Banana Granola Bars

     

I had a few over ripe bananas and wanted to make something other than the usual banana bread or muffins. I found this recipe that has proved to be a winner with my family. These bars are packed with banana, dried fruit, quinoa, oats and chia seeds. You can use peanut butter or almond butter and use either honey or maple syrup. I have always used maple syrup and peanut butter combination.  Once the bars are completely cooked I sprinkle dark chocolate chips over the bars and cook for another minute and then spread evenly over the bars for a little added sweetness. This last step is totally optional but I think necessary. I allow bars to cool in the pan and then once cooled place the pan in the fridge to completely set up. Then lift parchment lining out of pan and cut bars to your desired size. I wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Banana Granola Bars

Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup uncooked pre-rinsed quinoa
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 3/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup roughly chopped almonds
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries work well)
1/4 cup natural creamy almond butter or peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
¾ Cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent bars from sticking.
In a large bowl, combine oats, uncooked quinoa, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir in mashed banana and vanilla. Fold in almonds, pecans (or walnuts) and dried fruit.
In a heat safe bowl add peanut/almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) and heat in the microwave until soft and easy to combine. Fold into granola bar mixture until well combined.
Pour into prepared pan and press down firmly with hands or with a measuring cup to help bars stay intact. Bake for 25 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the bars. Place back into the oven for one minute. Remove from the oven and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the bars.
Cool completely before cutting into bars. I place the pan in the fridge for about a hour before cutting into bars.

Print Recipe:Banana Granola Bars

Rinse quinoa

Combine oats, chia seeds, uncooked quinoa, salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Then add mashed banana and vanilla. Stir well.

Add nuts and raisins. In a heat proof bowl warm the peanut butter and maple syrup in the microwave Add to mixture. Stir well.

Line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. I attached office clips to hold parchment in place. Greasing the pan with butter helps to keep the paper in place as well. Add mixture and press evenly into pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Take out of the oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for 1 more minute.

Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the bars. 

Cool on wire rack and then place in the fridge for the chocolate to firm up.

Cut into squares. Wrap with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.