Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for a wholesome snack that’s just as satisfying as it is nourishing, look no further than these Homemade Banana Granola Bars. Full of cozy banana flavor, crunchy nuts, and irresistible chocolate chips or dried fruit, these bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and hearty. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a lunchbox-friendly treat, you’ll love how these come together in a snap with everyday pantry staples. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable and a joy to share!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, real-food ingredients come together to create such a delicious snack. Each ingredient plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and color of these bars, making them a true celebration of homemade goodness.
- Ripe Bananas: The natural sweetness and moisture from bananas hold the bars together and add a subtle fruity flavor.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These give the granola bars their classic chewiness and a satisfying, hearty texture.
- Chopped Nuts (walnuts or almonds): Nuts add crunch, healthy fats, and a toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Dried Fruit: For a touch of sweetness and pops of flavor; dried cranberries or raisins work beautifully if you’d like to skip the chocolate.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind everything together; choose maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Nut Butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower): Adds richness, flavor, and helps the bars hold their shape.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a lovely aroma.
How to Make Homemade Banana Granola Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. For easy removal and clean-up, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This little step makes slicing the bars a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the honey or maple syrup, nut butter of your choice, and vanilla extract. This luscious base is what gives the Homemade Banana Granola Bars their signature soft, chewy bite.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in the rolled oats, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined and nicely sticky — you want every oat to be coated in that delicious banana mixture!
Step 4: Press Into the Pan
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula (or clean hands) to spread and press it firmly into an even layer. Pressing down helps the bars hold together once baked, so don’t be shy about packing it in.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing — this step is key for neat, sturdy bars.
How to Serve Homemade Banana Granola Bars
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle the bars with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon right after baking. If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle with melted chocolate once cooled for an indulgent touch. A handful of toasted coconut flakes also adds a subtle crunch and tropical vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Banana Granola Bars with a cool glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a classic snack. They’re also wonderful alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a nourishing breakfast or brunch spread. For something extra refreshing, serve with a fruit smoothie on a sunny afternoon.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for an adorable lunchbox treat or picnic snack. Stack them in a clear jar for a beautiful homemade gift, or set out on a platter with a variety of dried fruits and nuts for a DIY snack bar at your next gathering. The possibilities for sharing these bars are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, the bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, store them in the fridge for up to a week — they’ll stay perfectly chewy and delicious!
Freezing
Homemade Banana Granola Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in parchment or plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to grab a homemade snack whenever you need one.
Reheating
If you like your bars a little warm and gooey, simply microwave one for 10-15 seconds straight from the fridge or freezer. This brings the chocolate chips to melt-in-your-mouth perfection and gives the bar a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are best for Homemade Banana Granola Bars because they give that classic chewy texture, but you can use instant oats in a pinch. Just keep in mind the bars may be a bit softer and more dense.
What can I use instead of nut butter?
If you have a nut allergy or want a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works perfectly in this recipe, giving the bars great texture and flavor without any nuts.
How do I make these vegan?
For vegan Homemade Banana Granola Bars, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and pick dairy-free chocolate chips or dried fruit. The rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based!
Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely! Stir 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder into the dry ingredients. You may need to add a splash more banana or nut butter if the mixture seems too thick.
Why did my bars fall apart?
If your bars are crumbly, it’s often because they weren’t pressed firmly enough into the pan, or they were sliced before cooling completely. Next time, really press the mixture down and let them cool before cutting for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if these Homemade Banana Granola Bars become a staple in your kitchen! They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients and give them a try — you’ll love having a batch of these wholesome, homemade treats on hand for any occasion.
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Homemade Banana Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Banana Granola Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Perfect for a quick breakfast or on-the-go energy boost, these bars combine natural ingredients and easy prep for a healthy treat the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and spread evenly to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool and slice: Let the granola bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and slice into 8 to 10 bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate bars for up to one week to extend freshness.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Feel free to swap nuts with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for nut-free variations.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
