The Domestic Rebel

Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Desserts

Banana Bread Crunchies

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banana bread crunchiesSo, as you know, I am working full-time in an office setting now.

Answering phones, filing paperwork, tip-tapping away at the computer…

I mean, obviously there is more to it than that.  But basically, when it comes down to it, it’s just me in my cubicle with my headphones on, spaced out from 8-5.

Alllllso, as you may know, I am a horrific snacker.  I am constantly noshing on something, be it healthy or not, food or gum, caps of pens or my nails.  Gross, I know, but it’s a chewing habit I just can’t break.  I love to eaaaaaaat.  And chew.*
*not chewing tobacco, you nasties.  I once dated a guy who chewed tobacco and it was like, the nastiest thing ever.  He always smelled like beef jerky and had little shreds in his face all the time and it was SOGROSSSSSS.

As you can probably picture me sitting in my cube all day, snacking on sooooomething — anything — I can get my desperate paws on.  Usually I’ll bring along apple slices and a baggie of cereal (ATM, my current cereal obsession is knock-off Lucky Charms), but by the time I’ve plowed through those yummies, I’ll look at the clock and it’ll only be 10.  Lunch is at 12, and then I have until FIVEEEEE to go without snacking, which is basically a method of torture in my eyes.

So I decided to come up with something hearty and delicious to cure all my snacking woes.  Something satisfyingly sweet and salty, and that errs on the side of healthy without being straight-up kale chips because honestly, do I look like a kale chip kinda girl?

Thus, these Banana Bread Crunchies were born.  And friends, these are life-changing.

After dying while reading Jessica’s book, I managed to resuscitate myself with the promise that I’d make myself her Cinnamon Cheerio Crunchies.  Imagine crispy cinnamon Cheerios tossed in a glorious butter and brown sugar mixture, baked until golden and served plain, over granola, or slurped up with milk.  I was intent on making these around the same time I realized I had a bag of banana chips in the pantry.. and thus, the idea to combine the two was born!

banana bread crunchie in a cluster on a wood backgroundThese Banana Bread Crunchies are insanely addictive and the perfect dessert, breakfast, or mid-day pick-me-up!  And they totally make paperwork and busy tasks MUCH more fun 🙂

banana bread crunchies in a dish on a wood background

Banana Bread Crunchies
Recipe Type: Treats
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 cups
Why bake the entire banana bread when you could just as easily whip up a batch of these fragrant Banana Bread Crunchies?! They’re an easy, healthy snack on the go for those times when fresh baked banana bread isn’t an option.
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Banana Nut Cheerios
  • 1 cup crushed Banana Nut Cheerios
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1 cup banana chips
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and mist lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, gently toss the whole Cheerios, crushed Cheerios, brown sugar and salt. Slowly pour the melted butter on top and toss to combine and coat thoroughly.
  3. Spread the mixture in an even layer along the baking pan. Bake for approx. 25 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through baking time. Once the mixture is finished baking, toss in the banana chips and mix around to combine.
  4. After the mixture has completely cooled to room temperature, sprinkle in the chocolate chips. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for 5 days.

banana bread crunchies up close in a dishI love that the Banana Nut Cheerios lend a subtle banana flavor to these deliciously addictive crunchies!  Just like banana bread, these are warm and have such a nice texture .. and are the perfect solution to breakfast, dessert, or snacking.  If you’re not a chocolate fan, omit the chocolate chips.  Or substitute peanut butter chips instead for a nice PB-banana twist.

Happy Snacking!!

xo, Hayley

Comments

    • Rebecca, you and I are basically the same person. I actually prefer my banana bread sans chocolate chips, and I totally stand behind the idea of using cinnamon chips instead. They’re my favorite!

      Reply

  6. WOW…..what a great mouthwatering combination of flavors! May I add a few walnuts to enhance the banana “nut” factor? PINNED!

    Reply

  8. That is SUCH a great idea! Especially because banana bread is one of my favorite things every. Hayley, you are brilliant. Seriously brilliant. And I once went through a cereal snacking craze phase too, except with Apple Jacks. I ate so many I practically had cinnamon spouting out my ears!

    Reply

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