Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares

Name: Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely adore starting my mornings with these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Packed with nutritious oats, creamy almond butter, and a hint of vanilla, these squares keep me fueled throughout the day. I love preparing a batch on the weekend so I have a healthy breakfast ready for those busy weekdays. It’s the perfect way to kick off my mornings with something wholesome and satisfying.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:04:07.701Z

Making these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares has been a game changer for my morning routine. I love experimenting with different nut butters, but almond butter truly complements the oats and vanilla. I found that letting the squares cool completely before cutting into them results in a cleaner slice, which is essential for presenting them nicely.

One tip I’ve found helpful is to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the sweetness and gives them an addictive flavor that makes it hard to stop at just one. These squares are perfect for meal prepping!

        Why You'll Love These Breakfast Squares
        Nutty almond flavor paired with sweet vanilla essence
Chewy and hearty texture that's satisfying and filling
Quick and easy to prepare for meal prepping

      

The Role of Ingredients

The combination of rolled oats and almond butter is not just delicious; it's also highly nutritious. Rolled oats provide a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein, giving these breakfast squares a satisfying, chewy texture. When selecting almond butter, opt for natural varieties without added sugars or oils to maintain the wholesome goodness of your squares.

Honey or maple syrup serves as the sweetener in this recipe, and both options contribute a distinct flavor profile. If you prefer a low-sugar alternative, you can experiment with mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce, which will add moisture while keeping your squares healthy. Just remember that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture and taste, so you might need to adjust the other liquid ingredients.

Technique for Perfect Squares

When mixing the ingredients, ensuring even distribution is key to a uniform texture. I recommend using a sturdy spatula for combining the almond butter with the oats, as it helps incorporate everything thoroughly without leaving lumps. Aim for a consistency that is sticky yet holds together — this balance is crucial for the squares to remain intact during baking and slicing.

Pressing the mixture down firmly in the baking pan is another essential step. This helps create a compact structure that holds up during cutting. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to evenly distribute the mixture across the pan. This technique not only aids in achieving even baking but also ensures that your squares have a satisfying bite rather than crumbling apart.

Ingredients

For the Breakfast Squares

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Add Almonds

Fold in the sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. These squares make for a great snack or a quick breakfast option on the go.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares store beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping. Once cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the squares individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a quick breakfast option whenever needed.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen square, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 20-30 seconds on low power to warm it up, making it a delightful breakfast or snack option that doesn't take much time to prepare.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These breakfast squares are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as is, or enhance them with toppings such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of extra almond butter. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate chips to the mixture before baking can also bring an exciting twist to the flavor profile, making these squares a fun treat for any morning.

For those who wish to cater to various dietary needs, these squares can easily be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup, as mentioned. Additionally, if you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter works as a great alternative to almond butter while providing a similar creamy texture. Just be sure to adjust based on your taste preferences for sweetness and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, you can use any nut butter of your choice, such as peanut or cashew butter.

→ Are these breakfast squares gluten-free?

When made with certified gluten-free oats, these breakfast squares are gluten-free.

→ How can I sweeten them without honey?

You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even mashed bananas for a natural sweetener.

→ Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds to customize your squares.