Tropical Banana Crunch Granola
Say goodbye to boring breakfasts with this delectable Tropical Banana Crunch Granola! This recipe transforms traditional granola into a flavorful, satisfying meal that bursts with the delicious taste of banana and the crunch of nuts and seeds. Packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, it's a nutritious way to start your day. You might even find yourself snacking on it straight from the jar! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to mix and match nuts, seeds, and grains according to your taste preferences. To keep it plant-based, simply swap out the honey for agave or maple syrup. Enjoy it with your favorite milk, yogurt, or as a topping for smoothies or fruit bowls.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
oats
3 cups (Use rolled oats or a combination of other flakes such as buckwheat, quinoa, or millet.)
almonds
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped.)
unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup (Shredded or flaked.)
sunflower seeds
1/3 cup (Whole.)
pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup (Whole.)
flax seeds
2 tablespoons (Whole.)
soy flour
1/4 cup (Can substitute with another legume or nut flour.)
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (Freshly ground for better flavor.)
ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground for better flavor.)
honey
1/3 cup (Can substitute with agave or maple syrup for a vegan option.)
canola oil
1/4 cup (Use virgin for omega-3 benefits.)
pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon (For flavor enhancement.)
dried banana
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped; ideally unsulphured and unsweetened.)
dried dates
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the almonds, bananas, and dates by chopping them coarsely.
2
In a large rimmed baking sheet, spread the oats and any additional flakes you're using. Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 5-7 minutes, until lightly toasted, approximately 15-25 minutes.
3
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the chopped nuts (including coconut) and seeds to the oats. Stir to combine evenly, then return to bake for another 10 minutes.
4
While the mixture bakes, combine honey, canola oil, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well blended and set aside.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the soy flour, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom.
6
After the oats and nuts have baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring the mixture to a large bowl. Keep the oven on.
7
Add the sifted flour and spice mixture to the cooled oat and nut mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
8
Pour the honey-oil mixture over the dry ingredients, and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
9
Spread the granola mixture back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 20 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes to avoid burning.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before mixing in the dried banana and dates.
11
Allow the granola to cool completely before storing it in a tightly sealed container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
12
Serve on its own, with milk, or as a topping for yogurt or fruit bowls. Enjoy your delicious Tropical Banana Crunch Granola!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Banana Crunch Granola?
It is a flavorful breakfast meal or snack that combines oats, nuts, and seeds with the taste of banana, providing a satisfying crunch and essential nutrients.
Is Tropical Banana Crunch Granola healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious way to start your day.
How can I make this granola recipe vegan?
To keep the recipe plant-based, simply substitute the honey with an equal amount of agave nectar or maple syrup.
What type of oats should I use for this granola?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of rolled oats, but you can also use a combination of other flakes like buckwheat, quinoa, or millet.
How should I prepare the almonds?
The almonds should be coarsely chopped before being added to the mixture.
What kind of coconut is recommended?
Use 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut, either shredded or flaked.
Which seeds are included in this recipe?
This recipe includes sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds.
Why is flax seed included in the granola?
Flax seeds are included to provide omega-3 fatty acids and added fiber.
What can I substitute for soy flour?
If you don't have soy flour, you can substitute it with another legume or nut flour.
What spices are used to flavor this granola?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and ground cardamom; using freshly ground spices is recommended for better flavor.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How long do the oats need to toast initially?
The oats should be baked for 15-25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.
When do I add the nuts and seeds to the mix?
Add the chopped nuts and seeds to the toasted oats after the initial 15-25 minute bake, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
How do I prepare the liquid binding mixture?
Combine honey, canola oil, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat and stir until well blended.
Why do I need to sift the flour and spices?
Sifting the soy flour, cinnamon, and cardamom together ensures they are well mixed and free of lumps before coating the oats.
When should the honey-oil mixture be added?
Pour the honey-oil mixture over the dry ingredients after the flour and spices have been stirred into the toasted oats and nuts.
How long is the final baking step?
The final bake lasts for 20 minutes, and you should stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent burning.
When do I add the dried banana and dates?
The dried banana and dates should be mixed in only after the granola has finished baking and has cooled slightly.
Why shouldn't I bake the dried fruit?
Adding dried fruit after baking prevents it from becoming too hard or burning in the oven.
How do I store the granola?
Wait for it to cool completely, then store it in a tightly sealed container.
How long does the granola stay fresh at room temperature?
It will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Can I store this granola in the refrigerator?
Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
What are the best ways to serve this granola?
You can enjoy it on its own, with milk, over yogurt, or as a topping for smoothies and fruit bowls.
What kind of dried banana is best?
Ideally, use dried banana that is unsulphured and unsweetened, then chop it coarsely.
Is this recipe versatile?
Yes, you can mix and match different nuts, seeds, and grains according to your personal taste preferences.
Does the granola need to cool before storing?
Yes, it must cool completely to maintain its crunch and prevent moisture buildup in the container.
What oil is recommended for the best nutritional profile?
Virgin canola oil is recommended for its omega-3 fatty acid benefits.
Can I use dates that aren't chopped?
It is best to chop the dates so they are evenly distributed throughout the granola.
Can I eat this granola as a snack?
Absolutely! It is a great snack to eat straight from the jar.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.