INTRODUCTION

The Protein Found in Peanut Butter and Bananas Granola is a simple food to prepare, and it has a flavor that is similar to that of peanut butter banana bread. As a result of its high protein, healthy fat, and fiber content, it is an excellent choice for either breakfast or a nutritious snack.

Protein Granola with Peanut Butter and Bananas – This one is for all of my friends who are fans of peanut butter and banana bread! It will get your morning off to a fantastic start, is incredibly delicious, and is packed with all the things that are beneficial for you. In addition to that, it is brimming with stunning BIG clusters that are simply impossible to resist!

What we have is:

• Oats that are heart-healthy and wholegrain.
• Pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds that have been toasted and are crunchy.
• Our natural sweeteners and binders are a ripe banana that has been mashed and has spots on it, as well as maple syrup.
• To assist the granola achieve the ideal level of crispiness and crunchiness, a very small amount of oil.
• An increase in the amount of protein can be achieved by using protein peanut butter and vanilla protein powder.

Putting together this peanut butter banana protein granola is a breeze, and it is an excellent choice for meal preparation. All you have to do is combine the ingredients, bake them, allow them to cool, and then break them up into clusters.

While it is baking, your home will be filled with the fragrances of warm banana bread, which will be absolutely irresistible. There is a scent that is quite warm and reassuring. As soon as it comes out of the oven, I believe it will be difficult for you to refrain from digging in right away! However, as it is cooling, you should be patient because you are going to want those gorgeous large clusters!

Today, you can make a batch of it and eat it with milk or yogurt, as a crunchy topping for your overnight oats or yogurt bowls, or as a nutritious snack!

WHY THIS RECIPE SHOULD BE USED

• simple to prepare. Only a few minutes are required to combine all of the ingredients, after which you can spread them out on a baking sheet and allow the oven to do the majority of the work.
• Sweet and savory flavors! The combination of peanut butter and banana is a match made in heaven.
• Having a high protein content. Each serving of this granola contains 11.4 grams of protein, which is a significant amount considering that it is boosted with protein powder and peanut butter. Because of its high protein level, it is an excellent choice for a breakfast that is both satiating and filling, especially when combined with yogurt or a snack.
• Extensive in both fiber and healthy fats. As a result of the oats, seeds, and nuts, it has a substantial amount of advantageous fats and fiber.
• The clusters are HUGE! During the baking process, if you do not mix the granola, you will end up with irresistible large crunchy clusters!
• It is modifiable. You are able to personalize it by giving it your preferred nuts and seeds, as well as any other add-ins that you choose.
• Better for you and less expensive than granola that you buy from the shop. Store-bought granolas that are high in protein can be quite pricey, and some of them may have an excessive amount of added sugars. This granola is not excessively sweet and is perfect for those on a price budget. Not only does it taste amazing, but it is also superior to any store-bought granola that is loaded with preservatives that I have tasted.

COOKING TIP’s

• Evenly distribute the granola across the surface of the baking tray. Performing this step will guarantee that it bakes evenly and correctly.
• In order to prevent the granola from burning, make sure to keep an eye on it after the 18-minute mark. It is possible that the granola is almost ready to be served, regardless of how your oven operates. When it is golden brown and almost completely dry, remove it from the oven.
• Create a granola that is crumbly. It is recommended that you stir the granola halfway during the baking time if you want it to have a crumbly texture.
• Include shredded coconut or coconut flakes that have not been sweetened. By doing so, this peanut butter banana granola will receive an increase in the amount of beneficial fats, in addition to the addition of some delightful coconut flavors. I would suggest sprinkling the coconut on top at the 17-minute mark and continuing to bake for an additional three to four minutes until the granola is done and the coconut has been gently toasted.
• Wait until the granola has completely cooled down before attempting to break it up into clusters. When it is removed from the oven, it can appear to be just a little bit mushy; but, as it cools, it will become even more crisp. If you attempt to split it up at this moment, it will fall apart. In order to properly break it up into clusters, you will need to wait until it has totally cooled down and become hard.
• If you want the granola to remain fresh for a longer period of time, you should freeze it. To extend the shelf life of the food, place it in freezer-safe containers or zipper bags and freeze it for two to three months. My recommendation is to freeze the food in separate portions. You can enjoy it in the morning after it has been allowed to defrost overnight on the counter.

VARIATIONS

• Gluten-free version of it. Make use of GF certified oats. This peanut butter banana protein granola contains a number of ingredients that are naturally free of gluten.
• Utilise a protein powder that is flavourless. Increase the amount of vanilla extract if you are using an unflavored one.
• In the event that you would rather not use the protein powder, you can substitute it with a greater quantity of oats and increase the amount of vanilla essence you use.
• Utilize a variety of nuts. To name a few examples, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios.
• Make a change to the seeds. For example, you may use hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, or sesame seeds.
• When using a protein powder, use chocolate. I have personally experienced this, and I can attest to the fact that it is just as delectable, particularly if you are a fan of chocolate. You have the option to incorporate a quarter cup of cocoa powder that is unsweetened into the mixture of dry ingredients, if you wish to do so instead.
• Include the seasonings. The addition of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice will not only lend a warming touch to the item, but it will also make it taste like the BEST peanut butter banana bread granola you have ever eaten!
• Incorporate the dried berries. After the granola has completely cooled, break it up into clusters and then stir in dried cranberries, blueberries, raisins, or any other dried fruit that you have on hand.
• Put in some chocolate chips. The reason for this is that the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana is fantastic! They should be mixed in after the granola has been allowed to cool and broken up into clusters.

