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
Scale
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.
