Vegan Banana Nut Bread Granola
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups rolled or old fashioned oats
- 3 very ripe bananas
- ½ cup vegan butter, melted (for nonvegan option use real butter)
- 1 cup chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans (or both)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp seeds, chia, flax or hemp
INSTRUCTIONS
- If using real butter, in a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and whisk constantly until the butter passes the foamy phase and becomes a deep amber color. Turn off the heat and set it aside. If you are using the vegan option, you can skip this step.
- Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas then whisk in the maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter. Next, fold in the oats, nuts, seeds, and salt.
- Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking tray. Bake for 40-45 minutes stirring occasionally, about every 15 minutes. Turn off the oven, leaving the granola inside as the oven cools, this will help dry out the granola and any last bits of moisture from the banana. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an air-tight container for up to a week.
Note: How do I get nice big clumps and clusters in my granola? Before putting the granola into the oven press it into an even layer on the baking tray. While it's cooking stir it only once, halfway through then press down on it again with the back of a wooden spoon. Once cool, break into large clusters! I left this batch in the oven overnight to ensure it dried completely.
