Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love starting my day with a nourishing breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become a favorite. The combination of rolled oats, almond butter, and vanilla creates a delightful flavor and satisfying texture. I appreciate that they're not only delicious but also easy to prepare in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a batch and enjoy a nutritious breakfast on the go!
When I first tried making these squares, I was blown away by how simple yet tasty they were. I decided to experiment with almond butter instead of the typical peanut butter, and it turned out to be an amazing choice. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the oats and vanilla perfectly!
What I found particularly helpful was allowing the mixture to cool slightly before cutting it into squares. This helped the bars hold their shape better, making for a more enjoyable eating experience. Now, I often double the recipe to stock up for the week!
Why You'll Love These Squares
- Nutty flavor balanced with sweet vanilla notes
- Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go breakfasts
- Packed with wholesome ingredients for sustained energy
Understanding the Ingredients
The main ingredient in these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares is rolled oats, which are packed with fiber and provide a hearty base. Their natural carbohydrates offer sustained energy, making them an ideal choice for breakfast. When choosing oats, opt for certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions, as cross-contamination can occur in processing facilities.
Almond butter adds creaminess and richness, alongside healthy fats and protein, which enhance the nutritional profile of these squares. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter can serve as a great alternative. It provides a similar texture and binding quality, ensuring your squares still hold together beautifully.
Perfecting the Texture
Achieving the right texture is crucial for these breakfast squares. After mixing the ingredients, the oat mixture should appear thick and slightly sticky; this is what will help it hold together once baked. If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra splash of almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is just right.
When pressing the mixture into the baking dish, make sure to apply even pressure throughout. This compacting step is essential to prevent the squares from crumbling after baking. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to press down firmly until it’s flat and smooth. If it feels too loose, you can bake it a few extra minutes to help it set.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Add Almonds
Fold in the sliced almonds into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the oat mixture into the dish and press down firmly.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before lifting them out to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares.
Enjoy your homemade breakfast squares anytime!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, you can mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit before baking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These breakfast squares are perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, individually wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, and you can pop one in the microwave for about 20 seconds for a warm treat.
For a variety of flavors, consider adding dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, or swapping out sliced almonds for walnuts or pecans. Just be mindful that adding moisture-rich ingredients may require slight adjustments in almond milk to maintain the right consistency before baking.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your breakfast squares crumble when cutting, it likely means the mixture wasn't compacted enough before baking. Next time, ensure you press down firmly and evenly in the baking dish. If flipping them out of the dish proves difficult, you can simply leave the parchment paper over the edges, using it as a handle to lift the entire square after cooling.
An overly dry texture can stem from overbaking or using less almond butter. Aim for golden edges as your indicator that they are perfectly baked. If you find they are too sweet, reduce the amount of honey or syrup by a couple of tablespoons on your next batch; adjusting sweeteners will maintain balance while still delivering great flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
→ How should I store the breakfast squares?
Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
→ Can I freeze these squares?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
→ Can I make these squares vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure that your almond butter is vegan-friendly.
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
I love starting my day with a nourishing breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become a favorite. The combination of rolled oats, almond butter, and vanilla creates a delightful flavor and satisfying texture. I appreciate that they're not only delicious but also easy to prepare in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a batch and enjoy a nutritious breakfast on the go!
Created by: Felicity Grant
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Fold in the sliced almonds into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the oat mixture into the dish and press down firmly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Allow the squares to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before lifting them out to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, you can mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g