Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. These squares are not only delicious but also a wholesome option packed with the goodness of oats and bananas. I enjoy how the yogurt adds a creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor. Plus, they're super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings. You can customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a regular in your kitchen!
When I first started making these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I was amazed at how simple and satisfying they were. Using ripe bananas not only sweetens the squares naturally but also provides a moist texture that’s hard to resist. I like to mash the bananas well and mix them just until combined for a perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
One of my favorite tips is to let the squares cool completely before cutting them into pieces. This helps them hold their shape better and enhances their taste. I often experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which elevate the flavors and make them even more irresistible!
Why You'll Love These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
- Wholesome ingredients you can feel good about
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
- Perfect texture that's both chewy and moist
The Benefits of Oats and Bananas
Oats are a powerhouse ingredient in these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, providing not only a hearty texture but also essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This fiber is beneficial for digestion, helping to keep you full and satisfied between meals. When baked, oats develop a lovely chewy texture that complements the smoothness of yogurt and the softness of bananas, creating a delightful balance in each bite.
Ripe bananas are the sweetness hero in this recipe. Their natural sugars eliminate the need for excessive sweeteners, keeping the overall profile healthier. Additionally, ripe bananas contribute moisture, helping to bind the ingredients together without requiring extra fats. If you find yourself with overripe bananas, this recipe is a wonderful way to put them to use, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Baking Tips for Perfect Squares
When prepping to bake, it's crucial to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet ingredients. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, allowing for maximum rise and a uniform texture in the final product. Take care not to overmix the combined batter; stirring just until everything is incorporated will yield the best results, keeping your squares tender and moist rather than dense and tough.
Keep an eye on your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares in the oven, checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Look for a golden brown top and edges that spring back when gently pressed. If you like a deeper flavor, you can experiment with baking them a couple of minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make the Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Feel free to add in nuts or chocolate chips if you like!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
Combine Both Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm with a dollop of extra yogurt on top for a hearty breakfast, or pair them with fresh fruit for a refreshing afternoon snack. They also make for a nutritious post-workout treat, providing a good balance of carbohydrates and protein to refuel your body.
For a fun twist, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate or nut butter over the squares before serving. This not only adds indulgence but also enhances the flavor profile, making it an attractive option for special occasions or family brunches.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These squares can be easily made ahead of time and stored for busy days. Once cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container. They will last for up to one week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for longer storage; simply wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed at room temperature or quickly reheated in the microwave.
If you find the texture becomes a bit too firm after refrigeration, simply warm them slightly in the microwave before serving, and they'll regain that delightful chewy moistness. This makes them a convenient grab-and-go option for those hectic mornings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used and will add a richer flavor and creaminess to the squares.
→ Can I make these squares gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats in the recipe.
→ How long do these squares last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares?
Yes, they freeze well! Just slice them and wrap in plastic wrap or freeze in a container.
Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
I love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. These squares are not only delicious but also a wholesome option packed with the goodness of oats and bananas. I enjoy how the yogurt adds a creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor. Plus, they're super easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings. You can customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a regular in your kitchen!
Created by: Maya Richardson
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 squares
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the mixture before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g