Indulge in the delightful flavours of this Banana Granola, a nutritious and tasty option that's perfect for kick-starting your day or as a scrumptious dessert. Crafted with wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and a touch of maple syrup, this granola is a fantastic low-calorie alternative that doesn't skimp on taste.
Pair it with your favorite yogurt and a side of fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal that's as enjoyable as it is healthy. Whether you're looking for an energizing breakfast or a guilt-free sweet treat, this banana granola is sure to hit the spot.
Jump to:
Calories in Healthy Banana Granola
This Banana Granola serves 3 and is 230 calories per serving.
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 200+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
Ingredients Needed
To make this Granola, you will need the following ingredients:
- Oats: I recommend using rolled or quick oats as they are ideal for creating those delicious clumps of granola. While you can opt for flaked oats, they don't tend to clump together as well in the granola.
- Maple Syrup: ensure you use 100% maple syrup not a low sugar alternative. Honey can be used as a substitute.
- Banana: Using ripe bananas is best for a sweeter flavour, making this recipe an excellent option for utilizing any overripe bananas you might have.
- Vanilla Extract: adds a touch of flavour to the granola
- Low Calorie Spray: Use your preferred choice of low calorie spray, I prefer olive oil, coconut or avocado sprays without any added emulsifiers.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Tips for Cooking the Granola
To achieve the perfect golden and crunchy banana granola, consider these cooking tips:
- Large Baking Sheet: Use a large baking sheet to spread out your granola. This ensures each oat piece gets enough heat exposure, contributing to an even, golden bake.
- Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures heat is distributed evenly, aiding in achieving that desired crunch.
- Spread Evenly: Distribute your granola mixture in a thin, even layer on the baking sheet. Clumps are good for texture, but you want to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy granola.
- Stir and Spray: Throughout the baking process, stir the granola and move it around on the tray a few times. After each stir, give it a generous spray of low-calorie cooking spray. This helps enhance the granola's crunchiness and ensures even cooking.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on your granola as it bakes. If you notice the edges browning or burning too quickly, lower the oven's heat. Oven temperatures can vary, so it's crucial to adjust according to how your granola is cooking.
- Cooling Time: Once out of the oven, let your granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling allows it to crisp up further, achieving that delightful crunch.
By following these tips, you'll enhance your banana granola's flavor and texture, creating a deliciously crunchy topping or snack that's cooked to perfection.
How to Store Banana Granola
To maintain the freshness and crunchiness of your banana granola, proper storage is key. Here's how you can store your banana granola to enjoy its optimal taste and texture:
- Cool Completely: Ensure your banana granola is completely cooled after baking. Storing it while it's still warm can lead to moisture buildup, which may result in a soggy texture.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. This will protect it from moisture and air, keeping it crunchy and fresh.
- Room Temperature: Store the airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. This helps to preserve the granola's flavor and texture.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep the container away from any sources of moisture or heat, as these can affect the granola's quality.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored banana granola can last for up to about two weeks. So if you want to double up the recipe to make a large batch, it's a great recipe.
By following these storage tips, you'll be able to preserve your banana granola's delightful crunch and flavour, making it a go-to snack or breakfast topping anytime you wish.
Delightful Ways to Enjoy Banana Granola
Banana granola is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in numerous delicious ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- With Yogurt and Fruit: Serve your banana granola over a bowl of your favourite yogurt and top with fresh fruit. Berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples make excellent choices and add extra flavour and nutrition.
- Banana Granola Yoghurt Parfait: Layer banana granola with yogurt and banana to create a beautiful and tasty parfait.
- Classic Cereal Style: Enjoy banana granola in a bowl with your choice of milk, just like traditional cereal. Add sliced bananas or other fresh fruits for an extra boost of flavour.
- Smoothie Bowl Topping: Sprinkle banana granola on top of a smoothie bowl for added crunch and flavor. It pairs well with a variety of smoothie flavors, adding texture and extra nutrients.
- With Low Calorie Ice Cream or Pudding: For a decadent treat, sprinkle banana granola over a scoop of lowc calorie vanilla ice cream or a serving of pudding. It adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a tasty topping, banana granola is a fantastic choice that brings a burst of flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.
