Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love starting my day with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have become my go-to choice. They’re not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that keep me full and energized. The delightful combination of vanilla and almond makes every bite a treat. Plus, they’re perfect for busy mornings when I need something quick to grab and go! Trust me, a batch of these squares is sure to brighten any day.
When I first experimented with creating a healthy breakfast option that I could prepare in advance, I knew I wanted to incorporate oats and nut flavors. After several trials, I finally hit upon this delightful blend of vanilla and almond that not only tastes amazing but also provides a great source of energy to kickstart my morning.
These squares are incredibly versatile; sometimes I add a handful of dried fruits or seeds to the mix for a bit of extra texture and flavor. The method really works due to the balance of wet and dry ingredients, allowing the squares to hold together perfectly during baking. Trust me, once you try these, you'll keep them stocked in your kitchen!
Why You'll Love These Squares
- Bursting with natural vanilla flavor and crunchy almonds
- Nutritious oats provide lasting energy for your day
- Easily customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
The star of these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares is undoubtedly the rolled oats. They not only provide a hearty base but also contribute dietary fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer. When selecting oats, opt for certified gluten-free oat varieties if you have gluten sensitivities. The almond flour adds a delightful nutty flavor and moisture, complementing the oats while enhancing the overall texture of the squares, making them chewy yet satisfying.
Honey or maple syrup serves as the primary sweetener, imparting natural sweetness and helping bind the mixture together. If you're looking for a sugar-free alternative, consider using ripe mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce to maintain the desired consistency. The almond and vanilla extracts elevate the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness with aromatic notes that make each bite a delight!
Baking and Storage Tips
Baking at 350°F (175°C) is ideal for achieving perfectly golden and chewy squares. Keep an eye on them for the last few minutes of baking; they are ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Overbaking can lead to dry squares, so it's crucial to check for doneness as ovens may vary slightly in temperature.
Once baked, allow the squares to cool completely in the pan; this is essential for setting their shape. To store, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to a week and can also be refrigerated for longer freshness, up to two weeks. For extended storage, freeze the squares by cutting them into portions and wrapping them tightly before placing them in a freezer bag.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried fruit or chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients together for a delicious breakfast treat!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to distribute.
Combine wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine all ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in the chopped almonds and any optional ingredients you desire.
Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and cut
Allow to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious breakfast squares!
Pro Tips
- For added sweetness, you can top the squares with a drizzle of honey before serving. These squares store well in an airtight container for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Customizing Your Breakfast Squares
One of the great things about these breakfast squares is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can swap out the chopped almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds to suit dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Adding different kinds of dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, can introduce a tartness that balances the sweetness effectively, allowing for a variety of flavor profiles.
If you're a chocolate fan, consider folding in some dark or white chocolate chips along with the nuts. This creates a decadent treat that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Just remember, if you opt for additional sweet ingredients, you may want to slightly reduce the amount of honey or syrup.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares make an excellent base for toppings. Try spreading a layer of nut butter or Greek yogurt on top, along with fresh fruits such as sliced bananas or berries for added nutrition. This not only enhances the flavor but also transforms the squares into a more balanced meal, perfect for those busy mornings.
For a cozy twist, warm the squares slightly in the microwave and serve them alongside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea. You can even crumble the squares over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunch factor, making for an enjoyable and versatile breakfast option every day of the week!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives.
→ How do I store the squares?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
→ Can I add different nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or mix in your favorite nuts.
→ Are these breakfast squares gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by ensuring your oats and almond flour are certified gluten-free.
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
I absolutely love starting my day with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have become my go-to choice. They’re not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that keep me full and energized. The delightful combination of vanilla and almond makes every bite a treat. Plus, they’re perfect for busy mornings when I need something quick to grab and go! Trust me, a batch of these squares is sure to brighten any day.
Created by: Imogen Walker
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 squares
What You'll Need
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried fruit or chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to distribute.
In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in the chopped almonds and any optional ingredients you desire.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Extra Tips
- For added sweetness, you can top the squares with a drizzle of honey before serving. These squares store well in an airtight container for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g