Frozen Banana Cream Protein Granola Bars

Recently Nicole reached out to me asking me to guest post on her blog My guest post on Forever Fit Mom. I said of course and asked her what type of recipe she would like or if there was one on the blog she wanted to post and she asked if she could post my Frozen Banana Cream Granola Bars. So while those are posting on her blog today I thought it would be the perfect day to share these, the protein version! This is one of my favorite flavor combos using Vega Vanilla Chai protein, it’s so good with bananas, Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter, another all time favorite nut butter, and Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Granola (also good with Purely Elizabeth Cranberry Pecan Granola but I was out). However I have yet to make them with the new Mocha Vega One I picked up at Whole Foods so that may soon change! There are honestly so many protein powders, nut butter, and granola flavors the options are ENDLESS!! As I had stated in that post I could have just made smoothie bowls topped with granola but these were fun and I can make a few different flavors cut them and keep them on hand in the freezer and I don’t have to wake the kids with the blender late at night or early in the morning. Yes I said morning, I enjoy them in the morning as a pre or post workout treat. Just pull then out and put one in the refrigerator before my workout and enjoy it after. The girls love them to and can just pull one out of the freezer for a snack. For a delicious healthy treat they even top them with some caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, more nut butter, or fruit puree, depending on the flavor we make them or what we add to them. Just another way to enjoy bananas, granola, and nut butter because you know I could probably name about 100 different ways to enjoy them together or with an additional ingredient or two. Maybe I have gone crazy or maybe just bananas!

If you were to make something with bananas, granola, and nut butter right now what would you make? If you were going to make these bars what protein, nut butter, and granola flavor combo would you make?

Frozen Banana Cream Protein Granola Bars

Makes 8 servings, 9×5 loaf pan or 8 standard muffin tins

1/4c peanut or nut butter (used Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter)

1/4c coconut oil, melted

2c granola (used Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola, gluten free and vegan)*

4 medium bananas, if looking for quicker setting use 2 frozen bananas and 2 non frozen, or all frozen using tamper tool and more milk if needed

3/4c coconut milk, or non dairy milk of choice (used So Delicious Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk)

1/3c protein powder of choice (used Vega One Vanilla Chai)

*If desired granola can be ground down first or you can smash down half of the granola mixture after making to have a finer texture for the bottom and keep the crunchy on top. In the version shown I kept it as is.

Line a 9×5 or standard loaf pan with foil, you can also use silicone muffin molds unlined. In a bowl mix together coconut oil and nut butter until smooth. Stir in granola until combine. Place half the mixture into the bottom of prepared loaf pan or a spoonful into 8 silicone muffin tins. Place in the freezer. In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend together milk and protein powder until well mixed and add bananas blending until smooth. Pull pan from the freezer and pour banana mixture over top. Sprinkle remaining granola mixture over top and place in the freezer until frozen. Time will depend on pan using and if using frozen bananas. If not using frozen bananas and a loaf pan in will take a couple of hours. When ready to enjoy or when frozen remove from freezer and slice as desired and store remaining bars in the freezer until ready to eat (or up to 20 minutes before to thaw out). Enjoy!

Also linking up with fellow blogger Annmarie, The Fit Foodie Mama, for Foodie Friday! Find more great eats below!

While I do receive some Vega products from time to time, which I used as an option in this recipe, I do purchase much of it on my own as well. It has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging. Even though most Vega products used are purchased by myself I do add this disclaimer. I do not make any money off any Vega sales or posts. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.