Whenever I need a snack that’s both nourishing and downright delicious, I turn to my Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites Recipe. These little power-packed bites blend creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet bananas, and wholesome oats into one irresistible treat. Perfectly chewy with a hint of cinnamon spice and crunchy almonds, they’re a snack you can feel good about anytime you need a pick-me-up. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: oats give it hearty texture, bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the peanut butter brings luscious creaminess and rich flavor. A bit of cinnamon and nutmeg rounds everything off with a cozy warmth.
- 4 1/4 cups oats: I always recommend Quaker Old Fashioned Oats for their perfect chewiness that holds up well in granola bites.
- 1 cup almonds: Roughly chopped into 1/4-inch pieces, they add satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/2 cup pepitas: These pumpkin seeds bring a little extra texture and a subtle earthiness.
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds a warm, fragrant spice that makes these bites extra cozy.
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/8 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup almond butter: I prefer Barney Butter for its smooth, luscious consistency that blends seamlessly.
- 2 bananas: Very ripe and mashed smooth, they lend natural sweetness and keep the bites tender.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Use Grade A for clean, pure sweetness that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 2 oz coconut oil: Melted and cooled slightly; it binds everything together while adding a subtle tropical note.
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla: Boosts the flavor with a lovely fragrant twist.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the oats, chopped almonds, pepitas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. This combination forms the hearty base of your granola bites. Give them a good toss so the spices evenly coat the oats and nuts—this ensures every bite has a perfect flavor balance.
Step 2: Mash Your Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash those very ripe bananas until smooth. Then stir in the almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This luscious, sticky mixture will act as the natural glue that binds your granola bites into shape.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet banana mixture over the oat and nut mixture. Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed—that’s your sign it’s ready for shaping!
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Bites
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture into small bite-sized balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet or tray. Once shaped, pop them in the fridge for at least one hour to firm up. This chilling step helps the bites hold together beautifully and makes them easier to grab-and-go.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped almonds or a light dusting of cinnamon over your granola bites just before serving for an inviting visual and flavor boost. You can also drizzle a little melted dark chocolate on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
These Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites pair wonderfully with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also complement fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt beautifully, turning snack time into a mini-meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing these bites into small mason jars layered with yogurt and berries for a grab-and-go parfait. Alternatively, serve them on a colorful platter with a scattering of fresh fruit and nuts for a visually appealing party offering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Chilling preserves their chewy texture while keeping them fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, these bites freeze wonderfully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to two months. They thaw quickly and retain their delicious texture.
Reheating
No need for reheating these snacks! They are perfect eaten straight from the fridge or freezer, making them convenient anytime you need a quick, healthy boost.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! Using peanut butter gives these granola bites a slightly different but just as delightful flavor. Make sure it’s smooth for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture here. If yours aren’t ripe, you can mash and mix them with a little honey or maple syrup to add extra sweetness before combining.
Are these bites gluten-free?
They can be as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Most plain oats are naturally gluten-free but can sometimes be cross-contaminated, so always check the label if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut to customize these bites for your taste buds.
How long do these bites last at room temperature?
They’re best kept refrigerated, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration helps maintain freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites Recipe enough—whether you’re craving something sweet, healthy, or simply in need of a quick snack that satisfies. Once you try making these, they’ll be your go-to anytime hunger strikes. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making snacks that are as tasty as they are nourishing!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16-20 granola bites)
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites are a wholesome and tasty snack made with oats, almonds, pepitas, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and maple syrup. Perfect for a nutritious energy boost, these no-bake granola bites combine creamy almond butter, warm spices, and wholesome ingredients to create chewy, flavorful bites that are easy to prepare and ideal for on-the-go snacking or a quick breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 1/4 cups Quaker Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Barney Butter almond butter (smooth consistency)
- 2 very ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
- 1/2 cup Grade A maple syrup
- 2 oz coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dry Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped almonds, pepitas, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir these ingredients until well mixed to ensure the spices and nuts are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the almond butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk or stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring all the oats and nuts are coated with the wet mixture, forming a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Granola Bites: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, pressing firmly so they hold together. Place each bite onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the granola bites for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up and hold their shape. This step is essential for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
- Serve and Store: Once chilled and firm, enjoy the granola bites immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and easier mashing.
- Make sure the coconut oil is melted but slightly cooled to avoid cooking the banana mixture when combined.
- These granola bites are best stored refrigerated to maintain firmness and freshness.
- Feel free to swap pepitas for other seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if preferred.
- For added texture, consider mixing in mini dark chocolate chips after combining wet and dry ingredients.
