Looking for a delicious and healthy snack? Try these Cherry Banana Granola Bars! Made with ripe bananas, tart cherries, rolled oats, and a touch of almond butter, these bars are perfect for any time of day. Easy to make in just 35 minutes, they’ll keep you energized and satisfied.
2 ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed
1 cup pitted cherries, finely chopped (fresh or frozen)
1 ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup almond butter (or your preferred nut butter)
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
. Using fresh or frozen cherries works well, so feel free to choose what you have on hand. These ingredients make a nutritious snack perfect for any time of day! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps bake your bars evenly. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Now, let’s mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, add the two mashed bananas. Then, pour in the almond butter and honey or maple syrup. Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a quarter teaspoon of sea salt. Use a whisk or spatula to mix everything well. You want a smooth mixture with no lumps. Next, it's time for the dry ingredients. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of rolled oats to the wet mix. Stir gently to combine. Make sure there are no dry spots. Now, fold in 1 cup of chopped cherries and half a cup of chopped nuts. If you want a bit of sweetness, add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips too. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly. This helps it bake evenly. Place the pan in your oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. After baking, let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, lift the granola bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them. - Choosing ripe bananas for flavor: Use bananas that are very ripe. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with brown spots. This means they will mash easily and blend well. - Variations to enhance texture: Try adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. These add a nice crunch. You can also mix in shredded coconut for extra flavor. Experiment with different nuts to change the bar's texture and taste. - Creative pairings for snacking: Enjoy these bars with yogurt for a tasty snack. They also pair well with a glass of milk or a smoothie. For a fun twist, try them with peanut butter or almond butter spread on top. - Ideal toppings or enhancements: Drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the bars before serving. You can also sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for a sweet touch. Fresh fruit slices can add color and flavor, making your snack more appealing. - Essential kitchen tools for prep: A large mixing bowl is a must for combining ingredients. A whisk or spatula helps to blend everything smoothly. Don’t forget a measuring cup for accuracy and a sharp knife for cutting the bars. - Best baking pan options: An 8x8 inch baking pan works great for this recipe. You can also use a 9x9 inch pan for thinner bars. Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This will guide you step by step through making your own Cherry Banana Granola Bars. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your Cherry Banana Granola Bars easily. For example, swap cherries for other fruits. Try diced apples or dried cranberries. Each fruit will bring a new taste. You can also use different nut butters. If you love peanut butter, use that instead of almond butter. Cashew butter is another great choice. These changes keep the recipe fresh and exciting. If you need gluten-free bars, use gluten-free oats. Many brands offer oats that are certified gluten-free. This small swap makes the bars safe for those with gluten issues. If you want to make them vegan, skip the honey. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Both options work well and keep the bars sweet. Boost the nutrition of your bars with superfoods. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flaxseeds are great choices. They add fiber and protein without changing the taste much. You can also think about changing the sweeteners. Use mashed dates or a sugar substitute for a healthier option. These simple swaps make your granola bars even better. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To keep your Cherry Banana Granola Bars fresh, use an airtight container. This method protects the bars from air and moisture. If you want to store them longer, refrigeration is a great option. Just remember to wrap them well to avoid drying out. For long-term storage, freezing is perfect. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy your snack even months later. When you want a bar, just thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. In an airtight container, the bars stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to two weeks. When frozen, they can stay good for up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or the bars smell off, it’s best to toss them. Also, if they feel too hard or dry, it’s a sign they may have lost freshness. Always trust your senses when checking for spoilage. To make Cherry Banana Granola Bars, follow these simple steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl, mix 2 mashed bananas, ½ cup almond butter, ¼ cup honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt until smooth. 3. Stir in 1 ½ cups rolled oats until combined. 4. Gently fold in 1 cup chopped cherries and ½ cup chopped nuts. 5. Press the mixture into the pan evenly. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. 7. Cool completely and cut into bars. Check out the [Full Recipe] for exact measurements and more details. Yes, you can use many other nuts. Here are some great options: - Pecans add a rich flavor. - Walnuts bring a slight bitterness. - Cashews offer a creamy texture. - Sunflower seeds are nut-free and crunchy. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! Absolutely! These granola bars are nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key ingredients: - Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and potassium. - Cherries: Packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. - Rolled oats: High in fiber, they help with digestion. - Nut butter: Adds protein and healthy fats. - Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners with vitamins. These bars make a great snack without the guilt. To cut granola bars without crumbling, follow these tips: - Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. - Let the bars cool fully in the pan. - Lift them out using parchment paper. - Cut them while they are still in the pan to prevent breaking. This way, you will have nice, even pieces! This recipe for Cherry Banana Granola Bars is simple and fun to make. You learned about choosing fresh ingredients, mixing wet and dry components, and baking. Remember, you can modify flavors and adapt the recipe to fit your diet. Store bars properly to keep them fresh and tasty. Enjoy these nutritious snacks for anytime hunger. Happy cooking!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7ca96cf0-6c9a-4d34-84ab-79ad89a911f7-250x250.webp)