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; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I’ve discovered a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious snack with these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares. Not only do they satisfy my sweet cravings, but they are also packed with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and creamy yogurt. We often keep a batch ready for quick breakfasts or afternoon snacks. The blend of oats and yogurt creates a soft texture that's both filling and guilt-free, making it perfect for any time of the day.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:46:24.630Z

When I first baked these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I was amazed by how simple yet satisfying they were. The key is to use ripe bananas, as they lend a natural sweetness and moisture to the squares. I remember my first batch came out a bit crumbly, but I quickly learned that well-mashed bananas create a smooth consistency that holds everything together beautifully.

What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. You can add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for an extra crunch or chew. I once tried adding walnuts and cranberries, and it elevated the flavor profile significantly. These squares not only make a great snack but also pack well for lunchboxes!

        Why You Will Love These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
        Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and wholesome oats
Packed with protein from yogurt for a satisfying treat
Perfectly moist and deliciously easy to customize with add-ins

      

Making the Most of Your Ingredients

The star of these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares is the ripe bananas. They not only sweeten the recipe naturally but also contribute moisture, giving the squares their desirable soft texture. For the best flavor, use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots, as these are extra sweet and rich. If you have overripe bananas, feel free to use those; they work just as well and prevent food waste.

The choice of yogurt plays a key role in the overall texture and protein content of these squares. Greek yogurt will make them denser and creamier, while regular plain yogurt will yield a lighter texture. If you want to replace dairy, try a plant-based yogurt, but be sure to choose one with a good consistency, as some vegan options can be overly watery.

Baking Tips for Perfect Squares

When spreading the mixture into the baking pan, ensure that it's evenly distributed; this helps to bake uniformly. If you notice the edges browning too quickly while the center remains undercooked, you can tent the pan lightly with aluminum foil midway through baking, preventing further browning while allowing the center to finish cooking. The squares are done when they have a set middle and the edges are golden brown.

Cooling time is equally important. Allowing the squares to rest in the pan before transferring to a wire rack helps them firm up, making them easier to slice without crumbling. I recommend waiting at least 10 minutes in the pan; doing so ensures that they hold their shape and are less likely to fall apart when you cut them.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make the Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:

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. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. If you're adding nuts or dried fruits, fold them in now.

Bake the Squares

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Slice

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

Your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, sprinkle cinnamon into the wet ingredients or top the squares with a drizzle of yogurt before serving.

Customizations and Variations

One of the great aspects of these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares is their versatility. You can easily customize them with a range of mix-ins to suit your taste. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the flavor profile; about a teaspoon will go a long way. You can also swap the nuts for seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, making them suitable for school lunches.

If you're looking to add some chocolatey sweetness, toss in some mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Just keep in mind that these will increase the overall sweetness, potentially affecting the amount of bananas or sweetener you use. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect blend!

Storage and Reheating

These squares store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or they can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you decide to make a larger batch, consider freezing them. Slice the squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to three months.

To enjoy your frozen squares, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or for a quick treat, microwave them for about 15–30 seconds until warmed through. This way, you can have a quick breakfast or snack ready at a moment's notice, without sacrificing taste or texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free oats?

Yes, feel free to use gluten-free oats to make these squares suitable for a gluten-free diet.

→ How long do these squares last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the squares?

Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying.

→ What can I substitute for yogurt?

You can use dairy-free yogurt or applesauce as a substitute for yogurt, though it may alter the texture slightly.