives a creamy texture that is truly delightful. These breakfast cups not only taste amazing but also look beautiful when served in small cups or jars.

As I continued to perfect my recipe, I learned that letting the cups cool completely allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I love to top them with sliced almonds or fresh fruits for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t look back!

Why You'll Love These Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups
Irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor.
Easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Nutritious ingredients that keep you full.
Vegan and gluten-free friendly.

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups is rolled oats, which provide both texture and nutrition. They absorb the almond milk during baking, resulting in a creamy consistency. Be sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant or steel-cut, as the latter will alter the cooking time and the final texture. Additionally, the choice of almond milk enhances the almond flavor, making the cups more cohesive and flavorful.

Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, complementing the nuttiness of the almonds while preventing the cups from becoming overly sugary. If you're looking for an alternative, agave syrup can be used, but keep in mind it is slightly thinner and might enhance stickiness. The vanilla and almond extracts elevate the flavor profile, ensuring each bite is fragrant and indulgent. Adjusting the amounts of these extracts can customize the flavor intensity to your liking.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Texture

When combining the ingredients, it's essential to stir them until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Overmixing can cause the oats to break down too much, resulting in a dense texture instead of the light, airy breakfast cups you want. Look for a creamy, cohesive mixture before moving on to the next step. Also, filling the muffin cups about three-quarters full allows room for the mixture to rise and creates a lovely dome shape on top, enhancing their visual appeal.

Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven's calibration. Keep an eye on the breakfast cups during the last few minutes of baking—you're aiming for a golden-brown top that springs back slightly when pressed. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, consider covering them loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning while ensuring the insides fully set.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to whip up these tasty breakfast cups:

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Fresh fruits for topping (optional)

Feel free to customize the toppings as you wish, providing endless variety.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare muffin cups by greasing them lightly or using liners.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, baking powder, and salt. Stir well until combined.

Add Almonds

Fold in the sliced almonds gently into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Pour into Muffin Cups

Divide the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Let the breakfast cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or chilled, topped with fresh fruits.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups any time of the day!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try toasting the almonds before adding them to the mixture. You can also substitute maple syrup with honey if not vegan.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These breakfast cups are excellent for meal prep since they can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage—simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through, or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes.

For added convenience, you can prepare the mixture the night before and let it sit in the fridge, especially if you're pressed for time in the morning. This not only enhances the oat absorption but also deepens the flavors, making the breakfast cups even more delicious when baked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cups can be served warm straight from the oven or chilled with a dollop of your favorite dairy-free yogurt. They are fantastic topped with fresh fruits like berries, sliced bananas, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for added nutrition. Experimenting with toppings can keep your breakfast routine exciting, and I often switch it up based on what's in season.

If you’re looking to customize the flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which pair beautifully with the vanilla and almond. Adding shredded coconut or diced dried fruits can also enhance the texture and flavor, creating a deliciously unique twist on the original recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these breakfast cups gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure to use certified gluten-free oats.

→ How long do these breakfast cups last?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I add fruits to the mixture?

Absolutely! Berries or sliced bananas blend well with the base.

→ Is there a substitute for almond milk?

Yes, any non-dairy milk like soy or oat milk can be used.