Are you craving a healthy and satisfying snack that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! These banana granola bars are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures. They're packed with wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and require minimal effort to create a batch of delicious homemade goodness. Perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a healthy dessert, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to ditch the store-bought versions and experience the joy of homemade healthy eating!
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, or chia – mix it up!)
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and seeds. Mix well to distribute evenly.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the honey or maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
-
Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. The mixture should be moist but not overly sticky. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
-
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
-
Cool & 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 the Best Banana Granola Bars:
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better!
- Nut & Seed Variety: Feel free to experiment with different nuts and seeds to customize the flavor and texture.
- Sweetener Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference. You can use less if your bananas are very sweet.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or other dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Banana Granola Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the mixture.
- Spiced Banana Granola Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Peanut Butterless Granola Bars: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter for those with allergies.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fiber: 2-3g
These banana granola bars are a fantastic addition to your healthy food recipes arsenal. They are easy recipes perfect for those busy weeknights, and the delicious dishes are perfect for a healthy meal or a quick dinner idea. Making your own granola bars is a rewarding experience and a step towards homemade cooking that you can feel good about. Enjoy!