Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares

Name: Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 squares
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love starting my day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become my go-to recipe. The combination of wholesome oats, crunchy almonds, and a hint of vanilla creates a delightful flavor and texture. They're super easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and ideal for a quick grab-and-go option during busy mornings. With just a few simple ingredients, I can enjoy a satisfying breakfast that keeps me energized for hours!

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:22:13.701Z

When I first experimented with these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors came together. The natural sweetness from the ripe bananas blended with the nuttiness of the almonds created a wonderful balance that I just had to share. After trying a few different variations, I found that adding a pinch of sea salt really elevated the entire dish.

These squares are perfect for busy mornings when I need something quick yet satisfying. I often make a double batch and store them in the fridge, so I have a nutritious option ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Plus, they freeze well, making them an ideal meal prep item!

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Nutritious and filling, perfect for busy mornings
Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits
Great for meal prep and can be stored for a week

      

Balancing Nutrients in Your Breakfast

These Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares are packed with nutritional benefits that make them more than just a sweet treat. The rolled oats provide a hearty base that is rich in fiber, helping to keep you full longer and regulate blood sugar levels. By incorporating almond butter, you're also adding healthy fats and protein, which are essential for sustained energy throughout the day. This balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein forms a satisfying meal that fuels your morning activities.

In addition to their filling properties, these breakfast squares are easy to personalize to match your dietary needs or preferences. If you're looking to reduce sugar, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup used, or try using a sugar-free sweetener. Alternatively, for those needing to boost protein intake, consider swapping in peanut butter or adding protein powder to the mix. The flexibility in this recipe makes it a great option for everyone.

Customizing Your Squares

One of the best features of these breakfast squares is how easily they can be customized. The chopped almonds add a nice crunch, but you can replace them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans depending on your taste preference or dietary restrictions. Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even chocolate chips can be mixed in for added sweetness and texture. Just remember to adjust the sweetener if you add sweet ingredients to prevent the mixture from becoming overly sugary.

Additionally, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile. A sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the vanilla and almond flavors beautifully, while nutmeg adds a warm touch. Experimenting with different toppings, such as coconut flakes or seeds, can also change the texture and nutritional benefits of your squares.

Storing and Reheating

Once baked, these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a fantastic option for meal prep. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. In the freezer, they can last up to three months, allowing for a quick breakfast option any time. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds for a warm treat.

To keep them fresh longer, consider wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap or parchment paper before freezing. This will make it easy to grab a single portion when you’re on the go. Just remember to check their texture upon thawing; if they feel a bit dry, a quick reheating will help restore some moisture, making them just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your breakfast squares:

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your breakfast squares:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), mashed banana, and vanilla extract until well mixed.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, and sea salt.

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Fold in the chopped almonds.

Transfer to pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with sliced almonds.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and cut

Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares.

Enjoy your Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares as a hearty breakfast or snack!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, experiment by mixing in different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also swap out the almonds for your favorite nuts or add dried fruits.

The Role of Ingredients

The key to the success of these breakfast squares lies in the quality of your ingredients, particularly the almond butter and sweetener. Using a natural almond butter without added sugars or oils will ensure you get the most benefits and a rich flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter or tahini can be excellent alternatives that maintain the creaminess and binding properties needed for this recipe.

Quality oats are another important aspect to consider. Rolled oats are best suited for this recipe due to their balanced texture; they provide structure and chewiness when baked. Avoid instant oats, as they are often processed and will lead to a mushy texture, failing to support the desired firm shape of your squares.

Ensuring Perfect Texture

Baking time plays a critical role in achieving the perfect texture for your Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you're looking for golden edges that indicate a firm and crispy exterior. If you find that the center is too soft after the recommended 20-25 minutes, don’t hesitate to add a couple more minutes to the bake time. Remember that ovens can vary, and it’s crucial to use a toothpick test to ensure they are fully cooked in the middle.

If your squares seem to crumble when cutting, consider letting them cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set further, making them easier to cut into neat squares. If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, a slightly shorter bake time can also yield delicious results, with a gooier center and chewy edges.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nut butters?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter based on your preference.

→ How long do these squares last?

They can last for up to a week in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these squares vegan?

Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your almond butter is vegan-friendly.

→ What can I add to these squares?

Feel free to add any dried fruits, seeds, or even chocolate chips for an extra treat!