Crunchy Granola with Banana Flavor Bites
Slackin' and clearing up your snack game? Look no further! Here's a wicked good recipe for Banana Bread Granola that's tastier than a baker's dozen of doughnuts. This bad boy is super easy to whip up and lasts for weeks, unless your gang scoffs it down by the spoonful.
So, what's the skinny on this rockin' recipe? We're gonna combine classic banana bread with our favorite granola, along with a splash of maple syrup and a whole lotta crunch. If you can't find dehydrated banana slices, no worries - dried slices or even smashed-up banana chips will do just fine. Let's get into it!
Difficulty: As easy as pie (or maybe even easier!)Yield: Enough to feed an army (roughly 4 cups)
Ingredients:1. 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats2. 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped (but you can switch it up with almonds if you fancy!)3. 1/2 cup flaxseed meal - pretty sure you don't have to be a bird to love flaxseeds4. 1/4 cup light brown sugar - the sweet stuff, sans cavities5. 1 tsp ground cinnamon - the star of the show, giving that warm banana bread vibe6. 1/2 tsp fresh nutmeg, grated like a boss - add this bad boy if ya got it7. 1/4 tsp salt - the even keel that keeps this granola from getting too sweet8. 1/2 cup pure maple syrup9. 1/3 cup melted coconut oil - or use olive oil if you're not feelin' the coconut love10. 2 tsp vanilla extract - the fine wine of flavor enhancers11. 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - because we can never have enough coconut12. 2 cups dehydrated or dried banana slices - grab 'em, or use banana chips, since dehydrated bananas might be hard to find
Instructions:
- Fire up your oven to 325°F, and slide a rack into the upper third. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper like a pro.
- Toss together the oats, pecans, flaxseed meal, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large ol' bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pour that mixture into the oat mixture and stir like a banshee till it's all good and mixed up. Spread this on the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake your creation for 30 minutes, stirrin' every 10 minutes to ensure a perfect, even cook. Toss in the coconut flakes during the last 10 minutes of cookin'. Once it's done, bust out the oven mitts to remove that puppy, and let it cool on the sheet pan.
- Once cooled, lob in the banana slices to mix it all up. Best part? Store this for up to 2 weeks in a large jar with an airtight lid. Breakfast is served, baby!
If you're in need of a change, Branch out with some other kickin' granola recipes like Dried Apricot and Kamut Granola or go for our Maple, Barley, and Wheat Granola, but come back for the Banana Bread anytime you need a bit of comfort and sweetness. Enjoy, friend!
The Banana Bread Granola recipe combines classic banana bread elements with crunchy granola, offering a unique twist on nutrition.This recipe includes instructions for dehydrated banana slices, but alternatives like dried or smashed banana chips can be used instead.*Once prepared, the Banana Bread Granola can be stored in an airtight jar for up to two weeks, providing a convenient and healthy breakfast option.
