Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love starting my day with something wholesome and delicious, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become a favorite in our household. They’re not only packed with flavor, but they also fill me up without weighing me down. The combination of almond flavor and vanilla creates such a warm and inviting morning treat. Plus, I can make a batch ahead of time, which makes those busy mornings a lot smoother. Believe me, once you try these, you’ll want them on repeat!
When I first experimented with these breakfast squares, I was looking for something nutritious yet satisfying. The use of oats as the base not only adds fiber but also gives them a hearty texture. I love the subtle sweetness from the vanilla extract, which pairs perfectly with almond flour, creating a lovely flavor combination. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to form something so delightful!
One important tip I discovered is to let the squares cool completely before cutting them. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape better. I like to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost. These squares are perfect for meal prep and make a great grab-and-go breakfast!
Why You Will Love These Squares
- Nutty almond flavor balanced with fragrant vanilla
- Wholesome ingredients that are naturally satisfying
- Perfect for meal prepping for busy mornings
The Importance of Oats and Almond Flour
Rolling oats are the star of this recipe, providing both texture and a hearty base. They are a great source of soluble fiber, which contributes to a feeling of fullness and can help regulate blood sugar levels. When baked, the oats create a satisfying chewiness that complements the nutty flavors beautifully. Opting for gluten-free oats can easily make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without sacrificing taste or texture.
Almond flour adds a delightful nuttiness and moisture to each square. It's rich in healthy fats and protein, making these breakfast squares more satisfying. When choosing almond flour, look for finely ground versions to ensure a smooth consistency in the final product. If you're ever in a pinch, you can substitute it with other nut flours like cashew or hazelnut, but be mindful of the differences in flavor.
Techniques for Perfect Texture
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. You want just enough incorporation to hydrate the oats without making the final product tough. A simple spatula should suffice for folding the mixture together; a heavy hand can lead to dense squares. You also want to ensure the coconut oil is melted but not too hot; if steaming, let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the almond flour prematurely.
Baking time is crucial for achieving that perfectly golden brown top. Set a timer for 25 minutes, but keep an eye out for visual cues—look for the edges turning golden and the center firming up without jiggling. If they seem undercooked after 25 minutes, add another 5 minutes, but avoid overbaking as it can dry them out. Cool completely in the pan for easy cutting into squares without crumbling.
Ingredients
For Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Make sure to mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the honey, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine and Bake
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with sliced almonds. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Cut
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize the nuts or add in dried fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage and Freezing Tips
These Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares are perfect for meal prep! Once fully cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain their freshness and prevent drying out, you can layer parchment paper between the squares. If you wish to make a larger batch, they also freeze well; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, simply microwave a square for about 20–30 seconds, or you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes. They will taste nearly as fresh as when originally baked, making them a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These squares are incredibly versatile! You can enjoy them plain or topped with nut butter, yogurt, or fresh fruit for added nutrition. For a touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top before serving. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg could elevate the flavor profile even further, creating an aromatic experience.
If you're looking to amp up the texture and flavor, feel free to incorporate ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, or even dark chocolate chips. Just keep an eye on the total volume; adding more ingredients may require slight adjustments to wet ingredients to maintain the right consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture will be slightly different.
→ How long do these breakfast squares last?
They can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I substitute the almond flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend instead of almond flour.
→ Is it possible to make these vegan?
Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure the almond milk is plant-based.
Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
I love starting my day with something wholesome and delicious, and these Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares have quickly become a favorite in our household. They’re not only packed with flavor, but they also fill me up without weighing me down. The combination of almond flavor and vanilla creates such a warm and inviting morning treat. Plus, I can make a batch ahead of time, which makes those busy mornings a lot smoother. Believe me, once you try these, you’ll want them on repeat!
What You'll Need
For Vanilla Almond Oat Breakfast Squares
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the honey, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with sliced almonds. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize the nuts or add in dried fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g