Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
These Homemade Banana Granola Bars are about to become your new go-to snack! Imagine chewy bars bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, a hint of cinnamon, and a delightful medley of oats, nuts, and chocolate (or dried fruit, if you prefer). Not only are these bars packed with homemade flavor, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s inside — whole, simple ingredients that come together for a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. There’s truly nothing like having a batch of Homemade Banana Granola Bars waiting for you on busy days!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these bars is in their simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building flavor, texture, and a little touch of decadence. Here’s what you’ll need and why every element matters:
- 2 ripe bananas mashed: The riper, the better — bananas are the natural sweetener and binding superstar here.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide the hearty base, giving your bars a satisfying, chewy bite.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans): Nuts bring crunch, healthy fats, and a cozy, nutty depth.
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup: This sticky sweetness binds everything together and makes every bite a little irresistible.
- ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter: Nut butter adds richness while helping the bars hold their shape.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash for warmth and an inviting aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon rounds out the flavors with a gentle spice that plays perfectly with the bananas.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional): For a hint of indulgence or a burst of tangy fruit — choose your own adventure!
How to Make Homemade Banana Granola Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little overhang on the sides — this will make it wonderfully easy to lift out the bars after baking, keeping them perfectly intact and ready to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the peanut butter (or almond butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. This luscious mixture will become the glue that holds your bars together and infuses them with sweetness and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything together until all the oats are coated and the mixture looks beautifully chunky and cohesive. If you’re using chocolate chips or dried fruit, gently fold them in now to distribute them evenly.
Step 4: Spread and Press
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking pan, then take a moment to appreciate the textures and aromas! Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan — this ensures that the bars hold together once baked. Don’t be shy about pressing down; a flat spatula or even clean hands work great here.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center feels set to the touch. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Let the bars cool completely in the pan (this helps them stay together), then use the parchment overhang to lift them out and slice into nine satisfying squares.
How to Serve Homemade Banana Granola Bars
Garnishes
Give your Homemade Banana Granola Bars a special touch by drizzling them with a little extra melted chocolate, a sprinkling of flaky sea salt, or even some toasted coconut flakes for added flare and flavor. The little extras can take your bars from humble to absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a creamy Greek yogurt for breakfast, a fresh fruit salad for a light snack, or alongside a hot mug of coffee or tea. They’re also wonderful with a smoothie for a quick, balanced morning meal. There’s truly no wrong way to enjoy them!
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each Homemade Banana Granola Bar individually in parchment or wax paper, tie with a bit of twine, and tuck them into lunchboxes or picnic baskets. For gatherings, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with extra nuts and fruit, letting the homemade charm shine front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bars left (which is rare with these!), simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay chewy and fresh, ready to grab whenever you need a quick snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each bar individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature, and they’re as delicious as the day you made them.
Reheating
If you enjoy a warm, soft bite, pop your Homemade Banana Granola Bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate gets melty and the flavors become even cozier — truly a comfort snack!
FAQs
Can I make these granola bars gluten free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten free rolled oats, and double check that your add-ins, like chocolate chips or dried fruit, are also gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free so you can snack with confidence.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you’re avoiding nuts, try using pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or leave them out altogether. The bars will still hold together and be delicious, plus they’ll be school-safe for nut-free environments.
Are these Homemade Banana Granola Bars vegan?
They can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey, and making sure your chocolate chips (if using) are dairy free. Swap in almond or sunflower seed butter for the nut butter if you like!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; you may need to add a few extra minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Can I add protein powder?
For a protein boost, feel free to add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. You might need to add a splash of milk or water to keep the mixture moist enough to press into the pan.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to whip up these Homemade Banana Granola Bars as I always am — once you taste that first chewy, sweet, homemade bite, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my kitchen. Give them a try, and let them become your own family favorite!
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Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Banana Granola Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack or breakfast option. Made with ripe bananas, oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness, these bars are perfect for a quick energy boost.
Ingredients
For the Granola Bars:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips or dried fruit if using.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in the pan, press down firmly, and bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow to cool, then lift out of the pan and slice into bars.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the oats and nuts before mixing.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Individually wrap bars and freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
