Are you craving a delicious and healthy snack that's quick to make and satisfying to eat? Look no further! This easy granola bar recipe, featuring the naturally sweet goodness of bananas, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a weekend baking project. Forget those store-bought bars packed with artificial ingredients – this homemade version is packed with wholesome goodness and customizable to your liking. It’s a simple recipe perfect for beginners, and even experienced bakers will appreciate its ease and delicious results. Let's get started on this journey to homemade, healthy, and incredibly tasty banana granola bars!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots – get creative!)
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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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. This is a crucial step for easy cleanup!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix well to distribute evenly.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Stir in the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well coated. Don't overmix; a few dry oats are perfectly fine.
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Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and firmly press it down evenly into the bottom. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure a compact layer.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the granola bars are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
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Cool & Cut: Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cool, cut them into squares or bars of your desired size.
Tips for Granola Bar Success:
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better!
- Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds.
- Sweetener Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference. You can also use a sugar substitute if needed.
- 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!
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Granola Bars: Add a pinch of ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and comforting flavor.
- Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the wet ingredients for extra protein and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per bar - approximate, will vary based on ingredients used):
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-4g
These delicious and healthy banana granola bars are a perfect snack for any time of day. They’re quick, easy to make, and a great way to satisfy those sweet cravings while enjoying a homemade treat packed with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!