Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love starting my day with a nutritious breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of oats and almond flour creates a hearty base that keeps me full for hours, while the subtle notes of vanilla add a delightful sweetness. They are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings. Plus, the added crunch from the almonds gives just the right texture. Trust me, these squares will elevate your breakfast routine!
When I first attempted to create the perfect breakfast square, I knew I wanted something heartfelt yet simple. After several trials, I discovered that using almond flour not only gave a lovely nutty flavor but also made the squares incredibly moist. The key is to let them cool completely before cutting, as this helps them hold their shape better.
One particular morning, I made these squares and paired them with fresh fruit and yogurt. It became a delightful breakfast experience, and my whole family loved it! This recipe is versatile too; feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for added variation.
Why You'll Love These Breakfast Squares
- Nutty flavor balanced with a hint of vanilla
- Perfectly chewy texture that's satisfying to bite into
- Great for meal prep—just grab and go!
Understanding Ingredients
The primary components of these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares are rolled oats and almond flour. Rolled oats provide the ideal chewy texture and a hearty foundation, while almond flour adds a nutty flavor and moisture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats! Additionally, almond flour is a fantastic source of healthy fats and protein, making these squares a wholesome start to your day.
Sweetness in this recipe can be adjusted by choosing either honey or maple syrup. Honey lends a distinct floral note, while maple syrup has a deeper, caramel-like flavor. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, consider using sugar substitutes such as stevia or erythritol, but be mindful of the adjustments needed in liquid ratios, as sugar alternatives can vary significantly in moisture content.
Baking Techniques
When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, aim for a slightly sticky consistency. If your mixture appears too dry, you can add a bit more almond butter or a touch of water. Conversely, if it's overly wet, you can incorporate a little more oat flour or rolled oats to achieve the right balance, ensuring the final texture holds together but remains chewy.
Monitoring the baking time is crucial; bake your breakfast squares until the edges turn golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch. If you notice the top browning too quickly, consider covering it with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This helps to cook the insides perfectly while preventing the top from burning.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious breakfast squares:
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)
Once you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to start baking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your breakfast squares:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, salt, baking powder, and chopped almonds. If using dried fruit, fold it into the mixture as well.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until fully combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky.
Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut into squares and serve.
Your breakfast squares are ready to enjoy or store for later!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. You can also replace almonds with your favorite nuts or seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These breakfast squares can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair excellently with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of nut butter for added creaminess. For an extra pop of flavor, you could drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top before serving. Feel free to add fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or berries to boost the nutritional value and visual appeal.
For those looking to customize, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which complement the vanilla and almond flavors beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to enhance the texture and flavor profile further. Just ensure to keep the proportions balanced so the structure remains intact.
Storage and Meal Prep
These Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To freeze, cut the squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily grab one whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack!
When you're ready to enjoy a frozen square, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This way, you'll have a nutritious and filling breakfast ready in no time, perfect for busy mornings when you need to get out the door quickly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, rolled oats work perfectly in this recipe and provide a nice chewy texture.
→ How long do these breakfast squares last?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I substitute almond butter?
Absolutely! You can use peanut butter or any other nut butter that you prefer.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free certified oats, this recipe is gluten-free!
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
I love starting my day with a nutritious breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of oats and almond flour creates a hearty base that keeps me full for hours, while the subtle notes of vanilla add a delightful sweetness. They are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings. Plus, the added crunch from the almonds gives just the right texture. Trust me, these squares will elevate your breakfast routine!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, salt, baking powder, and chopped almonds. If using dried fruit, fold it into the mixture as well.
In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until fully combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut into squares and serve.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. You can also replace almonds with your favorite nuts or seeds.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g