What Makes This Granola Extra Crunchy?
To get that perfect crispness, we’re using a few tricks:
✔ Lower Baking Temperature (140°C/285°F): Baking at a slightly lower temperature for longer allows the granola to dry without burning.
✔ Minimal Stirring: Instead of tossing it around frequently, we lightly press it into a single layer before baking and stir only once. This helps form crunchy clusters.
✔ A Touch of Binding: Using either melted coconut oil or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as an oil-free option creates a crispier texture.
✔ Cooling Completely Before Breaking It Apart: This step is crucial! The granola continues crisping up as it cools.
The Ingredients: Simple, Whole, and Nourishing
This recipe is made with pantry staples that you likely already have on hand:
- Rolled Oats: The base of all great granolas. Avoid quick oats, as they won’t crisp up as well. You can use certified gluten-free rolled oats for a gluten-free option.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Classic banana bread flavors that add richness and crunch.
- Pepitas or Sunflower Seeds: Extra texture and nutrition!
- Shredded Coconut: Adds a subtle sweetness and more crunch.
- Flaxmeal or Chia Seeds: Help bind the mixture together.
- Cinnamon & Salt: Enhances that warm, banana-bread flavor.
- Ripe Banana: Natural sweetness and binding power. The riper, the better!
- Maple Syrup or Date Syrup: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Because every banana bread-inspired snack needs vanilla!
- Melted Coconut Oil OR Aquafaba: Choose coconut oil for extra crunch, or go oil-free with aquafaba.
Ways to Enjoy This Crunchy Banana Bread Granola
✔ Sprinkle it over vegan yogurt with fresh fruit.
✔ Use it as a crunchy smoothie bowl topping.
✔ Enjoy it straight from the jar for a quick, energizing snack.
✔ Mix it into your morning oats for extra texture.
✔ Serve it with plant-based milk for a cereal-like breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Granola
✅ Crunchy And Satisfying: Stays crispy even after days of storage.
✅ Banana Bread in Snack Form: All the cozy flavors, no baking a loaf!
✅ Customizable: Swap out nuts, seeds, or dried fruit based on what you have.
This Banana Bread Granola is proof that you don’t need store-bought granola when you can make a tastier and crunchier version at home.
Try it out and let me know – what’s your favorite way to enjoy granola?
Banana Bread Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup pepitas or sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp flaxmeal or chia seeds
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (½ cup mashed)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or date syrup
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil OR 3 tbsp aquafaba (for an oil-free option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped dates (added after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 285℉ (140 ℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and salt.2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), ½ cup shredded coconut, ½ cup pepitas or sunflower seeds, 2 tbsp flaxmeal or chia seeds, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp fine salt
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the banana and whisk in maple syrup, coconut oil (or aquafaba), and vanilla.1 ripe banana, mashed (½ cup mashed), ¼ cup maple syrup or date syrup, 1 tbsp melted coconut oil OR 3 tbsp aquafaba (for an oil-free option), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Combine & cotat: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well to evenly coat everything.
- Form clusters: Spread the granola onto the baking sheet and lightly press it down into a single layer.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Don't stir too much - this helps create crunchy clusters.
- Cool completely: Remove from oven and let it cool untouched for at least 30 minutes. It will continue crisping up as it cools.
- Once fully cooled, break into clusters and mix in dates.½ cup chopped dates (added after baking)
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
