Description
These Homemade Banana Granola Bars are a delicious and healthy snack option made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. They’re easy to make, baked to perfection, and perfect for a quick energy boost or a nutritious treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, creating the natural base and sweetness for the bars.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined into a cohesive mixture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them without breaking the chips or overmixing the batter.
- Press Mixture: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 9 bars to prevent them from crumbling and to retain their shape.
Notes
- Customize bars by adding dried fruit, seeds, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the chopped nuts.
- Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
