Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars Recipe
There is something incredibly comforting about the combination of sweet bananas and hearty oats all wrapped up in a snack that feels both nourishing and indulgent. This Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars Recipe brings together the best of banana bread flavors in a convenient, portable form that’s perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even a wholesome treat after a workout. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these granola bars are about to become your new favorite snack to have on hand whenever hunger strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient adds its own special something to the final bars. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the crunchy texture of seeds and the warm hint of cinnamon, each element is essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 large bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free): The hearty base that gives these bars their classic granola texture.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut: Adds a subtle tropical flavor and chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds: A nutty crunch packed with nutrients.
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds: Adds extra crunch and earthy flavor.
- 1/2 cup sultanas: Sweet bursts that contrast wonderfully with the seeds.
- 3 tbsp ground flaxseed: Helps bind everything together while boosting fiber content.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the banana beautifully.
- Pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 3 tbsp maple syrup: A naturally sweetener that brings depth and stickiness.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted): Adds richness and helps keep the bars moist.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a fragrant sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Make Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius and line a 9-inch square or rectangular baking tin with baking paper, covering both the base and sides. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sultanas, and ground flaxseed. These ingredients form the crunchy, flavorful foundation of your bars.
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
Thoroughly mash your overripe bananas until they form a thick paste. Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and those warm, aromatic notes to your granola bars.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the banana mixture to your dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly combined. Then, pour the mixture into the lined baking tin. Use the back of a spoon or your fingertips to press the mixture down firmly so there are no gaps and the surface is even. This helps the bars hold together after baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Firm
Place your baking tin in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a deep golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch — just like that perfect banana bread aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin. Once cooled, slice into 12 bars for perfectly portioned snacks.
Step 7: Optional Extra Bake for a Firmer Bottom
If you notice the underside of the bars feels damp after baking, simply remove them from the tin, flip them upside down on a baking tray, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This extra step will give your bars a crispier bottom, but it can be done either before or after slicing.
How to Serve Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, a light sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a drizzle of warm maple syrup on top can elevate their look and flavor. A dash of cinnamon powder adds a cozy finishing touch that’s perfect for serving at breakfast or with afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the chewy textures and deepen the overall indulgence. They also complement a cold glass of milk or a warming cup of chai or coffee beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or picnic, stack the bars on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper, accentuated by small bowls of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine also makes a charming gift or lunchbox treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These granola bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, storing them in the fridge helps maintain their structure and extends shelf life to about a week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth and softness, pop the bars into a microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This makes them taste like they were just pulled from the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use regular oats instead of gluten free oats?
Yes! While gluten free oats are perfect for keeping this recipe allergy-friendly, regular rolled oats work just as well and will still deliver that delicious chewy texture.
Do I have to use pumpkin and sunflower seeds?
No, you can customize! Feel free to swap them for your favorite nuts or seeds — walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds work great — just maintain a similar quantity to keep the texture balanced.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey or another sweetener?
Absolutely, honey is a great alternative, and you can also try agave syrup or brown rice syrup. Just keep in mind that each sweetener has a slightly different flavor and sweetness level.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The sweeter and softer the bananas, the better. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skins, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
Can these bars be made vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you ensure the maple syrup is pure and substitute any optional non-vegan add-ins. It’s a great plant-based snack option.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the recipe, making these Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars Recipe is bound to become a joyous ritual in your kitchen. The combination of wholesome ingredients and the nostalgic banana bread flavor makes them a snack you’ll want to reach for time and again. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a quiet moment at home, these bars offer comfort, energy, and pure deliciousness all in one bite. Give them a try — I promise they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your snack arsenal!
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Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Banana Bread Granola Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack made with overripe bananas, rolled oats, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, these bars offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, making them ideal for breakfast on-the-go or a healthy snack anytime.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten free)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup sultanas
- 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large bananas (as overripe as possible)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line the base and sides of a 9-inch square or rectangular cake tin with baking paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sultanas, and ground flaxseed until evenly distributed.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: Thoroughly mash the overripe bananas until you achieve a thick paste. Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Press Mixture into Tin: Transfer the combined mixture into the lined baking tray. Press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or your fingertips to ensure there are no gaps and the mixture is evenly spread out.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges start turning a deep golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin before slicing into bars.
- Optional Extra Baking for Firmness: If the bars feel slightly damp or wet on the underside after the initial baking, carefully remove them from the tin, flip them upside down onto a baking tray, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step can be done before or after cutting the bars.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- For gluten-free bars, ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten free.
- If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding nuts or dried fruit variations.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These bars make a great on-the-go breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
