Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

Name: Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares for a healthy breakfast or snack. The combination of ripe bananas, oats, and creamy yogurt creates a delightful treat that's not just delicious but also nutritious. I often prepare these squares in advance, so I always have a wholesome option ready to grab on busy mornings. The best part is that they are super easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:10:27.153Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was looking for a way to use up some overripe bananas. These squares turned out to be the perfect solution! The combination of oats and yogurt gives them a wonderful texture that’s both chewy and soft. I've since adapted the recipe by adding nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

My family loves how versatile these squares are. I often experiment with different flavor combinations or add in a dash of vanilla for something new. I’ve found that baking times can vary depending on your oven, so I always keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they’re baked just right!

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Wholesome ingredients that keep you energized
Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go snacks
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, no added sugars
Rich in fiber and protein for a balanced treat

      

Mastering the Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares is all about the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The ripe bananas provide moisture, while the rolled oats absorb some of that liquid during baking, resulting in a chewy yet soft square. If your batter seems too dry after mixing, try adding a tablespoon of dairy or non-dairy milk to help incorporate everything smoothly.

When baking, keep an eye on the edges of the squares. You want them to turn a lovely golden brown, signaling that the oats have toasted slightly, enhancing the flavor. If you notice the center still appears wet after the recommended baking time, give it a few more minutes, checking every couple of minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These squares store wonderfully, making them ideal for batch cooking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container in the fridge where they can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

For serving, consider adding a dollop of yogurt on top, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a drizzle of honey for an extra layer of flavor. They pair well with fresh fruits like berries or a side of nut butter for a heartier meal. This way, you can easily customize each serving based on your mood or cravings!

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to create your perfect square. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts and consider adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead for added crunch. You can also swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you're looking for a vegan alternative to sweeten your squares.

Adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile too. If you’re in the mood for a chocolatey twist, mix in some dark chocolate chips before baking. The warmth from the oven will melt the chips just enough to create gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the squares, making them even more irresistible!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

2 ripe bananas
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 eggs
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.

Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. This will serve as the base for your squares.

Combine Ingredients

Add the yogurt, eggs, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt to the bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined.

Stir in Oats and Nuts

Fold in the rolled oats and the optional chopped nuts and cinnamon, mixing until evenly distributed.

Bake the Mixture

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in some dark chocolate chips or dried fruits. These squares also freeze well
just wrap them individually for a quick snack later!

Banana Selection Tips

The ripeness of your bananas plays a crucial role in this recipe. Opt for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots; this indicates they are at their sweetest. Overripe bananas not only enhance the natural sweetness of the squares but also provide a creamier texture when mashed. If you have frozen bananas, they work well here too—just ensure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

If you're in a pinch and don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two. This traps the ethylene gas that bananas emit and helps them soften and sweeten faster.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your squares come out too crumbly, it could mean they lacked enough moisture. Make sure to mash the bananas well and measure the yogurt accurately. Adding a bit more yogurt at the mixing stage can help if you've already mixed everything together and find it to be too dry.

On the other hand, if they turn out too wet or dense, check your baking powder for freshness, as an expired leavening agent can result in undercooked squares. Additionally, ensure not to overmix the batter once the oats are added—mix just until combined for a light texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This banana oat yogurt squares recipe is easily scalable. If you have a larger crowd to feed or want to make extras for the week, simply double or triple the ingredients. Just be mindful of the baking time; larger batches may require a few extra minutes in the oven. Spread the batter into a larger baking dish, like a 9x13 inch pan, to accommodate the expanded volume.

Alternatively, if you're looking to make a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller dish, like a 6x6 inch pan, adjusting the baking time as necessary. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the yogurt?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.

→ How should I store the squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add more sweeteners?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the honey according to your taste.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free version.