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Vegan Caramelized Banana Granola Bars
5 from 33 votes

Vegan Caramelized Banana Granola Bars

These Vegan Caramelized Banana Granola Bars use caramelized bananas combined with toasted nuts, oats, and dates to form a naturally sweet, chewy bar with a touch of cinnamon and salt for balance. Baking the bananas first or cooking them in a skillet enhances their sweetness, providing a caramel note that binds the granola mixture. The bars are baked to set and served as a nutritious, plant-based snack or breakfast option.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 15963 kcal
Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snacks
Cuisine: American, Vegan

Ingredients

  • 4 banana sliced into 1/2 cm thick slices
  • 1.5 cup nuts , mix of walnuts cashews, almonds, pecans
  • 1 cup oats
  • 6 dates
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • cinnamon

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place sliced bananas on a parchment lined baking sheet. Add oats and nuts to another baking dish. Bake the sliced banana at 375 deg F (190 C) for 15 mins, Reduce temperature to 350 deg f (180 C) then add the nuts and oats to the oven and bake for another 15 mins. Let cool.
  2. Alternatively, you can cook the bananas in a  skillet with 2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk until caramelizing.
  3. Add the toasted nuts and half of the oats to a food processor. Pulse to break the nuts into a coarse meal, then add dates along with the caramelized banana, and pulse to break down the bananas a bit. Add cinnamon, salt, the other half of the oats and pulse again until a dough like state. (If your dates are not very soft, process with the banana to break them down before this step)
  4. Press this mix into a parchment lined brownie pan and bake at 300 F (150 C) for 20 mins.
  5. Cool, slice and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Adding vanilla essence or freshly grated nutmeg can add complexity to the bars' flavor.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
  • Use coconut or pistachios as nut alternatives for different flavors and textures.
  • Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be added for variety and added sweetness.
  • If more sweetness is desired, adding vegan chocolate chips is an option.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with a mix of seeds and include dried fruits for texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1bar Calories 159.63kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 21.05g (7%) Protein 4.34g (9%) Fat 7.65g (12%) Saturated Fat 1.18g (6%) Sodium 51.25mg (2%) Potassium 294.63mg (6%) Fiber 2.52g (10%) Sugar 8.05g (16%) Vitamin A 25.17IU (1%) Vitamin C 3.5mg (4%) Calcium 12.81mg (1%) Iron 1.5mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 15963

% Daily Value*

Serving 1bar
Calories 159.63kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 21.05g 7%
Protein 4.34g 9%
Fat 7.65g 12%
Saturated Fat 1.18g 6%
Sodium 51.25mg 2%
Potassium 294.63mg 6%
Fiber 2.52g 10%
Sugar 8.05g 16%
Vitamin A 25.17IU 1%
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4%
Calcium 12.81mg 1%
Iron 1.5mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.