I consider myself to be a granola connoisseur. Of course I do.
Granted, there wasn’t any contest, although if there had been, I would have said, “sign me up,” especially if the prize included a bedazzled crown and maybe even a scepter. I like the idea of carrying a big shiny stick, although speaking softly has never been my forte.
Had there been a granola making contest, I like to think I would have won. Then again, a healthy self-esteem has never been a problem for me, at least not since the days of my youth. The funny thing about aging, minus the wrinkles, the force of gravity, and the grey hairs, is the older you get, the more confident you get. It comes with a shred of wisdom too, or at least that’s what I tell myself. I find it to be soothing to my ego, and I like to keep her happy whenever possible.
I’m not really sure what any of that has to do with granola other than to say I’ve been around the block a few times, in a scandal free way. I like granola, and I make it on an almost weekly basis. I eat it just as often too, which is why I’m always tinkering with new flavors. It’s important to mix things up from time to time; it makes life interesting.
This latest version has been a work in progress for months and months now. With each batch, I’d make one subtle change and then seek out the feedback of others because as much as I think I’m a rock star, it can’t hurt to get some additional opinions, especially when it comes to a recipe I’m sharing with the masses. I might have gone a little overboard though (who me?) because after the umpteenth taste testing, I was receiving conflicting observations, which left me scratching my head. It got to the point where I wasn’t even sure which batch was better anymore. By the time I baked this last go around on Tuesday night, I was questioning my own skills.
With an air of uncertainly, I removed my granola from the oven and set it on my cooktop to cool. I took one sample bite and promptly burned myself. Intrigued and pleasantly surprised with the overall flavor, I went back for another spoonful and burnt myself yet again. As I stood over my stove, spooning more and more into my mouth, despite racking up the first degree burns, I realized if it’s worth burning myself repeatedly, it’s definitely worth sharing.
This Banana Bread granola has a suggestive banana flavor, coupled with a dollop of sweetness from the dates and the maple syrup. I avoid using refined sugars in my granola recipes because I don’t find them to be necessary. Also I like to keep things on the healthier end, so long as I’m not sacrificing flavor. This granola fits that bill.
Dates are a most welcome addition as well, since along with sweetness, they bring an impressive list of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They also have been known to replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly, which makes this granola a pleasant pick me up. It’s also packed with walnuts, a healthy fat, which comes with it’s own laundry list of health benefits, including cancer fighting properties and supporting brain health. They’re also brimming with antioxidants, and we all know I’m a fan of anything which might make me look younger.
Basically, my Banana Bread Granola not only tastes good enough to burn your mouth for, but it’s healthy for you too, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, although I still would like a scepter.


- 3 cups Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Sweetened Banana Chips, diced small.
- 2 cups Walnuts, chopped.
- 3 Tbsps. Flax Powder or Wheat Germ
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 2 tsps. Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup Oil of choice; I used organic Canola Oil.
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Dates, diced small.
- Preheat over to 300, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly (from the rolled oats through to the cinnamon).
- Add in vanilla extract and your oil of choice. Mix to coat everything. Add in the maple syrup, stirring to coat everything. Mix in your diced dates.
- Once combined, spoon mixture onto a baking sheet. Leave clumped together. Do not spread out on the baking sheet.
- Bake at 300 for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- Will keep in an airtight container for several weeks.
- If you like your granola on the crunchier side, you can cook it longer.
- Also, if you like big clusters, don’t stir once you remove it from the oven. When it cools, it will harden into clusters.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Granola
Coconut Lime Pineapple Granola
This post is being brought to the table at the following fabulous parties: Anyonita Nibbles Tasty Tuesday’s, Hun… What’s for Dinner’s Simply Supper Tuesday’s, and The Novice Gardener’s Fiesta Friday.
Are you a fan of granola? Do you make your own? Any particular flavor profile you’d like to see me dabble with next?
Awesome photo to lead off–I’m delighted!
