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Wholesome Chunky Monkey Granola Bars Easy Homemade Dark Chocolate Banana Recipe

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These wholesome chunky monkey granola bars combine chewy banana, rich dark chocolate, and satisfying crunch for a quick, easy, and delicious homemade snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips (at least 70% cocoa)
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: 2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. (5 minutes)
  2. Mash 2 ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth but still a little chunky. (3 minutes)
  3. Add 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined and creamy. Warm peanut butter slightly if thick. (4 minutes)
  4. In another bowl, mix 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 tsp cinnamon (if using), a pinch of salt, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, and any optional add-ins like coconut or dried fruit. Stir well. (3 minutes)
  5. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly. Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks last, folding carefully to avoid melting. (5 minutes)
  6. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or clean hands. (3 minutes)
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. (20 minutes)
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and cutting into bars. (30+ minutes)

Notes

Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture. Do not skip parchment paper to prevent sticking. Press mixture firmly to avoid crumbling. Watch oven closely to avoid overbaking. Let bars cool completely before slicing for best texture. For vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Nut-free version can be made by substituting peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and nuts with seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: granola bars, banana, dark chocolate, homemade snack, healthy snack, peanut butter, oats, chunky monkey, easy recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/wholesome-chunky-monkey-granola-bars-easy-homemade-dark-chocolate-banana-recipe/