Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares are not just a delicious treat; they’re also packed with nutrients! These squares are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. They combine the creamy goodness of almond butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the wholesome texture of oats. Plus, they’re easy to make and require minimal ingredients. What’s not to love?
What You’ll Need for Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares
To whip up these delightful squares, gather the following ingredients:
Complete Ingredients List
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- Use gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free recipe.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or dried fruits.
How to Make Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to create these tasty squares:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and almond milk. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The mixture should be thick but moist. If desired, fold in half of the chopped nuts at this stage.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press down gently to ensure it holds together.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Drizzle a little extra almond butter on top and sprinkle the remaining chopped nuts over the mixture. You can also add a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the squares out of the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into neat rectangles.
Serving Suggestions for Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares
How to Serve Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares
Enjoy the Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares warm or at room temperature. They can be served as a healthy snack or a quick breakfast option. For presentation, cut them into neat squares and arrange them on a platter.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
These squares pair wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra almond butter. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a smoothie for a complete meal. For a special touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chia seeds or a drizzle of honey on top before serving.
Storing & Preserving Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares
Best Storage Methods
Store the Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. If you want to freeze them, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Tips for Perfect Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
To ensure your Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares turn out perfectly, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense squares. Also, make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
Helpful Tricks for Success
For a chewier texture, let the squares cool completely before cutting. You can also experiment with different nut butters or add-ins like dried fruits or seeds for a unique twist.
Fun Variations of Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Consider adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut to the mixture for a fun twist. You can also try different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added flavor.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make these squares vegan, ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey. For a gluten-free option, simply use certified gluten-free oats. You can also substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk of your choice.
FAQs
What If My Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your squares are too dry, it may be due to overbaking. Make sure to check them a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If they are too wet, try adding a bit more oats next time.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap almond butter for any nut or seed butter, and honey can be replaced with agave syrup or brown rice syrup for a vegan option. Feel free to get creative with the add-ins!
PrintAlmond Butter Banana Oat Squares
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Almond Butter Banana Oat Squares are a nutritious and delicious treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, combining almond butter, ripe bananas, and oats.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and almond milk until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Drizzle extra almond butter on top and sprinkle with remaining chopped nuts.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free recipe.
- Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Almond Butter, Banana, Oat Squares, Healthy Snack, Vegan Recipe