INGREDIENT AND SUBSTITUTES

• When it comes to bananas, the riper and more flaky the better. In addition to being sweeter, bananas that have reached their full maturity are softer and easier to mash. Along with helping to bind all of the components together, the natural sugar found in the banana also plays a role.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: If necessary, consider using gluten-free certified oats in addition to old-fashioned rolled oats that contain whole grains. This recipe is not going to work well with instant, steel cut, or quick cooking types of cooking methods.
• In terms of nuts, I prefer to use a mixture of raw pecan halves that have not been salted and whole almonds in my granola. On the other hand, you are free to use any assortment of nuts that you choose, including cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, and brazil nuts. On purpose, I did not chop them, but you are welcome to do so if you so like.
• With regard to seeds, I utilized a mixture of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas). Either one or both of them can be used, just like I did. Additionally, if you like, you can use flax seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds in your recipe.
• The vanilla protein powder is used to increase the amount of protein in the granola while also adding a vanilla flavoring to it. The protein powder that I used was called Rule 1 Vanilla Crème, and it is a whey protein booster. You can use any type that you choose, even one that is derived from plants.
• To sweeten our granola without adding any more sugar, we use pure maple syrup. It also helps to bind everything together, which makes it easier to break the granola into clusters that are impossible to resist. In the event that you prefer, honey can be used instead.
• To help make things lovely and crispy, only a small bit of extra light tasting olive oil is all that is required. In addition to melted coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and vegetable oil, there are also more options available for neutrally flavored oils.
• Skippy Protein Peanut Butter (Creamy): I have always like using Skippy’s creamy peanut butter in my kitchen on a regular basis. I couldn’t contain my excitement when I discovered their protein peanut butter in the grocery that I often shop at. This peanut butter has a flavor that is very similar to that of their creamy peanut butter. Nevertheless, it is combined with pea protein in order to provide it with an additional boost of protein. For this particular granola recipe, I would suggest using the smooth and creamy variety of protein peanut butter, even if there is also a crunchy variant of the product available. At your discretion, you are free to use any other natural peanut butter or creamy peanut butter that you appreciate.
• The finest sea salt: When using natural or unsalted peanut butter, it is possible that you will need to add more than what is specified.
• A splash of vanilla extract is one of my favorite ways to increase the amount of vanilla flavoring.

PROCESS

1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 165 degrees Celsius (325 degrees Fahrenheit) or Gas Mark 3. A big baking tray with a rim, often known as a half sheet pan, should be lined with parchment paper or greaseproof cooking paper. First, crush the banana in a bowl of medium size.

2. The dry components should be combined. The oats, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, vanilla protein powder, and fine sea salt should be mixed together in a large mixing basin until they are thoroughly incorporated.

3. The wet ingredients should be combined. Maple syrup, oil, and protein peanut butter should be added to a bowl or a small skillet or pot that is acceptable for use in the microwave. Bring to a boil until the liquid becomes barely warm. After stirring until the mixture is smooth, add the mashed banana and vanilla extract and whisk until they are thoroughly blended.

When you have finished mixing the dry ingredients, pour the mixture of wet ingredients into the bowl. Mix using a folding motion with a silicone spatula until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

4. Spread out. Using the baking tray that has been prepped, pour the granola mixture onto it. To spread the mixture into an even layer, you can either use the silicone spatula or a spatula with a flat back. The mixture should be flattened by applying a lot of pressure to it. (This contributes to the formation of highly clumpy clusters.)

5. A bake. Bake the tray for twenty to twenty-four minutes, turning it over halfway through the baking process so that the rear of the tray is facing the front. The majority of the granola ought to be dry and crunchy, and its color ought to be golden brown.

6. It’s cool. After transferring to a cooling rack, wait until the food has chilled fully. As it cools, it will get more crisp and brown at the same time.

7. Get into groups or clusters. After the mixture has completely cooled, split it up into clusters or clumps of the size you want.

8. Deliver! Immediately consume with yogurt or milk, or as a snack on its own. Other options include.

9. Instead, move to a container that is airtight and sealed. Keeping it in a cool, dry place for up to a month is advised. It is also possible to keep it in the refrigerator in order to extend its shelf life.

NOTES:

1. It is a Vanilla Protein Powder. However, you are free to use any sort of whey protein powder that you enjoy, including a plant-based one. I used Rule 1 Vanilla Crème whey protein powder. If you choose to exclude the protein powder, you should increase the amount of oats to ¼ cup and add an additional teaspoon of vanilla essence. If you are using a protein powder that does not have any flavoring, add an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. All-natural maple syrup. In the event that you prefer, honey can be used instead. Note that if you use honey in this granola, it will not be considered vegan.
3. A creamy peanut butter with a skippy protein content. In order to give it an additional boost of protein, this peanut butter is combined with pea protein, which gives it a flavor that is almost identical to that of Skippy’s creamy peanut butter. In addition, you can use a natural peanut butter or any other standard creamy peanut butter without any problems. Take note that the nutritional information will differ from one brand to another, as well as from any ingredient alternatives that you choose to use.
4. Advice on how to keep granola fresher for longer. Keep it in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming bad. Or, transfer to a container that is safe for freezing or to zipper bags, and freeze for two to three months.
5. To get thawed after being frozen. You can enjoy it in the morning after it has been allowed to defrost overnight on the counter. In order to ensure that you only thaw the amount that you use, I suggest freezing individual portions in separate bags.
6. If you would want to modify this granola recipe, there is a section titled “Variations” in the text that is located above.

CONCLUSION