Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

Name: Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 9 squares
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares as a quick and healthy snack. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, chewy oats, and creamy yogurt to create a delightful treat. They are perfect for breakfast on the go or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, these squares are incredibly easy to prepare. Whether I’m craving something indulgent or need a nutritious option to share with friends, these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares never disappoint!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:19:07.877Z

When I first tried creating these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I was simply looking for a way to use up overripe bananas. The combination of oats and yogurt turned out to be a game-changer, providing a chewy texture that I absolutely enjoy. I found that letting the mixture sit in the fridge for a bit before baking allows the oats to absorb some moisture, making the bars tender and delicious.

One critical step I learned is not to overbake them—just enough time to get a golden top keeps them moist. I often add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and sometimes even mix in nuts or chocolate chips for a delightful twist. This flexibility makes these squares a staple in my kitchen!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Comforting blend of banana and oats for a nourishing snack
Customizable recipe to suit your personal taste
Great source of protein and fiber to keep you full longer

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares serves a specific purpose. The ripe bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also contribute moisture and binding, ensuring the squares hold together. Rolled oats add a chewy texture and are a great source of fiber. Yogurt enriches the mixture, making the *squares* creamy while introducing probiotics for gut health. Opt for full-fat or Greek yogurt for a richer taste, or use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.

Honey or maple syrup enhances the sweetness, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference. For a lower-calorie option, you can reduce the sweetener or substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia. Additionally, the cinnamon gives these squares a warm, comforting flavor, but you could experiment with nutmeg or ginger to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. Remember to use fresh spices for the best taste!

Baking Tips for Perfect Squares

When baking these squares, the oven temperature and timing are crucial. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the squares as they bake; they should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch when done. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, consider covering the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes to prevent burning while allowing the center to cook through.

For an added layer of flavor or crunch, consider folding in some mix-ins before baking, such as chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. These additions can enhance the texture and add nutritional value. Just remember to keep the overall ratio of wet to dry ingredients balanced to avoid overly dense squares. Testing with a toothpick in the center can also prevent underbaking; it should come out clean when they are ready.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

These ingredients come together for a fantastic, wholesome treat.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:

Preheat and Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and let it sit for a few minutes.

Bake

Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Oat Yogurt Squares!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to the mixture for added flavor and texture.

Storing and Serving

After cutting the Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes them an excellent meal prep option, allowing quick access to a nutritious snack. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the squares. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about three months in the freezer and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or quickly warmed in the microwave.

Serving these squares is versatile; enjoy them as they are or pair them with toppings such as yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra protein and flavor. They also make a great addition to a breakfast spread alongside smoothies or scrambled eggs.

Experimenting with Variations

These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares are highly adaptable, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen. For a chocolate twist, consider adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You can also swap out the bananas for other mashed fruits like applesauce or pumpkin puree, adjusting the sweetener accordingly to complement the new flavors.

For those looking for a lower-carb option, you could substitute rolled oats with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. This would alter the texture but still yield a delicious treat. Just remember that moisture content might need adjustment, so keep an eye on the consistency as you mix.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of yogurt?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, non-dairy yogurt, or any flavor you prefer.

→ How should I store the squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze Banana Oat Yogurt Squares?

Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ How can I make these squares vegan?

You can replace the honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based yogurt.