Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares

Name: Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love starting my day with these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares! The wholesome ingredients not only fuel my mornings but also satisfy my sweet tooth. With the delightful crunch of almonds and the warm aroma of vanilla, these squares are not just a nutritious option—they're genuinely delicious. I often prepare a batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week, making breakfast both easy and enjoyable. Plus, they are perfect for on-the-go mornings or a post-workout snack!

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-01-18T14:22:13.027Z

When I first crafted these breakfast squares, I wanted to combine convenience with nutrition. I found that using rolled oats and almond flour not only offers great texture but also serves as a fantastic source of fiber and protein. One tip I found particularly helpful is to allow the mixture to cool slightly before cutting it into squares, which helps them hold their shape beautifully.

Experimenting with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can elevate the flavors for anyone who wants to add a twist! I've even added chocolate chips for a bit of extra sweetness, and they disappeared in no time. Trust me, these squares are a game changer for busy mornings!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Wholesome oats provide lasting energy throughout the morning.
The perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
Each square is a portable breakfast option you can enjoy anywhere.

      

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares serves a significant purpose. Rolled oats are not only the base but provide necessary fiber and whole grains, contributing to long-lasting energy. The almond flour adds a tender texture while introducing healthy fats and proteins that aid in satiety. The choice between honey and maple syrup can alter the sweetness slightly—honey gives a deeper flavor whereas maple syrup offers a lighter, more delicate touch.

Almond butter is crucial for moisture and richness, infusing the bars with nutty flavors. Vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste, making these squares feel like a decadent treat despite their healthy composition. If you're avoiding sugar, consider using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as a natural sweetener to adjust the texture and flavor profile.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking these breakfast squares, it’s essential to spread the mixture evenly in the pan and press it down firmly. This helps create a cohesive structure, avoiding crumbly squares. If your mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of water or an extra tablespoon of almond butter to achieve a better texture. Look for a lightly golden top as a sign that they’re ready to come out of the oven—overbaking can lead to a dry texture, diminishing the moistness you want.

Cooling is another critical step; letting the squares cool in the pan for 10 minutes helps firm them up before transferring them to a wire rack. If you find it difficult to cut them neatly, I recommend chilling the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after they have cooled completely—this makes them firmer and ensures clean edges.

Ingredients

For the Squares

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix everything well to combine for a delicious breakfast treat!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine and Add Almonds

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in the sliced almonds.

Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and press down firmly. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy!

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add dried fruits or dark chocolate chunks to the mixture before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These breakfast squares are fantastic for meal prep. Once cooled and cut, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer-term storage, wrap each square in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up before your morning rush.

If you plan to enjoy them as a post-workout snack, try pairing them with Greek yogurt or a piece of fruit for added protein and vitamins. This combination can help with muscle recovery and keeps you full longer.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares! You can include different nuts like walnuts or pecans, or incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture. If you prefer a more chocolatey taste, adding a handful of dark chocolate chips can introduce a delightful contrast without overpowering the other flavors.

For a richer flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. This will enhance the chocolate notes without compromising the nutritional benefits. Remember to adjust the sweetness slightly if you do this, as cocoa can introduce slightly bitter undertones.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with other nut butters like peanut or cashew butter.

→ How can I make these squares vegan?

Simply replace honey with maple syrup, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly option.

→ Can these squares be frozen?

Absolutely! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for almond flour?

You can use oat flour or whole wheat flour as an alternative, but the texture may vary slightly.