Are you craving a healthy and satisfying snack or breakfast that's quick to make and tastes absolutely divine? Look no further! These homemade banana granola bars are the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with natural sweetness from ripe bananas, these bars are a delicious and convenient way to fuel your day. Forget those store-bought versions loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients – this easy recipe lets you control exactly what goes into your delicious and healthy treat. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia – mix and match!)
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. This is a crucial step for easy cleanup!
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and seeds. Mix well to distribute evenly.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the oats are evenly coated. Don't overmix; a few dry oats are perfectly fine.
Bake the bars: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly and evenly into the pan. This helps create nice, dense bars. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
Cool and cut: Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
Tips for Perfect Banana Granola Bars:
- Banana ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. The riper, the better!
- Nut and seed variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and seeds to customize the flavor and texture.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add extra deliciousness.
- Storage: Store your homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They also freeze well!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar, based on 16 bars):
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or packing healthy snacks for school or work. These quick dinner ideas are also great for meal prepping! Enjoy your delicious and homemade banana granola bars! They are a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're also one of the best recipes for those looking to make delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen! Happy baking!