Homemade Chocolate Banana Granola Recipe for Crunchy Breakfast

Homemade chocolate banana granola is an easy, customizable treat that’s perfect to make with kids. This “chunky monkey” granola is packed with mix-ins and tastes like banana bread with chocolate chips and walnuts — delicious!

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Why You’ll Love This Chunky Monkey Granola

• Gluten free and vegan.
• Easy to customize — omit chocolate, nuts or coconut and it still tastes like banana bread.
• Simple to make; a kid can help with most steps.

Ingredient List

• Gluten Free Oats – Use certified gluten free oats.
• Flax Meal – Optional; adds fiber, protein and healthy fats.
• Gluten Free Puffed Rice Cereal – Use a certified gluten free puffed rice cereal.
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Bananas – Use 2 very ripe bananas for sweetness and strong banana flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar – Helps the granola clump; can be replaced with coconut sugar.
• Vegan Butter (or melted coconut oil) – Provides richness and helps bind the mixture.
• Maple Syrup
• Vanilla Extract
• Walnuts – Any nuts will work; or omit if desired.
• Shredded Coconut – Adds extra sweetness and texture.
• Allergen Free Chocolate Chips
• Sea Salt – A light sprinkle at the end balances sweet and savory (optional).

See recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Substitutions & Variations

• Not dairy free: use regular butter in the same amount.
• Not gluten free: use standard oats and puffed rice cereal.
• No bananas: substitute 2 mashed bananas with ⅔ cup pumpkin puree.

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Granola

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require special equipment — a great project for kids.

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, combine oats, flax meal, puffed rice cereal, salt, cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

STEP 2: Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

STEP 3: Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even browning.

• STEP 4: After 45 minutes, remove the granola and sprinkle the walnuts and shredded coconut over the top. Gently stir to combine and return to the oven for 10 more minutes.
• STEP 5: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Do not stir; let the granola cool completely so the chocolate firms up before transferring to an airtight container.

What to Serve With Chocolate Banana Granola

Enjoy by the handful, or serve over dairy-free yogurt, on top of ice cream, or alongside fresh fruit.

How to Store Homemade Granola

Store in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate to extend shelf life. Kept in the refrigerator it will stay fresh for at least three months.