Why is it important to press the granola mixture firmly?

The recipe specifically instructs pressing the granola mixture firmly with a spatula before and immediately after baking to ensure the bars stay in bar form and don't crumble like regular granola.

Can I use either quick or rolled oats for this recipe?

Yes, the recipe explicitly states that you can use either quick or rolled oats, so feel free to use whichever type you prefer or have available.

How should I store these banana granola bars after baking?

After the granola bars have cooled completely and been cut into 12 equal pieces, you should store them in an airtight container or wrapped individually in saran wrap.

What kind of bananas should I use for the best results?

For optimal flavor and ease of mashing, the recipe calls for two ripe bananas, which will contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, the recipe offers flexibility by suggesting either maple syrup or agave nectar, allowing you to choose based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

31.7K Views 12 years ago

Banana Granola Bars
[Vegan]

Name: Banana Granola Bars [Vegan]
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 4 cups oats, quick or rolled; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil; 1/4 cup ground flax seeds; 1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt

LR By: Laura Ryan

Author Bio

Laura is a vegan food blogger and restaurant manager. She spends her free time crafting,... Read More

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A stack of firm, golden-brown vegan Banana Granola Bars, cut into rectangles, showing visible oats and shredded coconut, on a wooden cutting board.

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Banana Granola Bars [Vegan]

388

Dairy Free

Vegan

These banana granola bars are perfect for maintaining a well-balanced diet and keeping you full. By taking 40 minutes at the beginning of the week to make these granola bars you are providing yourself (and your family) with a healthy breakfast or snack for an entire week. Plus, they’re delicious––even... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Banana Granola Bars [Vegan]

2 ripe bananas
4 cups oats, quick or rolled
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

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How to Prepare Banana Granola Bars [Vegan]

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish, set aside.
Use a fork to completely mash up the bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients and use a sturdy spoon (or your hands) to mix everything really well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Use a flat, burger-type spatula, to press the granola mixture with a lot of pressure. This is really important because it allows the bars to stay in bar form instead of crumbling like regular granola.
Bake for 30 minutes. Use the spatula to press the mixture back down immediately after removing it from the oven. Let it cool completely.
When the granola is cooled, flip it onto a cutting board and remove the paper. Cut it into 12 equal bars and store in an airtight container or wrapped in saran wrap.

Notes

You can substitute the banana for a 1/2 cup of any other pureed vegetable or fruit. For fruits that are higher in water, like berries, use less than a 1/2 cup. You can also substitute the flaxseed and coconut for any other nuts, seeds or ground supplements like maca powder, chia seeds, pumpkins seeds, etc.

Nutritional Information

Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.