Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

Name: Banana Oat Yogurt Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 9 squares
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

When I first started experimenting with healthy snacks, these Banana Oat Yogurt Squares quickly became a favorite. The blend of ripe bananas, oats, and yogurt creates a moist and satisfying treat that's perfect for breakfast or a mid-day pick-me-up. I love how easy they are to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, they are a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, turning them into a deliciously wholesome snack that I feel good about indulging in.

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:34:10.841Z

I remember the first time I made these squares, and they disappeared almost instantly! The combination of flavors is truly delightful, with the creamy yogurt balancing the sweetness of the bananas. After multiple trials, I discovered that letting the mixture rest for a few minutes enhances the flavor infusion, allowing the oats to soak up the banana goodness.

Another tip I learned is to use a silicone baking pan; it really helps to keep the squares intact when cutting them. I often customize the recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making each batch a delightful surprise!

        Why You Will Love These Squares
        Wholesome ingredients that fuel your day
Perfectly moist texture combined with natural sweetness
Easily customizable for diverse taste preferences

      

Mastering the Mashed Banana

The key to achieving a perfect texture in your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares lies in how you mash your bananas. Aim for a smooth consistency without any large chunks, as this will help incorporate the bananas seamlessly into the batter. Overripe bananas are ideal; their natural sweetness enhances the bars, and their higher moisture content contributes to a tender crumb. You can use a fork or a potato masher to achieve this; just remember to mash them well, which only takes a few minutes.

If you find yourself with frozen bananas, don’t worry! Simply allow them to thaw completely, and then drain any excess liquid before mashing. This technique can work beautifully if you're in a pinch. Make sure to account for additional moisture you might need to reduce if the bananas are extra watery after thawing.

Customizing Your Squares

One of the great things about these squares is their versatility. You can easily tailor the flavors to suit your preferences or to accommodate dietary restrictions. For a nutty flavor, consider adding a 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter. If you’re looking for a chocolatey twist, fold in half a cup of dark chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that any additions should not crowd the existing ingredients, as this can affect baking time and texture.

Additionally, if you're aiming for a dairy-free version, you can substitute plain yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Coconut yogurt works particularly well, contributing additional moisture and a subtle hint of coconut flavor. Keep an eye on the sweetness, as different brands may vary in sugar content. Adjust the honey or maple syrup accordingly to maintain the balance.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious squares:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt

Gather these ingredients and get ready to create a tasty and nutritious treat!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Pour into the Pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!

These squares taste even better the next day, so consider making a batch ahead of time!

Pro Tips

For added texture, try folding in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the mixture before baking. You can also use flavored yogurt to give an extra twist of flavor.

Storage Tips

After cooling, store your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these bars freeze wonderfully! Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave briefly for 15-20 seconds.

If you find that the squares have dried out slightly after freezing, consider serving them warm with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey to enhance their moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave just until warmed through, as this brings back some of the original softness.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares can shine as a standalone snack, but they also serve as a fantastic base for various toppings. For a quick breakfast, I love serving them topped with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. A sprinkle of nuts or seeds can add a nice crunch that complements the soft texture perfectly.

If you're feeling creative, try toasting the squares lightly under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. This adds a delightful crispy edge and warmth, making them even more delectable. Drizzle some nut butter or maple syrup right before serving to take the flavor to another level.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dairy-free yogurt?

Absolutely! Dairy-free yogurt works perfectly in this recipe.

→ How long do these squares last?

They can last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

→ Can I freeze these squares?

Yes, these squares freeze well. Just wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as a sweetener.