Name: Banana Bread Granola Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups organic jumbo oats; 1/2 cup raw pecans; 3/4 cup raw walnuts; 3 tbsp organic coconut sugar; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp flaxseed; 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive/avocado oil); 1/3 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar); 1 medium ripe banana

Jump to Recipe

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread but want a crunchy, wholesome twist, this Banana Bread Granola is going to be your new obsession. Imagine the deep warmth of cinnamon and nuts meeting the natural sweetness of ripe bananas all baked into crispy clusters you can snack on anytime. It’s nutty, naturally sweet, and has that perfect crisp bite that makes your mornings or snacks feel extra special. Best of all, Banana Bread Granola is simple to make and packed with nourishing ingredients that make it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Banana Bread Granola Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Banana Bread Granola is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a distinct role: the oats provide that hearty base, nuts add crunch and richness, while the banana and coconut sugar contribute natural sweetness and moisture. Plus, a touch of cinnamon and sea salt bring everything together into a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

3 cups organic jumbo oats: The hearty foundation that holds the granola together with a satisfying chew.
1/2 cup raw pecans: Adds a buttery crunch that complements the bananas beautifully.
3/4 cup raw walnuts: Offers a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness and boosts nutrition.
3 tbsp organic coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that enhances the banana flavor without overpowering it.
1/2 tsp sea salt: Intensifies all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness just right.
1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon: Brings that classic banana bread warmth and aroma.
1 tbsp flaxseed: Adds nuttiness and a boost of omega-3s for a healthy twist.
1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive/avocado oil): Helps to create that crispy texture and adds a subtle richness.
1/3 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar): Binds everything together with natural sweetness and stickiness.
1 medium ripe banana: The star of the show that infuses the granola with flavor and moisture.

How to Make Banana Bread Granola

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 175 degrees Celsius with the fan on. This ensures an even, gentle bake so your granola crisps up beautifully without burning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pecans, walnuts, flaxseed, cinnamon, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Getting these dry ingredients mixed well creates the flavorful base that will soak up the banana and syrup mixture perfectly.

Step 3: Warm and Blend the Wet Ingredients

Gently warm the coconut oil and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the mashed ripe banana until the mixture is smooth. This step infuses the granola with that iconic banana bread flavor while adding moisture to help everything stick together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the liquid banana mixture over the dry oat and nut blend, then mix thoroughly until every bit is coated. This ensures your granola will bake evenly and taste consistent in every bite.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Transfer your granola mixture onto a baking sheet and spread it out evenly for consistent baking. Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the granola turns golden brown and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.

Step 6: Cool Down and Break into Clusters

Once baked, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step helps it crisp up further. When fully cooled, break the granola into bite-sized clusters that are perfect for snacking or adding to your breakfast.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Store your Banana Bread Granola in an airtight jar or container to keep it fresh and crunchy. Now you’re ready to enjoy that irresistible flavor any time you want a wholesome treat.

How to Serve Banana Bread Granola

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of Banana Bread Granola over creamy yogurt and top with fresh banana slices or a drizzle of honey for an elevated breakfast. It also pairs wonderfully with a spoonful of nut butter or a sprinkle of chia seeds to add texture and nutrition.

Side Dishes

Serve this granola alongside a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie bowl for a balanced meal brimming with vitamins, minerals, and that irresistible crunch. It’s also a fantastic snack option with a glass of cold milk or your favorite plant-based alternative.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Use Banana Bread Granola as a topping for baked apples or pears, or stir it into muffin batter for extra texture. You can also layer it in parfait glasses with yogurt and fruit for an elegant, breakfast-on-the-go option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Banana Bread Granola keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This means you can make a big batch in advance and have a crunchy, delicious snack ready whenever cravings strike.

Freezing

To extend its shelf life, store the granola in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature; the texture stays wonderfully crisp.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm the granola slightly, spread it on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 150 degrees Celsius) for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives that freshly baked crunch without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides pecans and walnuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in almonds, cashews, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure to keep the nut quantity roughly the same to maintain the crunchy texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup or agave nectar as sweeteners. For gluten-free, just be sure to select certified gluten-free oats.

How ripe should my banana be for the best flavor?

A medium to very ripe banana with plenty of brown spots is ideal. It will be sweeter and mash more easily, imparting that rich banana bread flavor throughout your granola.

Can I make this recipe without oil?

While coconut or other oils help achieve that crispy texture, you can try reducing or omitting the oil for a chewier version, though the texture will be different. For best results, keep some oil or a substitute for binding and crispiness.

How long does homemade Banana Bread Granola last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and preserves flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a snack that tastes like your favorite banana bread but with a satisfying crunch, this Banana Bread Granola recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to make, wholesome, and endlessly versatile, whether for breakfast, snacking, or a creative dessert topping. Trust me, once you make a batch, this granola will become a beloved part of your kitchen routine. Happy baking and happy snacking!

Banana Bread Granola Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 cups 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Banana Bread Granola combines the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread with a crunchy, wholesome granola texture. Made with organic oats, nuts, and a natural sweetener blend of maple syrup and coconut sugar, this granola is perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack. It’s easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, ideal for serving with milk or yogurt.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (fan assisted) to have it ready for baking the granola evenly and quickly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, raw pecans, raw walnuts, flaxseed, ground cinnamon, organic coconut sugar, and sea salt. Stir them together thoroughly to distribute all the flavors evenly.
Prepare Wet Mixture: Warm the coconut oil and maple syrup together in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and liquidy. Remove from heat and stir in the mashed ripe banana until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet banana-oil-syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well to ensure all the oats and nuts are coated evenly with the sticky banana mixture.
Spread and Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the granola turns golden brown, stirring halfway if desired for even cooking.
Cool and Break: Remove the baked granola from the oven and allow it to cool fully on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters or pieces of your preferred size.
Store: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight jar or container to maintain freshness.
Serve: Enjoy your banana bread granola with the milk or yogurt of your choice for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.
Enjoy: Delight in the wholesome flavors and crunchy texture; perfect for energizing your day!

Notes

You can substitute coconut oil with olive oil or avocado oil if preferred.
Maple syrup can be swapped for agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly and sweet.
Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks for best freshness.
Use ripe bananas for a sweeter, more flavorful granola.
Feel free to add dried fruits or seeds to customize your granola.
If you prefer chunkier granola, avoid stirring too much during baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American