Chunky Monkey Granola Bars

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Rich in Healthy Fats, High in Fibre, Plant-Based Protein, Antioxidants and Nutrients, Energy-Dense

This nutrient-dense, naturally sweet granola bar is more than just a snack, it’s a nutrition-packed bar full of wholesome ingredients designed to fuel your body with sustained energy and nourishment. Packed with fibre, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, these bars are perfect for a post-workout bite, an on-the-go breakfast, or a mid-day energy boost. Inspired by warm, cozy banana bread, these bars are naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with nourishing ingredients to keep you energised and satisfied. Bananas and Medjool dates provide natural sweetness while offering essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Dates are one of my absolute favourite foods to bake with, they add the perfect natural sweetness and a chewy, gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, they’re loaded with fibre, antioxidants, and quick-digesting carbs, making them an amazing energy source. Mashed bananas bring natural moisture, potassium, and a hint of caramel-like sweetness, aiding muscle function and recovery. The chopped almonds add the yummiest crunch while providing heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium. Pumpkin seeds give a boost of magnesium and zinc, supporting muscle function and immunity. Gluten-free rolled oats create a hearty, fibre-rich base that supports digestion and promotes fullness, while shredded coconut enhances the texture and provides nourishing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Whether you choose to use flaxseeds or chia seeds, you’re getting a powerhouse of nutrition! Flaxseeds add a subtle nutty flavour and are rich in lignans, which support hormone balance, while chia seeds create a slightly softer, gel-like texture when mixed with moisture, adding extra hydration and fibre. Both options are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, aiding brain health and reducing inflammation, so you can’t go wrong with either! Cinnamon adds warmth while helping regulate blood sugar levels, and a drizzle of raw honey provides natural sweetness along with antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. The coconut oil binds it all together, adding richness and healthy fats. Whether you enjoy these bars in the morning with a cup of tea, as a mid-day snack, pre-workout fuel, or even as dessert, they’re the perfect wholesome treat. You’re going to love them!

Ingredients:

2 large ripe bananas, mashed (240g)

1 cup Medjool dates packed, pitted and chopped (190g)

¼ cup coconut oil, melted (60g)

¼ cup raw honey (85g)

1 tsp vanilla extract (5g)

2 cups gluten-free rolled oats (180g)

1 cup chopped almonds (140g)

½ cup organic pumpkin seeds (70g)

½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) (40g)

¼ cup ground flaxseeds or chia seeds (30g)

1 tsp cinnamon (2.5g)

¼ tsp salt (1.5g)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the chopped dates, melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the dates to soften. For a smoother texture, I like to blend the dates in a food processor or blender until they form a gooey, caramel-like paste.

In another bowl, mix oats, chopped almonds, chopped pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, flaxseeds or chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the wet banana-date mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Fold in chocolate chips, if using.

Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking pan using the back of a spoon to compact it—this helps create chunky, chewy bars.

Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Let cool completely before slicing into bars (cooling makes them firmer and chewier).

Pro Tips:

For extra crispiness, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer freshness.

These bars will be super chunky, chewy in the centre, and crispy on the edges!

Recipe by Taylor Robinson – Holistic Health and Wellness Chef