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, mashed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 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 for a healthy snack or breakfast option. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy yogurt creates a moist and flavorful treat that satisfies my cravings without guilt. The oats add a wonderful texture, while the natural sweetness of the bananas means there's no need for added sugars. Whether I enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of my meal prep for the week, these squares are always a hit in my kitchen. Give them a try, and you'll see why they're one of my favorites!

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:40:17.893Z

When I first experimented with these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I wanted to create a wholesome treat that was both delicious and nutritious.

The balance of bananas, yogurt, and oats proved to be perfect, giving not only a delightful flavor but also providing a great energy boost for my day. I learned to adjust the baking time slightly, ensuring they remain soft and moist, achieving the perfect texture every time.

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Deliciously moist and naturally sweet
Packed with nutritious oats and creamy yogurt
Perfect for breakfast or an on-the-go snack

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key ingredient in these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares is the ripe bananas. Their natural sweetness and moisture are crucial for achieving the perfect texture, allowing you to cut back on added sugars. When selecting bananas, look for those with plenty of brown spots—they'll be sweeter and impart more flavor to the squares. If you barely have ripe bananas, you can quickly ripen them by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.

Plain yogurt serves a dual purpose in this recipe; it not only adds creaminess but also contributes to the moist texture of the squares. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using almond or coconut yogurt. Both work beautifully, though coconut yogurt will give a subtler taste that complements the bananas well. Just ensure that any alternative you choose is plain and unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors.

Baking Tips for Perfect Squares

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tougher squares. Stir until just combined, and you should see some lumps of banana—it gives a nice bite and keeps the texture interesting. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or more yogurt to loosen it without compromising the flavor.

Keep an eye on the bake time; ovens can vary significantly. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your squares are ready. Letting them cool in the pan for a few minutes helps set the texture, preventing them from falling apart when you cut them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple 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 the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well mixed.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together.

Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Let the squares cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing them into squares and transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Oat Yogurt Squares at any time of the day!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture before baking.

Storing and Freezing

These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares store beautifully! Once cooled, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll last for up to a week. They can also be wrapped individually and frozen, which makes for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option. Just thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds before enjoying.

To maintain the best texture, ensure that the squares are completely cooled before wrapping or storing to prevent excess moisture buildup. If you're making these for meal prep, consider portioning them into snack-sized pieces for easy access throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

These oat squares can be enjoyed on their own, but feel free to dress them up a bit! Try adding a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter on top for extra protein. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts can enhance their crunch and add a delightful twist in flavors, making them even more satisfying as a snack or breakfast.

For a fun variation, consider folding in mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit before baking. This not only adds flavor but also introduces different textures. Just be mindful of the additional sweetness from items like raisins or chocolate chips; you might want to balance it by reducing the honey or maple syrup slightly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the yogurt?

Yes, you can use dairy-free yogurt or any flavored yogurt if you prefer.

→ How should I store the squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these squares?

Absolutely! They freeze well; just wrap them individually before placing them in a freezer bag.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave syrup are great alternatives for sweetness.