Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I absolutely love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, especially on lazy weekend mornings. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy yogurt makes for a moist, flavorful treat that's both satisfying and nutritious. I enjoy whipping these up as a quick breakfast option or a guilt-free snack to have on hand. Plus, they are super simple to prepare, and my family loves them. If you need something delicious and healthy, give these squares a try—you won’t regret it!
When I first created this recipe for Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I was looking for something that would be easy to make and delicious enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. I experimented with oats and yogurt, and the result was a fluffy, flavorful square that holds together beautifully. The bananas add natural sweetness, so I never feel guilty indulging in one—or two!
One of the best things about these squares is that they are adaptable. I’ve added nuts, seeds, and even chocolate chips on occasion, and they turned out great every time! Just remember to watch the baking time to ensure they remain fluffy and moist. You’ll quickly see why these squares have become a staple in my kitchen!
Why You'll Love These Squares
- Deliciously moist with natural sweetness from bananas
- Packed with healthy oats and yogurt for nourishment
- Versatile recipe that allows for endless customization
Choosing the Right Bananas
For the best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas that have brown spots on the peel. These bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also enhance the overall texture of your squares, making them more tender. I often buy a bunch of bananas specifically for this recipe and let them ripen until they are almost too soft to eat. Remember, the riper the banana, the more flavor you’ll get in your squares!
If you don't have overripe bananas on hand, you can quickly speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake less ripe bananas in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until they turn black. This method softens the fruit and intensifies its sweetness suitable for this recipe.
The Role of Yogurt
Plain yogurt acts as a binding agent, providing moisture and a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of bananas. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with almond or coconut yogurt, which will also lend a subtle flavor and maintain that creamy consistency. Just ensure that the yogurt is unsweetened to keep the overall sweetness in check.
To add extra creaminess and protein, consider using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Note that Greek yogurt may result in denser squares, so you might want to add a splash more of liquid, like plant-based milk, while mixing the ingredients.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your flavorful Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare and bake your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Mix Ingredients
Add the yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
Add Extras (if using)
If you choose to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture gently.
Pour and Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Slice
Let the squares cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out and slicing them into squares.
Enjoy your delicious Banana Oat Yogurt Squares warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as dried fruit or spices, to create your perfect square.
Storage Tips
These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares store incredibly well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep them longer, I recommend refrigerating them for up to a week to maintain freshness. When stored cold, the flavors often improve as they meld together.
For longer storage, these squares freeze wonderfully. Cut them into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will be best consumed within three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for a quick warm-up.
Customization Ideas
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the nuts for seeds if you have nut allergies or want a different texture. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutritional benefits without compromising the flavor.
You can also enhance the squares with extras like shredded coconut, dried fruits, or spices such as nutmeg or ginger for additional warmth. Adjust the level of sweetness by controlling the amount of honey or maple syrup you add, particularly if you include chocolate chips, which contribute their own sweetness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dairy-free yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute with any dairy-free yogurt you prefer.
→ How should I store the squares?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can these squares be frozen?
Absolutely! Just wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag for up to two months.
→ What can I use instead of honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a sweetener alternative.
Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
I absolutely love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, especially on lazy weekend mornings. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy yogurt makes for a moist, flavorful treat that's both satisfying and nutritious. I enjoy whipping these up as a quick breakfast option or a guilt-free snack to have on hand. Plus, they are super simple to prepare, and my family loves them. If you need something delicious and healthy, give these squares a try—you won’t regret it!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
If you choose to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture gently.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the squares cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out and slicing them into squares.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as dried fruit or spices, to create your perfect square.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g