If you have bananas ripening on your counter and a craving for something wholesome and delicious, you are going to love this Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the hearty chew of rolled oats, and just the right touch of chocolate and nuts for a snack that feels indulgent but is truly nourishing. Whether you need a quick breakfast, an energizing afternoon pick-me-up, or a portable treat for the road, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each serve a special purpose to create the perfect bar. From the creamy peanut butter that locks in moisture and flavor to the cinnamon that adds subtle warmth, every component is essential for taste, texture, and that inviting golden color.
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed): The natural binder and sweetener, bananas add moisture and a soft, rich flavor to the bars.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base, oats provide chewiness and wholesome fiber to keep you satisfied.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds): Nuts add crunch and a dose of healthy fats for texture and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Sweet pockets of chocolate that melt slightly when baked, giving little bursts of indulgence.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Additional natural sweetness that helps hold the bars together with sticky richness.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor, while boosting protein content.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the bananas beautifully and enhances the aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, which will make lifting out the bars after baking so much easier and mess-free. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly shaped bars.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed ripe bananas with honey or maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture until it is smooth and well blended. This wet base not only sweetens the bars naturally but also ensures every bite is moist and tender.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and salt to your wet mixture. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are fully coated and evenly distributed. This step is important for that perfect chewy texture and the flavorful crunch nuts add.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the oat mixture. Be careful not to over-mix so the chocolate stays in little pockets that melt deliciously as you bake. This is where the bars start to look like the irresistible treat they’re destined to become.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan and press it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center feels set when touched. Baking carefully like this ensures your bars hold together yet stay soft and chewy inside.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Cooling helps them firm up perfectly, making slicing clean and preventing crumbling. Once cooled, cut into about 12 delicious bars ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or drizzle a little melted peanut butter on top for a touch of elegance and an extra flavor boost. Toasted coconut flakes or a few chopped walnuts can also add a beautiful visual appeal and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced snack or light breakfast. A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness and richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for lunchboxes or gifts. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares to serve at parties or pack into mason jars layered with yogurt and fruit for an Instagram-worthy parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade banana granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week, maintaining their chewy texture and flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for making in advance and having a healthy snack ready whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, simply heat a bar in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop it in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and slightly melty chocolate that’s so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work wonderfully in this recipe and can be great substitutes if you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor.
What if I don’t want to use chocolate chips?
You can swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for a lower-sugar option that still adds chewiness and sweetness.
Are these bars gluten-free?
If you choose certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can easily be gluten-free. Just double-check all your ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure your peanut butter and other ingredients contain no animal products. The recipe as is can be adjusted to fit vegan diets quite easily.
How long do homemade banana granola bars last?
Stored properly, these bars can last about a week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer. Their natural ingredients keep them fresh and tasty for quite a while when handled correctly.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe is a wonderful way to create a snack that feels homemade, comforting, and wholesome all at once. These bars are simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process and the delicious results—you won’t regret adding this easy recipe to your go-to snack rotation!
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Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Banana Granola Bars are a delicious and healthy snack, perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, chopped nuts, and a touch of honey and peanut butter, they are naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients. Easy to bake and customizable with chocolate chips or dried fruit, these bars make a great nutritious treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add rolled oats, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without melting.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly and evenly using a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit for a lower-sugar version.
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a peanut-free alternative.
- These bars store well in the fridge for up to one week or can be frozen for longer storage.
