Chocolate Banana Granola

Homemade chocolate banana granola is one of the easiest treats you can make.  It's a great project to do with kids and you can easily customize this recipe to suit your like and needs. I call this granola chunky monkey, because of all the mix-ins.  It tastes like banana bread with chocolate chips and walnuts - YUM!

For more banana flavored treats, check out my favorite gluten free banana cake or this double chocolate banana bread.

Why You'll Love This Chunky Monkey Granola

• It's gluten free and vegan.
• It can be customized to your liking.  You can leave out the chocolate, nuts and coconut and still have a delicious granola that tastes like banana bread.
• It's so easy to make that a kid could do it!

Ingredient List

• Gluten Free Oats - I use Bob's Red Mill brand but any brand will work, just make sure they're certified gluten free.
• Flax Meal - This is optional, but it adds fiber, protein and healthy fats to the granola.
• Gluten Free Puffed Rice Cereal - I use gluten free brown rice puffed cereal from Whole Foods.  Avoid original Rice Krispies as they contain malt and are not gluten free.
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Bananas - Make sure to use 2 very ripe bananas for extra sweetness and a strong banana flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar - The sugar is what helps the granola clump together after it's baked.  I don't suggest omitting it, but you can replace with coconut sugar if you'd like.
• Vegan Butter (not pictured) - I use Miyokos Plant Butter or Country Crock Plant Butter in all of my recipes.  You can also use melted Coconut Oil in this recipe in the same measure.
• Maple Syrup
• Vanilla Extract
• Walnuts - Any nuts will do here (pecans, pistachios, cashews, almonds or even peanuts).  Or omit the nuts entirely if you don't eat them.
• Shredded Coconut - Just adds a little extra sweetness to the granola.
• Allergen Free Chocolate Chips - I use Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips.
• Sea Salt - I give a little sprinkle of sea salt after the granola is done baking.  I personally love a little sweet and savory together, you can omit if you like.

See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

• Not Dairy Free - use dairy butter in the same measure.
• Not Gluten Free - Use regular puffed rice cereal and oats in the same measure.
• No Bananas - Replace 2 mashed bananas with ⅔ cup pumpkin puree.

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Granola

This recipe is so easy to make and doesn't require an special equipment. It's the perfect recipe to make with kids.

STEP 1: Combine oats, flax meal, rice cereal, salt, cinnamon and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir well.

STEP 2: Add the mashed banana, melted butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir until the dry ingredients are coated.

STEP 3: Spread the granola onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

• STEP 4: Add nuts and coconut and bake for 10 minutes more.
• STEP 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and sea salt.  Let cool before moving into a container for storage.

What to Serve With Chocolate Banana Granola

This granola is great eaten by the handful.  But you can also serve it with dairy free yogurt, sprinkled over your favorite ice cream, or along side fruit.

How to Store Homemade Granola

This granola should be stored in an airtight container, I usually use a glass jar.  It will keep at room temperature but will last much longer if you store it in the refrigerator.  It will be good for at least 3 months if kept refrigerated.