LET'S CONNECT!!
Come and follow me on:
You can also Subscribe to Slimming Eats so that you never miss any new updates.
Need some support on your weight loss journey? Maybe you need advice or tips on a recipe, or just general meal ideas.
Come join the friendly and supportive Slimming Eats Community on Facebook.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, Rate It and Tag us in your Photos @SLIMMINGEATS on INSTAGRAM
Recipe Card
Healthy Low Calorie Banana Granola
Enjoy the delicious taste of Banana Granola, perfect for breakfast or dessert, made with wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and maple syrup for a tasty, low-calorie treat.
Ingredients
- 120g (4oz) or rolled or quick oats
- 100g (3.5oz) of ripe banana
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- pinch of sea salt
- low calorie spray oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan), 180°C, or 350°F (Gas Mark 4).
- In a bowl, combine the oats, banana, maple syrup, pinch of sea salt and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the banana is well mashed into the oats.
- Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Generously spray the top with low-calorie cooking spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the tray, stir the granola, break up any large clumps, and spray again generously with low calorie spray oil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Check the granola; it should be golden and crisp. If not, return it to the oven and continue to check every 5 minutes until it's ready.
- Allow the granola to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container with a lid.
- Enjoy your homemade banana granola!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free Friendly - use gluten free oats
- Dairy Free Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
If you wish to share this recipe, then please do so by using the share buttons provided at top of this post.
DO NOT COPY AND/OR PASTE FULL RECIPES OR SCREENSHOTS OF ANY CONTENT FROM SLIMMING EATS TO ANY SOCIAL MEDIA OR WEBSITE, IT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
ALL IMAGES AND CONTENT ON SLIMMING EATS ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
Nutritional information etc are an estimate and are to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary in values from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate values yourself by the ingredients you use and the tools provided to you as a member of the programme you are following.
It is the responsibility of the Reader to assure the products or ingredients they use in any recipes from Slimming Eats are allergen-free (gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free and/or dairy-free, for example). Slimming Eats assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatement about products, opinions or comments on this site.
Check Legal section, for Full Disclaimer, Disclosure and Privacy Policy
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
ZeZaZu Parchment Paper Sheets for Baking (100 Sheets), Precut 12 x 16 inches - Exact Fit for Half-Sheet Baking Pans, Unbleached, Dual-Sided Coating, Siliconized, Non-Stick, RECLOSABLE Pack
-
Baking Tray Set of 4, HaWare Stainless Steel Baking Sheet –Rimmed Pan Baking Sets -Healthy & Non Toxic, Easy Clean & Dishwasher Safe (Large Size)
Nutrition Information
Yield 3 Serving Size 1 servingAmount Per Serving Calories 230Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat `gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 51mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 5gSugar 13gProtein 7g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Valerie. Quinn says
These recipe /menus sound delicious!
Danielle says
Would it be ok to use honey instead of maple syrup?
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
yes you can definitely use honey instead, just keep any eye on it, as it might brown slightly quicker with the honey.
Clare says
So tasty! I'm missing 'crunch' while doing SW do this will be perfect to sprinkle on my morning fruit and yoghurt.
Tracey says
i made this yesterday... omg its lush and easy to do.
now a fav to have with fresh fruit and quark either for breakfast or in the ev as a pudding.xx
Louise says
How much is one serving? There are no weights given for the nutritional information.
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Louise - the recipe serve 3 people, so a 1/3 of the entire recipe is one serving. If you want to be really precise, weigh the entire recipe onces made up and divide the weight by 3 for a serving 🙂
Alex says
Hi Shevy, can you give some advice on storage - like how long does it last and should I put it in like a glass jar like your pictures or sealed container? Should I keep it in the fridge?
Thank you! Alex xx
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
I’ve kept mine for about 5 days and it’s been fine. It may last longer, but that’s the longest I’ve had it n a jar before using.
Jill Ratcliffe says
Hi. Why is it 4.5 syns for a ripe banana? I thought they were free.
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
only fruit is it's raw form is syn free, once you cook, puree or blend fruit it has a syn value 🙂
Amanda says
Made this fresh for breakfast this morning….perfect to go with my fresh fruit and yoghurt. Super yummy!
I’m going to try it without the banana too