Are you ready to indulge in a wholesome snack that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Say hello to your new favorite treat: Blueberry Banana Granola Bars! These delightful bars are the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and crunchy, making them an ideal pick-me-up for your busy days. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, and the best part? They’re so good, you’ll want to keep them all to yourself! Get ready to dive into this easy recipe that promises to satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals in check!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until they become a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add almond butter and honey to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are completely combined and form a uniform mixture.
- Fold in the rolled oats and cinnamon, stirring until the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated with the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them completely. If using chopped nuts, add them at this stage and mix lightly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down firmly with a spatula to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize your granola bars by adding in your favorite nuts or seeds. Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the blueberries, be gentle! You want to keep some of them whole for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the baking pan, make sure to press it down firmly. This helps the bars hold together better once baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly shaped bars that won’t crumble.
- Storage Tips: For optimal freshness, store your granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They also freeze well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 143kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
