Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

Name: Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love creating healthy snacks that are both delicious and easy to make, and these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares have become a favorite in our household. With their delightful blend of ripe bananas, creamy yogurt, and wholesome oats, they make for the perfect snack or breakfast option. I appreciate how quick they are to whip up and how satisfying they feel, thanks to the blend of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you try them, you'll keep them in your regular rotation!

Created by

Diana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:49:18.700Z

Making these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares was a delightful experience! I was motivated by the idea of using ripe bananas that I had sitting on the counter. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe, which pairs beautifully with the oats and yogurt. I opted for a dash of cinnamon to elevate the flavor, and it was the perfect touch!

While baking, I noticed the comforting aroma filling my kitchen, making everyone excited for a taste. I recommend letting them cool completely before cutting them into squares, as this helps them hold their shape better. Enjoying these squares fresh out of the oven is a real treat!

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Deliciously moist with a natural sweetness from ripe bananas
Packed with wholesome oats for a healthy energy boost
Perfectly portioned squares make snacking easy and guilt-free

      

Mastering the Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares heavily relies on the ripeness of your bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer they will make the squares, providing a naturally moist and fudgy consistency. Choose bananas that are heavily speckled or even slightly browned for optimal flavor, as this will enhance the overall sweetness without the need for extra sugar. Additionally, make sure to mash them thoroughly; this will prevent any chunky bits that could disrupt the enjoyable texture of the finished squares.

Using rolled oats is crucial as they provide the right chewiness and hold up well in the baking process. If you only have quick oats, consider pulsing them in a blender to achieve a texture similar to rolled oats. This adjustment helps in maintaining the desired density and moisture level in your squares. Additionally, be mindful not to overmix the batter after incorporating the dry ingredients, as overmixing can lead to a denser, tougher final product.

Flavor Enhancements

While this recipe is fantastic on its own, you can customize the flavor profile by adding ingredients like shredded coconut or dried fruits. If you enjoy a nutty flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of nut butter to the wet mixture for a richer taste. Substituting half the yogurt with a fruit-flavored variety can also add an exciting twist without compromising the creamy texture. For an extra hint of warmth, try adding a dash of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon while combining your dry ingredients.

Don't overlook the optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts; they are more than just add-ins. Chopped walnuts or pecans not only contribute to a pleasant crunch but also provide healthy fats and protein, making these squares even more satisfying. If you're going for chocolate, semi-sweet or dark varieties will balance the natural sweetness from the bananas beautifully. Just remember to fold in these extras gently to avoid over-mixing the batter.

Ingredients

For the Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Mix these ingredients for a delicious and nutritious treat!

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Add dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is just combined.

Add extras

If using, gently fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and slice

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Enjoy your healthful treat!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, experiment with different add-ins like dried fruits or spices. These squares also freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep!

Storage Tips

To keep your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week. For optimal taste and texture, I recommend letting them cool completely before placing them in the container to avoid sogginess. If you'd like to make a larger batch or prep ahead, these squares freeze well, too! Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they will retain their quality for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen squares, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; this will help restore some moisture and enhance the flavors. Just keep an eye out to avoid overheating, as it can lead to a rubbery texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful breakfast or snack, try topping your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh berries. This not only adds a gorgeous color contrast but also introduces an extra boost of protein and antioxidants. A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of nut butter can elevate the flavors further, making these squares indulgent yet nutritious.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider serving these squares alongside a fruit salad or a refreshing smoothie. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your snack game, making it a satisfying experience that keeps you both energized and full. Whether you cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a gathering or enjoy them solo, these squares are versatile enough to complement any meal or snack time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?

Yes, flavored yogurt can add a unique twist to the flavors, but reduce the amount of added sweetener accordingly.

→ How do I store the leftover squares?

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

→ Can I substitute the oats?

Yes, quick oats or gluten-free oats can be used as a substitute for rolled oats.

→ How can I make these squares vegan?

You can replace the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.