Kirsten recently posted…TLC for Rescue(d) Dogs: A Recipe with Results
Thanks Sunshine. I used the white poster board you bought me as a base, so you are in that picture in your own subtle way.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
looks super good the title caught my attention first and the pictures and fun writing kept me reading to the end 🙂
Justine recently posted…Winter Pimm’s Punch
I’m thrilled you liked the writing. It’s my favorite part, after eating the delicious food of course. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I love my granola, and this sounds similar to one of my favorite mixes. I love how you make it yourself though, so you can modify the taste to exactly your preferences. Happy FF and have a wonderful weekend. : )
Kaila (GF Life 24/7) recently posted…My Gingerbread House Recipe (GF, DF, EF)
Thanks Kaila. Have a great weekend too, and enjoy the fiesta.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
You just reminded me that a couple of months ago I fell upon making an out of this world granola. I wonder where the heck I put the recipe. I didn’t even mean to make it but it happened and ugh, now I forget how I did it!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted…Catch Up and Cookie Dough Cups
You must recreate it!! I’d love to see your recipe.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
Hey Megahn! Thanks a lot for bringing this amazing idea to Angie’s table! It’s very much appreciated! Have a nice weekend and happy Fiesta Friday!
Thanks Margy. I like any excuse to come to Angie’s table. I always have a great time at the fiesta.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I used to eat granola by the gallon! It’s good stuff. Looks so yummy! Also like the photo of the peanut butter chocolate chip recipe 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Plantain and Zucchini Stuffed Lamb Burgers
Did you give up your granola eating ways?
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I am not into the bagged variety anymore and have mainly been to lazy to make my own! I need to jump on the homemade bandwagon I think 🙂
I second that idea, and you should know my Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip is the Hubby’s favorite flavor, hands down.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I make granola on almost a weekly basis too – it’s kind of a necessity since 99% of packaged granolas contain nuts I’m allergic to. I’ve never tried a banana bread granola before but now I definitely will because this looks awesome! I even just had banana chips in my cupboard the other day because I was intending to make a recipe with them… but I ate them all before I could get around to it. Oops. 😛
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Big holiday giveaway!
I finished off my bag of banana chips as part of dinner last night. Those suckers are addicting. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. It definitely made me happy.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
You have me sold! Banana Bread Granola. Brilliant. <3 Great post!
Prudy recently posted…Chocolate Sprinkle Kisses
Thanks Prudy. I appreciate you stopping by and saying hello.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
If it’s worth burning your mouth over, it’s definitely got to be a good one! And what could be wrong with banana bread granola? Sounds really really yummy!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake recently posted…Pomegranate & Prosecco Jelly
Thanks Michelle. You know if you’re willing to risk life and limb, it’s good stuff. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I’d vote that you win. So…you win. This looks soooooo delicious, would you believe I’ve never made my own granola!?!?! WTF man. I need to make this. Or you can just make it for me and have in ready when I come visit you.
Brittany recently posted…What Chemistry Taught Me about Life
Since all of my granolas are vegan, you can take your pick, and I will make you whichever one you want for your visit. Maybe we could even do coffee pairings with it. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
Making your own granola is a very personal thing and it sounds like you have spent a lot of time coming up with this recipe. I never make my own but you inspire me to try – so healthy and good for you. Thanks for bringing this to the party over at Angie’s. We have to squeeze it some “healthy” things among the cocktails and sweets 🙂
You should try. It’s actually super easy and completely customizable. Plus it’s great food to have around.
Save a cocktail for me okay?
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
You know what? I have never ever made my own granola. Crazy, right? I should probably get on it. I just finished reading Arman’s gingerbread granola recipe (playing catch up tonight!) and the two of you combined are making me want to run to my kitchen and whip some up! But it’s Friday…so I’ll probably leave it until Sunday aka food prep day!
Christina @ The Athletarian recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #38 [aka the worst week ever]
I recommend leaving it until Sunday food prep because if you make it on Friday, it will be gone come Monday. True story!
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
YESSSSSSSS. Finally. Anyone who reads this- MAKE IT. So good. Ties with Meg’s PB granola for best granola I’ve ever tasted.
