Whip up these soft-baked Blueberry Oatmeal Squares in for a nourishing breakfast! Packed with juicy blueberries, ripe bananas, and wholesome oats, these squares are a perfect blend of sweetness and nutrition.
Picture this: nestled on your plate, you’ve got these heavenly Oatmeal Squares. They’re soft, they’re baked to that perfect golden brown, and oh boy, they’re brimming with all the wholesome goodness you need to kickstart your day! Yes, say goodbye to those “just coffee” starts because once you sink your teeth into these beauties, you’ll be hooked!
Oat recipes are my jam! From the cozy delight of Baked Oatmeal With Protein Powder to the sweet satisfaction of an Apple Pie Smoothie With Oats, each one is a flavour adventure waiting to happen.
My breakfast on-the-go
I absolutely adore these as a speedy breakfast on the go, especially alongside a steaming cup of chai. It’s a morning party in a bite! As a dietitian, I know the importance of mindful eating, even when life’s a whirlwind. So, while we may not always have time for a sit-down breakfast, you’ll find us savouring every delicious bite—even if it’s in the car!
Can’t-miss nutrition highlights
Let’s talk health benefits, shall we?
- Heart Happy: Thanks to oats’ soluble fibre, these squares are champions at keeping your ticker in shape. They help lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling satisfied.
- Nutrient Boost: Each square delivers a punch of fibre, vitamin C, iron, and a bunch of other essential nutrients your body craves.
- Gut Love: Oats aren’t just fibre buddies; they’re also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness, keeping your gut smiling and your immune system strong!
Ingredients: What You Need
Gather up these goodies:
- Bananas: Ripe and ready to bring the sweetness.
- Apple Sauce: Moisture – without the fuss!
- Maple Syrup: A touch of liquid gold.
- Eggs: The binding agents that also pack a protein punch.
- Rolled Oats: The heart and soul of these squares.
- Blueberries: Little bursts of juicy goodness.
- Vanilla & Cardamom: Because flavour is never negotiable.
- Walnuts: Optional, but highly recommended for that extra crunch.
Instructions
The ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Vegan substitution
For a vegan twist, you can swap out the eggs with flax eggs. To make flax eggs, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then use it as a replacement for each egg in the recipe.
Food safe storage
Keep your squares fresh and fabulous by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. And if you want to prevent any stickiness, just pop a bit of parchment paper between each square—easy peasy! This method ensures they stay delicious and easily accessible for up to three days.
If you try this easy recipe with oats, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag #desiliciousrd on Instagram. Seeing your creations makes my day!
Video
Ingredients
- 2 bananas, ripe, small
- ¼ cup apple sauce, unsweetened
- 2 tbsp maple syrup, dark, pure
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, pure
- 5 cardamoms, green, seeds only, crushed
- 2 eggs, medium size, beaten
- 1 cup rolled oats, old fashioned oats (rolled oats vs. quick oats: what's the difference?)
- ⅓ cup blueberries, fresh, washed, dried,
- 2 tbsp walnuts, plain
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Allow some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork.
- Add applesauce, maple, vanilla, cardamom and eggs and mix with a whisk, spatula or spoon.
- Add rolled oats and blueberries – reserving a few for the top. Carefully combine, being mindful not to over-mix.
- Once the ingredients are mixed, transfer the mixture to the loaf pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten the top.
- Sprinkle the top with the saved blueberries, some oats and chopped walnuts.
- Send to bake (middle shelf) for 30 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the oatmeal loaf from the pan and set it aside to cool at room temperature. Then cut it into six square slices and enjoy.
Notes
Tips and substitutions
- Ripe Bananas for Sweetness: Opt for the ripest bananas available to achieve that perfect sweetness level in your recipe.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan twist, swap out eggs with flax eggs—it’s a simple yet effective alteration.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits like strawberries, apricots, or rhubarb to add diverse flavours to your squares.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Elevate the richness by tossing in a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for that extra depth.
- Individual Portions: Use a muffin pan to create individual baked oatmeal cups, perfect for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Spice It Up: Garnish your squares with spices like ginger powder or pumpkin pie spice to impart a flavorful kick.
- Tantalizing Toppings: Let your creativity soar! Consider toppings like chopped almonds, pecans, shredded coconut, chia/hemp seeds, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavour.
- Mug-Friendly Variation: Simplify with a mug version! Pour half the mixture into a microwave-safe mug and cook for 2-4 minutes on high power for a quick individual serving.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
What can I use instead of applesauce in this recipe? I am not a fan of applesauce. Please advise. Thank you. BTW. I love your recipes.
Hi Shaherose, That’s super kind of you to say – thank you! Heads up, you don’t actually taste the applesauce, if that helps. You could try pumpkin puree or peanut butter or increase the banana. Please let me know how it turns out as the exture may change ever so slightly. Best wishes, Shahzadi:)
Perfect for make-ahead breaky or a mid-afternoon snack!
(Review provided by family member)
oh yes, Karim! They’re perfect for breakfast and healthy snacking! 🙂