The Simplest Chocolate-Banana Granola (Oil-Free!)

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas (1 cup banana puree)
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 cups rolled oats (gf if needed)
• 1 cup chopped untoasted walnuts or other nuts/seeds (or a mix of a few)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350° F (176° C). Prepare a parchment-covered baking sheet.

2. 2

   Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, cacao, and a generous pinch of sea salt, and mix until smooth. Add the rolled oats and walnuts/other nuts to the bowl and mix to coat.

3. 3

   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet, flattening it out with the back of a spoon and spreading it out somewhat evenly over the entire sheet.

4. 4

   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the granola, breaking it up into smaller clusters (so that the pieces have a chance to dry out). Bake for another 20-25 minutes, mixing periodically, until the granola is dry and crispy. It will crisp up even more once it cools. Let cool and keep in an airtight container.