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Banana Bread Granola Recipe

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I consider myself to be a granola connoisseur. Of course I do.

Banana Bread Granola B with Header

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.      

Banana Bread Granola

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.

Banana Bread Granola F

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.

Banana Bread Granola
A Banana Bread Granola that is as healthy for you as it is tasty.
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups Rolled Oats
  2. 1 cup Sweetened Banana Chips, diced small.
  3. 2 cups Walnuts, chopped.
  4. 3 Tbsps. Flax Powder or Wheat Germ
  5. 1/2 tsp. Salt
  6. 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  7. 2 tsps. Vanilla Extract
  8. 1/3 cup Oil of choice; I used organic Canola Oil.
  9. 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
  10. 1 cup Dates, diced small.
Instructions
  1. Preheat over to 300, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine dry ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly (from the rolled oats through to the cinnamon).
  3. 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.
  4. Once combined, spoon mixture onto a baking sheet. Leave clumped together. Do not spread out on the baking sheet.
  5. 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.
  6. Will keep in an airtight container for several weeks.
Notes
  1. If you like your granola on the crunchier side, you can cook it longer.
  2. Also, if you like big clusters, don’t stir once you remove it from the oven. When it cools, it will harden into clusters.
Clean Eats, Fast Feets http://cleaneatsfastfeets.com/
Looking for other granola ideas? Here’s a few more.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Granola

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola

Coconut Lime Pineapple Granola

Coconut Lime Pineapple Granola

Coconut Lime Pineapple Granola

Orange Cranberry Granola

Orange Cranberry Granola with Greek yogurt and raspberries

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?

**All granola recipes are the property of City Hippie LLC and not intended for resale purposes.

Comments

  5. Margy says

    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!

    Reply

  7. Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says

    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!My Profile

    Reply

  11. Judi Graber says

    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 🙂

    Reply

  12. Christina @ The Athletarian says

    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]My Profile

    Reply

    • Meghan says

      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 RecipeMy Profile

      Reply

  15. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    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 .My Profile

    Reply

    • Meghan says

      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 RecipeMy Profile

      Reply

  21. Khushboo says

    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 holidaysMy Profile

    Reply

    • Meghan says

      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 RecipeMy Profile

      Reply

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