These simple, soft, and chewy banana chocolate chip granola bars bars are vegan, gluten free, nut-free and naturally sweetened with dates. Soft and chewy in texture, they are the perfect quick homemade snack to provide you with energy anytime of the day.

Easy Chocolate Granola Bars

There is nothing better than a homemade snack. Not only it helps you to plan ahead and prevents you from rushing to the closest Starbucks whenever you feel hungry, but it also gives you a much better control over the ingredients you are using (we all know that most of the snacks are loaded with unnecessary sugars, even the ones that pretend to be healthy for most of them).

Among my favorite snacks, there are two categories: all sorts of smoothies on one side, and the sweet protein snacks on the other side. Don’t get me wrong, I can totally go for a huge cookie once in a while. However, these little homemade healthy snacks are usually the ones that leave me the most satisfied, as they are not too sweet, not too fat, and still very delicious.

Easy Chocolate Granola Bars

What are banana chocolate chip granola bars?

As I was saying before, there are healthy snacks and unhealthy snacks. Today I am just in between, with these irresistible banana chocolate chip granola bars.

Naturally sweetened with fruits (banana and dates), these granola bars are free of refined sugar and any other natural sweetener such as honey, agave, or maple syrup. They still contain some sugar though, with the use of mini chocolate chips (that you can choose sugar-free if you want). Totally decadent, they make a perfect snack for your kids after school, and for yourself too!

Anyone with allergies will also love the fact that the banana chocolate chip granola bars are naturally vegan, nut-free and gluten free (if using gluten-free oats).

Their texture is chewy rather than dry and crispy, exactly as I like them, and they’re super easy to make. All you need is a food processor (or a blender), a mixing bowl, and a baking pan. You’ve got everything at home? Now grab the recipe below and simply go for it!

Easy Chocolate Granola Bars

Can I make these bars even healthier?

They’re is a possibility to use unsweetened chocolate chips and/or chocolate for the drizzle (however, the drizzle is totally optional).

In case you would like to avoid chocolate for any reason, know that you can adapt this version. Just skip the chocolate chips and replace them with cacao nibs or any kind of dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, raisins…), or nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts) for instance.

How to store banana chocolate chip granola bars?

Like I do with energy balls, I usually prepare my granola bars in advance, on Sunday afternoon/evening, and store them in an airtight container or a large ziploc bag. Then, place them in the refrigrator, and you’ll have snacks planned for the entire week. You can also freeze them up to a month. The bars will thaw within minutes at room temperature.

More healthy snacks you’ll love:

To go further, check these 10+ Nutritious Grab-and-Go Snacks. You’ll have plenty of inspiration for the weeks to come. Keep in mind that all recipes freeze very well, so you can make a batch of each, freeze in ziploc bags, and grab a different one very day of the week!

Easy Chocolate Granola Bars

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Banana Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

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  • Author: Delphine Fortin
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: Healthy

These simple, soft, and chewy banana chocolate chip granola bars bars are vegan, gluten free, nut-free and naturally sweetened with dates. Soft and chewy in texture, they are the perfect quick homemade snack to provide you with energy anytime of the day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 unpitted dates
  • 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut oil + 1 teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 3/4 cups (250g) gluten free oats
  • 1/3 cup (60g) mini chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup (45g) chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Place the dates in a bowl and cover with the boiling water and leave to soak for at leas 5 minutes.
  3. After the dates are done soaking, drain the water and place the dates in a blender or food processor with the banana, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and baking soda. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour the banana-date mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the oats and the mini chocolate chips, and stir until well combined.
  5. Place the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch or 8×10 inch baking dish, and bake for 25 minutes until golden and firm. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  6. In the meantime, melt the chocolate chips with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Once melted, drizzle all over the bars.
  7. Allow the chocolate to set before slicing. Store in a airtight container up to 5 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Lastly, if you make this Banana Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!

Easy Chocolate Granola Bars