You are the granola queen and I will actually think up some combinations for you, because if anyone can pull it off… it’s you!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Copycat Whole Foods Curried Cauliflower
I would appreciate that sunshine. I need my next test flavor.
I’m so glad you liked it. I actually made some tweaks since the last time you ate it: more banana chips (duh) and a little cinnamon. I think you’d like this latest batch the best too.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
Love all your granola recipes, but this maybe tops them all. I have to try it.
Thanks Hilda. I’m so glad to hear you like all the others ones too. That means a lot to me.
Enjoy this one. It’s like a warm bowl of comfort. Perfect for a sweet tooth as well.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I’ll never forget the first time I met you and you tried to kill me with your PB granola… From that moment on, I decided that you have killer granola 😉 You know my banana loving self is loving on this one, though. And that the health geek in me is loving all the health facts… even if you didn’t say it was gluten-free 😛 I absolutely adore granola, but I don’t make it as often as I should. Probably because when I do make it, I end up eating almost the entire batch in one sitting and give myself a stomach ache in the process…
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. flourless double chocolate brownies .
You need to ration the granola, although the Hubby generally eats his portion in one sitting too. I recognize it’s my breakfast for the entire week so I pace myself, if only so I’m not starving come Wednesday. 🙂
I knew you’d like the health facts. Confession: I’m partial to them as well, I’m always afraid I’ll bore people though.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I am a ‘ granola connoisseur ‘too ☺ And banana bread granola?? Simply wow
skd recently posted…Chicken and Corn Casserole with mac ‘n cheese
A fellow granola connoisseur…I like it. “So lovely to meet you. Please come back anytime,” and also please read that in your best silky smooth accented voice because it’s fun and what connoisseurs do. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
You may want to open a granola-making business on the side. I mean… With all that free time you have!
You are not the first person to make that suggestion. It does have a certain appeal, now if only I could slow time. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
Really a different idea and different thinking.Awesome photo and smart presentation with banana.Thank you.
John recently posted…What Is Svchost
Thanks John. I appreciate it.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
i don’t think i ever got to try your granola at blend. Oh sad. But now, i can make this and think of you, although i think of you a lot… bananas, cheese, CSA, etc. hehe
Lindsay recently posted…Why Easy Sessions Make You a Better Athlete
We’ll have to rectify that my friend. I’ll send you some of my next batch although I suspect I will be taking the rest of this year off from granola making, which means look for it in 2015. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I need this in my life and I don’t even like bananas unless they’re in a muffin or bread or pancake. The PB one you mentioned in the responses above is a must try too.
Megan @ The Skinny-Life recently posted…Sunday Funday 12/14/14 + 3 Questions
You don’t like that bananas? Gasp! I’m not sure how to take this. It might be a deal breaker for me. 😉
The PB one is my Hubby’s favorite. What’s not to like about pb and chocolate, right?!
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
After a year of not eating yogurt for digestion reasons, I decided to try it out again and see if my body can handle it better. So far so good and now I’m thinking that it would be even with this granola…would it be banana overkill to add some freshly sliced banana slices?? Pshh as if banana overkill even exists ;)! What about an apple-cinnamon flavoured granola…I bet you would master that like nobody’s bizniz!
Khushboo recently posted…Staying healthy over the holidays
I love mixing my granolas with some Greek yogurt. It makes it a complete meal for me, as opposed to a snack, which is how the Hubby consumes it.
I have an apple cinnamon one already. I made it a few years ago, and it’s my in-laws favorite. It calls for diced apple chunks right in the batter.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Bread Granola Recipe
I’m swooning… and drooling (it’s a lovely sight I swear!) I’ll trade you some granola for some waffles 😉
Sarah Pie recently posted…12 Days of Gluten Free Christmas-How to survive the holidays with food allergies (or intolerances!)
Deal. Sold to the pretty lady with the gluten free baked goods.
I burnt my mouth a hundred times because of the excitement you feel when you see something as beautiful as this. This looks absolutely amazing. 🙂
Jhuls recently posted…Instant Hot Chocolate Mix
Totally worth some burnt taste buds. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Foods Which Ease Anxiety Symptoms