Chunky Monkey Granola (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

by Kaylie Grace on April 30, 2024

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Chunky monkey granola is loaded with banana chips, nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips! This banana granola recipe is healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It’s an easy sheet-pan granola which means no stovetop is needed. Enjoy it with milk or use it as a topping for yogurt, smoothies, and more!

homemade chunky monkey granola with banana chips, nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips on a baking sheet

What flavor is chunky monkey?

“Chunky monkey” is a fun name given to anything containing banana, nuts, chocolate chips, and sometimes coconut. It was popularized by Ben and Jerry’s due to their popular Chunky Monkey Ice Cream flavor.

When creating a chunky monkey recipe, you can use any type of nut – like walnuts, peanuts, or almonds. Fortunately, the nuts are usually interchangeable so it’s easy to customize the flavor to your own preference.

The best healthy banana granola recipe

Have you tried creating homemade granola before? Once you make it, you’ll never want to buy the pre-made kind again. It’s so much better at home because you can tailor the ingredients exactly to your liking.

I’ve shared several healthy granola recipes, including Chocolate Coconut Granola and Banana Bread Granola. This Chunky Monkey Granola is a combination of those two because it’s loaded with bananas, chocolate, nuts, and coconut. Additionally, the recipe contains other pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup.

This chunky monkey granola is:

Healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free
Crispy, crunchy, and chocolaty
Full of banana chips, nuts, coconut, and chocolate
Sweetened with maple syrup
A delicious dessert granola recipe
Perfect for chocolate banana lovers!

close up photo of homemade chunky monkey granola with banana chips, nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips

Chunky monkey granola ingredients

Oats: Granola must be made with rolled oats. Do not use steel cut or quick oats because they won’t have the same texture.
Banana chips: Banana chips are dried, sweetened, fried bananas. You can find them at many grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s and Sprouts.
Chopped peanuts: Peanuts add a crunchy texture and provide healthy fats. I recommend using chopped peanuts, but walnuts or pecans will work just as well. A raw unsalted variety is best.
Sliced almonds: Sliced almonds (or slivered almonds) provide a unique texture. Also, they are high in vitamin E and antioxidants.
Coconut: We’ll use a combination of shredded coconut and coconut flakes. The former is finely chopped, while the latter is large chunks of coconut.
Peanut butter: Use a natural variety that has a drippy consistency. It will be easier to coat the oats and nuts that way. Alternatively, you can use almond butter.
Chocolate chips: Any type of chocolate works, including dark, milk, chips, or chunks. Stevia-sweetened chocolate chips are a great choice for a healthy granola.
Maple syrup: This granola is sweetened naturally with real maple syrup which makes it refined sugar-free. Honey works as well.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil helps create a crispy texture. If you don’t mind extra coconut flavor, use unrefined coconut oil. On the other hand, the refined kind is flavorless and odorless.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a sweeter flavor and aroma.
Cinnamon: This healthy spice is anti-inflammatory and adds a delicious warmth.
Salt: Salt balances the sweet ingredients.

bowls of ingredients for chunky monkey granola

How to make chunky monkey granola

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line one large baking sheet (or two small baking sheets) with parchment paper.

mixing chunky monkey granola ingredients in a glass bowl — In a bowl, add rolled oats, chopped peanuts, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Mix together.

maple syrup, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a glass bowl — In a separate bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 45 seconds. Mix together until smooth.

chunky monkey granola ingredients inside a glass bowl — Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture. Stir together to evenly coat the oats and almonds.

pre-baked homemade chunky monkey granola on a baking sheet — Spread the granola across the baking sheet in an even layer.

homemade peanut butter banana granola on a baking sheet — Bake the granola for 30-35 minutes, tossing once halfway through with a spatula. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes. It will firm up and become crunchy as it cools down.

homemade chunky monkey granola with banana chips, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut on a baking sheet — Add dried banana chips and chocolate chips to the baking sheet. Gently toss together to combine, then continue to let cool completely. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is my granola chewy not crunchy?

Bake granola slowly at a low temperature for a crispy, crunchy texture. Also, toss it halfway through in order to expose the entire mixture to heat. This helps it evenly bake.

Does granola crisp as it cools?

Yes! Granola will always feel soft when it is first removed from the oven. As it cools, it will firm up and become crunchy.

What is a substitute for peanut butter in granola?

If you don’t like peanut butter, you can use almond butter instead.

Why isn’t my granola sticking together?

If you want big granola clusters, press the mixture together tightly into a compact layer on the baking sheet. When you toss is halfway through baking, let about half of the clumps stay intact so they remain clustered.

Why does my granola taste bitter?

If it tastes bitter, you probably burned it in the oven. You can prevent this by ensuring your oven is not hotter than 325 degrees F. Also, keep an eye on it while baking so it doesn’t overcook.

How to store this peanut butter banana granola

Once the granola has cooled completely, store it in a tightly sealed jar or container. Enjoy within 5-7 days.

homemade chunky monkey granola in a bowl with banana chips, nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips

More healthy homemade granola recipes

If you try this Chunky Monkey Granola, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!