Banana Bread Granola

Brace yourself for a crunchy explosion of banana bliss with this Banana Bread Granola! It’s like having a slice of warm banana bread in every delightful bite, but with an extra crunch that will leave you craving more. So, grab your mixing bowl, slip on your apron, and let’s dive into this recipe that will make your mornings go ‘bananas’!

Granola is my addiction. It’s a quick snack, breakfast, or lunch and can be made in so many flavors! Be sure to try my protein packed granola, Homemade Vanilla Granola , and my Pumpkin Granola!

teal bowl filled with granola, milk, and dried banana slices with a yellow napkin in the background with a glass of milk

Why You Will Love This Homemade Granola

Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients and quick baking means you have fresh granola ready in minutes.
Long Lasting: Homemade granola will last up to two weeks if stored properly.
Perfect for Snacking: Grab a handful and help with those sweet cravings.

I cannot get enough of this granola. It is such an easy thing to munch on and always fills my sweet need. The twist on a classic granola flavor is irresistible and brings the essence of freshly baked banana bread into every single bite.

There is also the added bonus of it baking into beautiful clusters. I think everyone can agree that the clusters are the very best part! The secret is in the overripe banana that is smashed and mixed into the granola before you bake it. It helps bind things together and gives you an incredible banana bread flavor. Cinnamon and vanilla extract help boost the flavors and make this one insanely delicious snack recipe!

glass mixing bowl sitting on a dark wood surface filled with oats, dried bananas pieces and pecans being mixed by a green silicone spatula

Banana Bread Granola Ingredients:

Can you see all of the chopped pecans and banana bits floating in that picture above? That, my friends, is considered more valuable than gold in the One Sweet Appetite household. Here is what you need to make this recipe.

Rolled Oats: Rolled oats have a desirable texture that works well for making granola. They provide a hearty and slightly chewy bite, while still maintaining a pleasant crunch after being baked.
Brown Sugar: To help capture the banana bread flavor, I opted for brown sugar. It adds a caramel like flavor that is unbeatable.
Salt and Cinnamon: Salt helps to enhance the flavors while cinnamon adds a spice that really meshes perfectly with the banana.
Pecans: Optional, but delicious. You could also use chopped walnuts.
Dried Banana Chips: These add such a delightful fruitiness and crunch that is unbeatable.
Oil: I really like to use either avocado oil or coconut oil when I make my granola. Both are semi healthy and don’t have added flavor.
Honey: Just a touch of honey for added sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: I prefer pure vanilla extract. It works as a flavor enhancer and balances out the banana and sugar.
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas. Like, the kind that have brown spots that you would use for banana bread.

What Can You Add To Granola?

The beauty of this recipe is that it is so easy to adapt. Here are a few other ingredients we love to add to this recipe:

Chia Seeds
Walnuts
Pecans
Seeds (raw is best)
Dried Blueberries (really, any dried fruit)
Coconut Flakes
Chocolate Chips

milk being poured into a teal bowl that is filled with granola

Banana Granola Recipe

For this recipe I used my Vanilla Granola as a base and slightly altered it by adding some nuts, dried fruit, and banana. The outcome was fantastic and I honestly cannot wait to package some up to take when we introduce ourselves to the neighbors!

PREP: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment and set aside.
MIX: Whisk together the oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, pecans, and banana chips in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
MELT: In a small saucepan combine the coconut oil and honey. Heat until just warm and liquid consistency. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and banana.
MIX: Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry until fully incorporated. Spread into an even layer on the prepared baking tray.
BAKE: Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown, making sure to stir once halfway through baking. Allow to cool completely on the baking tray before enjoying.

Helpful Tools

Baking Trays: Not all trays are equal. Use a good quality baking tray (affiliate) to help get this granola nice and crisp while baking.
Silicone Baking Mat: Parchment paper works beautifully, but a silicone baking mat (affiliate) can reduce waste and help even cooking!
Jars: This is a long lasting recipe as long as it is stored properly! I like to keep this in mason jars (affiliate).

Recipe Notes:

How long does homemade granola last?

Homemade granola typically lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks when stored properly. To maximize its shelf life, it’s important to ensure that the granola is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can cause the granola to become stale or lose its crunchiness.

Can I make granola without using oil?

Yes, it is possible to make granola without using oil. While oil is commonly used in granola recipes to provide moisture and aid in achieving a crispy texture, there are alternative ingredients that can be used as substitutes. I have never tried these methods.

How can I make my granola clusters stick together?

Use a binding agent: Add a binding agent to your granola mixture, such as egg whites or a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). These ingredients help bind the dry ingredients together during baking, resulting in clusters.

Can I add protein powder to my granola for an extra nutritional boost?

Yes, you can certainly add protein powder to your granola for an extra nutritional boost. Protein powder is a convenient and versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various recipes, including granola.
See this recipe for more details.

Can you freeze homemade granola?

Yes! Add the granola to a freezer safe container or zip top bag. Label and freeze. Pull out whenever you are ready to eat and enjoy! Frozen granola will stay fresh 6 to 8 months if stored properly.