Banana Bread Granola with Brown Butter and Maple Syrup

a bowl of banana bread granola with sliced bananas and a silver spoon with a white tea towel

5 from 1 vote

Banana Bread Granola with Brown Butter and Maple Syrup

Brown butter adds a deep, caramel-like note of toasty, nutty richness to this decadent make-ahead granola infused with ripe mashed banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 412kcal

Author: Leigh Anderson

Ingredients

2 c oats
3 very ripe bananas
1/2 c butter
1 c chopped nuts walnuts, pecans or both
1/2 c maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp salt
2-3 tbsp seeds, flax, hemp or chia optional

Instructions

In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and whisk constantly until the butter passes the foamy phase and becomes a deep amber color. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl mash the bananas then whisk in the maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and brown butter. Next, fold in the in the oats, nuts and salt.
Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking tray. Bake for 40-45 minutes stirring occasionally, about every 15 minutes. Turn off the oven, leaving the granola inside as the oven cools, this will help dry out the granola and any last bits of moisture from the banana. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an air-tight container for up to a week.

Notes

Ingredient Notes:

Rolled Oats: be sure to use rolled oats or old fashioned oats, not instant or steel-cut.
Butter: If you want to make this granola gluten-free you can use coconut milk or a plant-based butter, just skip the browning step. It will still be delicious!
Seeds and other add-ins: Feel free to add chia, hemp, or flax seeds to this granola. You could also add chocolate chips or dried fruit at the end, while the granola is cooling.

FAQs and Expert Tips:

How do I get nice big clumps and clusters in my granola? Before putting the granola into the oven press it into an even layer on the baking tray. While its cooking stir it only once, halfway through then press down on it again with the back of a wooden spoon. Once cool, break into large clusters!
Why do you suggest leaving the granola in the oven to cool? This is one of my favorite tips for deeply golden brown granola! Leaving the granola in the oven as the oven cools down ensures that any last bit of banana is completely dried up, ensuring a very crisp and golden brown granola.

Storing Leftovers:

Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an air-tight container. Store at room temperature.

Nutrition