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Soft and chewy granola bars with banana and peanut butter!

Peanut Butter & Banana Granola Bars

Soft and chewy granola bars with banana and peanut butter!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 16 bars
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup flaked almonds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 2 very ripe bananas*
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
  • 1/3 cup honey, or maple syrup if vegan
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Melted dark chocolate for drizzling, optional

Instructions

  • Grease an 8" square baking pan, then line with baking paper, leaving an overhang so that you can lift the bars out when they're done. Preheat the oven to 175 C.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, flaked almonds and cinnamon.
  • In a smaller bowl, mash the bananas very well. Then add the peanut butter, honey and vanilla. Whisk vigorously till smooth, making sure there are no lumps of peanut butter.
  • Pour onto the oats mixture, and stir to combine using a silicone spatula. Make sure the oats are properly moistened.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, making sure it's even.
  • Bake for 20 mins then an additional 5 to 10 mins depending on how brown you want the top. Rotate the tray halfway through baking. The bars are done when the edges have darkened and pulled away from the sides. The centre may still seem soft but will firm up as it cools.
  • Lift using the edges of the baking paper and set on a wire wrack to cool completely. Peel the paper off the edges, then slice into 16 square. Drizzle with melted chocolate if you like.
  • Store in an airtight tin in the refrigerator for about a week since these are soft bars and will soften further at room temperature especially in humid climate. Happy snacking!

Notes

*The bananas add a lot of flavour but moisture as well. If you'd like drier, crunchier bars, use only one banana and add 1 tbsp of olive oil to help bind the bars.
*Use certified gluten-free rolled oats, if you follow a GF diet.
*I like using peanut butter that has honey already mixed in, but if using unsweetened peanut butter, you may need to add more than 1/3 cup honey depending on the sweetness of the bananas as well. Taste the mixture before spreading it in the pan.