Banana Bread Meets Cozy Granola (And It's So Easy)

A warm, toasty blend of oats, nuts, banana, and chocolate

🍌 Banana Bread Granola

Soft, chewy, lightly sweet, and packed with energy—this banana bread granola is the cozy adventure snack you didn’t know you needed. Inspired by the flavors of fresh-baked banana bread, this granola is full of warming cinnamon, real banana, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate chunks.

Unlike my usual crunchy-cluster granola recipes, this one bakes into a softer, more tender texture—perfect for snacking straight from the jar, sprinkling on yogurt, or packing for low-impact trail days.

Whether you’re heading out for a hike, planning your road trip snacks, or just want an easy grab-and-go breakfast, this one’s a keeper.

Make a batch now and have a grab-and-go snack ready for whatever adventure comes next.

Why You’ll Love This Granola

✔️ Inspired by cozy banana bread flavors
✔️ Softer, chewy texture that still holds together
✔️ Great for hiking, road trips, or work snacks
✔️ Packed with nourishing ingredients and natural sweetness
✔️ Easy to make and even easier to devour

@laurengastineau🍌 Banana Bread Granola Recipe 🍌 This is your sign to meal prep a batch of this cozy, energizing granola for the week ahead. Perfect for trail snacks, post-run fuel, or your breakfast yogurt bowl. Here’s what you’ll need: - 3 cups old-fashioned oats - 1/4 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts - 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp flakey sea salt - 2 scoops plain protein powder - 1 ripe banana, mashed - 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tbsp vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chocolate chunks - Optional: banana chips, white chocolate, extra nuts How to make it: 1️⃣ Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl 2️⃣ Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl 3️⃣ Combine, then fold in chocolate 4️⃣ Press into a lined sheet pan & bake at 350°F for 20–25 min 5️⃣ Cool completely before breaking into clusters Eat it by the handful, pour into a bowl with milk, or sprinkle on ice cream. You really can’t go wrong. ✨ Get the full recipe + more flavors on the Big Adventure Club Sub-stack #granola #granolarecipe #healthygranola #refinedsugarfree #healthybreakfast #hiketok #purelyelizabethgranola #laurensbigadventure

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Serving Size: 18

Ingredients:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats

• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt

• 2 scoops plain protein powder

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 medium banana

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks

• 1/4 cup freeze-dried banana chips (find them at Trader Joe’s!)

Optional Mix-Ins: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chocolate malted eggs, 1/4 cup pistachios, walnuts, or your favorite nuts!

Baking Equipment:

• 1/4 baking sheet

• 1 large mixing bowl

• 1 medium microwave-safe bowl

• Parchment paper

• Spatula

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut flakes, cinnamon, sea salt, and protein powder.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, butter, banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Mix Everything Together: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully coated.

5. Fold in the Chocolate & Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks (and any additional mix-ins) until evenly distributed.

6. Bake the Granola: Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet in an even, compact layer. Press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to help create crunchy clusters. Place freeze-dried banana chips on top. Sprinkle with additional flakey sea salt. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through for even crisping. Do not stir during baking.

7. Cool Completely Before Breaking Into Clusters: Let the granola cool completely on the pan without touching it. Once fully cooled, break into crunchy clusters and enjoy!

Store in an airtight container or reusable bag. I love this jumbo mason glass canister set.

How to Enjoy It

This banana bread granola is super versatile and works for more than just snacking:

• ✨ Eat it by the cluster on hikes or as a grab-and-go snack

• 🥣 Pour it in a bowl with milk like cereal

• 🍦 Sprinkle on top of vanilla or chocolate ice cream

• 🍌 Mix into greek yogurt with fresh banana slices

• 🧋 Use as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls or chia pudding

Want More Granola Goodness?

If you're loving this banana bread version, just wait until you try my other flavors! I’ve already created ube chocolate chunk, triple chocolate, almond butter, white chocolate matcha, and even birthday cake granola, each one perfect for outdoor adventures, cozy mornings, or late-night snacks.

I'll share those recipes soon if there's interest, so let me know which flavor you want next by replying to this email, leaving a comment, or tagging me on Instagram @laurensbigadventure!

Leaving Notes

This banana bread granola is easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect snack to keep you fueled for any adventure. Whether you're hiking, skiing, running, or just need a satisfying homemade snack, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Tried this granola? Let me know! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @laurensbigadventure so I can see how you enjoy it.

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See you in the next adventure!

Happiest Outside,

Lauren (@laurensbigadventure)