Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced granola bar that's not just a quick snack, but a flavor explosion of sweet bananas, crunchy nuts, and decadent chocolate chips. These Chewy Banana Nut Granola Bars are about to transform your morning routine from boring to extraordinary! Packed with wholesome ingredients and a homemade touch, these bars are the ultimate breakfast or on-the-go treat that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy using a fork or potato masher. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars will be.
- Add honey to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until well combined. The honey will help bind the ingredients and create a chewy texture.
- Fold in the rolled oats, ensuring they are completely coated with the banana and honey mixture. The oats will absorb moisture and create a dense, chewy base.
- Gently stir in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. Use a variety of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Add the chocolate chips and salt, mixing carefully to ensure even distribution. The salt will enhance the overall flavor profile of the bars.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. The cooling process helps the bars set and become easier to cut.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the pan, press down firmly and evenly. This helps create compact, well-structured bars that won't crumble.
- Customize Your Mix: Feel free to swap nuts or use a mix of different types. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans all work wonderfully.
- Chocolate Chip Trick: For even chocolate distribution, try tossing chips in a little flour before adding to prevent them from sinking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes clean, precise cuts easier.
- Storage Hack: For longer freshness, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
