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

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making Banana Oat Yogurt Squares whenever I want a healthy treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The creamy yogurt combined with ripe bananas and hearty oats creates a satisfying snack that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these squares come together quickly and are a great way to use up overripe bananas. Plus, they’re versatile; you can add your favorite nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra twist. They are wholesome, delicious, and just the right amount of naturally sweet.

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:01:26.116Z

When I first created this recipe for Banana Oat Yogurt Squares, I was looking for a healthy alternative to traditional desserts. The blend of yogurt, oats, and bananas proved to be not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. I experimented with different binders and discovered that yogurt provided the perfect creaminess while keeping the squares moist. As a result, theseare now a family favorite!

Another great thing about these squares is their adaptability. I’ve tried adding various mix-ins, from nuts to dark chocolate chips, which gives them a personalized touch. Just remember, balancing the wet and dry ingredients is key to achieving the perfect texture. If you want a little crunch, toss in some walnuts or almonds before baking!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and satisfying snack option
Perfect blend of creamy yogurt and sweet bananas
Easily customizable with your favorite mix-ins

      

Perfect Texture Every Time

Achieving the ideal texture for your Banana Oat Yogurt Squares is all about the balance between wet and dry ingredients. The natural moisture from the ripe bananas combined with yogurt ensures that the bars stay soft and chewy rather than dry. It's crucial not to overmix once you add the oats; a gentle fold is sufficient. You want to maintain some texture for a pleasant bite. If you find your mixture is too runny, you can add a tablespoon or two of additional oats to absorb excess moisture.

Keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, and while 25 minutes is the target, your squares are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If they’re undercooked, they might collapse upon cooling, but if overbaked, they can become tough. Allowing them to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps set their structure while preventing them from sticking.

Customizing Your Squares

One of the best aspects of Banana Oat Yogurt Squares is their versatility. While the base recipe is delicious as is, you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes. Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan option or use flavored yogurt such as vanilla or coconut for a flavor boost. For a bit of crunch, try folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds, which also add healthy fats and proteins.

Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can offer an extra layer of warmth and complexity. If you’re a fan of chocolate, mini chocolate chips work wonderfully in this recipe—just remember to adjust the sweetener slightly if you like it less sweet. Additionally, fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries or cranberries can provide delightful pops of flavor throughout the bars.

Ingredients

For the Banana Oat Yogurt Squares

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the rolled oats and baking powder until the mixture is thoroughly combined. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

Transfer to Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips

Store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer preservation.

Storage Tips

These Banana Oat Yogurt Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, I suggest refrigerating them; they last up to a week in the fridge. To maintain their texture, you might want to separate layers with parchment paper, especially if they contain nuts or chocolate, to prevent sticking.

For even greater longevity, consider freezing your squares. After they have completely cooled, cut them into individual pieces, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Oat Yogurt Squares make a fantastic light breakfast on their own, or you can pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of additional yogurt for extra creaminess. Drizzling them with a bit of honey or maple syrup before serving adds a touch of sweetness that complements the natural flavors beautifully. For those mornings when you need more fuel, serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a smoothie can create a well-rounded meal.

They also serve as a wonderful afternoon snack or a healthy dessert option. For a fun twist, crumble them over yogurt or serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. The warm spices and sweet bananas help them fit in well with a variety of pairings, making them an adaptable option for whatever your taste buds are craving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the yogurt?

Yes, you can use dairy-free yogurt or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.

→ How do I make these squares gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

→ Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Try adding blueberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.

→ How do I store leftover squares?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for later.