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 rolled oats; 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Lightly Delicious

I love creating quick and nutritious snacks, and these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares are a perfect blend of flavors and convenience. With ripe bananas and creamy yogurt as the star ingredients, they’re not only delicious but also really easy to prepare. I often whip up a batch to have on hand for busy mornings or afternoon cravings. They stay moist and flavorful, making them an absolutely delightful treat for both kids and adults alike!

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-01-16T01:10:10.482Z

When I first experimented with these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I wanted something healthy yet indulgent. The combination of oats and ripe bananas creates a naturally sweet base, and the addition of yogurt gives them a fantastic creaminess. What surprised me was how the flavors meld together perfectly during baking, making each bite comforting and satisfying.

I've found that using ripe bananas is key to achieving the best flavor. Additionally, I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or some nuts for extra texture and taste. These squares are not just good for snacking; they also make a great breakfast option on those busy days.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Naturally sweetened by ripe bananas for a wholesome dessert
Creamy yogurt adds a rich and moist texture
Perfectly portable for on-the-go snacking

      

The Role of Bananas and Yogurt

Ripe bananas are the heart of these squares, providing natural sweetness and moisture. When choosing bananas, look for ones with lots of brown spots, as they will mash easily and yield a sweeter flavor. Their creamy texture helps bind the mixture, ensuring a soft crumb that’s delightful to bite into. If you're not a fan of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

The yogurt adds not just a creamy texture, but also a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas. Opting for Greek yogurt will give the squares a thicker consistency and even more protein, making them a satisfying snack to get you through the day. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut or almond yogurt can work, although they may alter the final flavor profile.

Baking Tips for Success

When it comes to the baking process, make sure to spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan for uniform cooking. Look for a golden-brown color on the edges and a firm top surface indicating doneness. A toothpick test in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs; if it’s wet batter, give it an extra 3-5 minutes in the oven. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Letting the squares cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack is essential to maintain their structure. If they cool too quickly or get too cold in the pan, they can become difficult to slice without crumbling. Remember that these squares will firm up a bit more as they cool, which will enhance their overall texture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Serving these squares is versatile; enjoy them plain, or add a spread of nut butter for extra protein. They also pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. If you want to mix things up, try adding spices like nutmeg or substitutions such as dried fruit or seeds instead of nuts for different flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

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

Instructions

Directions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined. If using, fold in the nuts and chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Slice

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Enjoy Your Snacks!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, top these squares with a dollop of yogurt and fresh fruit before serving. They also freeze well, so you can make a double batch to enjoy later!

Customizing Your Squares

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients in these squares! You can enhance the nutrition by incorporating seeds like chia or flaxseeds, which add healthy fats and fiber. Additionally, if you’d like a little crunch, consider adding a combination of nuts such as walnuts or pecans, chopped for a more even texture throughout. If you have chocolate lovers in your house, feel free to be generous with the chocolate chips; just keep an eye on the baking time as they can melt and alter the batter slightly.

Another way to customize these squares is by adding fruit. Frozen blueberries or raspberries mix well with the batter and provide bursts of flavor. If using frozen fruit, fold them in gently to avoid excess juice which can dampen the consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares seem too dense, it could be due to over-mixing. A gentle fold of ingredients keeps the batter light and fluffy. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder is fresh; old baking powder may lead to insufficient rise. A quick test is to mix a teaspoon with vinegar or lemon juice; if it bubbles immediately, it's good to go.

On the other hand, if you notice your squares are dry after baking, this often indicates that they may have been in the oven too long or that the bananas weren't ripe enough to provide the necessary moisture. Be attentive to the visual cues while baking; the edges should not be overly brown before checking for doneness!

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you need to scale the recipe, it’s easy to double or half the ingredients without any complicated adjustments. For a larger batch, simply use a 9x13 inch pan, adding about 5 minutes to the baking time while keeping an eye on that golden edge for doneness. Conversely, if halving the recipe, a smaller baking dish, like a 6x6 inch pan, will suffice, but you may need to reduce cooking time slightly, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing for a maximum of one-and-a-half times the ingredients without being too tricky. Just remember to monitor the baking time closely since a larger or smaller batch can alter how evenly they cook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rolled oats instead of instant oats?

Yes, rolled oats work perfectly for this recipe and provide great texture.

→ Can I substitute yogurt for a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! You can use a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt.

→ How do I store the banana oat squares?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I add additional flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits to suit your taste.