Vanilla Almond Breakfast Squares

Name: Vanilla Almond Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 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; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Highlighted under: Fresh Kitchen

I love starting my day with these Vanilla Almond Breakfast Squares. They are not only deliciously flavored with vanilla and almond but also packed with nutritious ingredients to keep me energized through the morning. The combination of oats, almonds, and honey creates a delightful balance of texture and sweetness. I often prep a batch on the weekend to have a quick and healthy breakfast option ready for those busy weekday mornings. Plus, they make perfect snacks for kids or a sweet treat any time of the day!

Created by

Maribel Hawthorne

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:02:47.487Z

When I first came across this recipe for Vanilla Almond Breakfast Squares, I was drawn in by the simplicity and the healthy ingredients. After trying it out, I found that the combination of rolled oats and almond flour provides a wonderful texture while still being nutritious. I also like to add a touch of cinnamon for that extra warmth.

One of my favorite things about these squares is how versatile they are. You can switch up the nuts or add some dried fruit according to your preferences. After much trial and error, I discovered that letting the mixture sit for a few minutes before baking helps the oats absorb moisture, resulting in a perfectly chewy yet firm base!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delicious almond and vanilla aroma wafting through your kitchen
Nutritious and filling, perfect for busy mornings
Customizable with your favorite nuts or dried fruits

Understanding the Ingredients

The base of these Breakfast Squares is a delightful blend of rolled oats and almond flour, which together provide a hearty texture and essential nutrients. Rolled oats are not only a great source of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full, but they also add a chewy consistency that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of almond butter. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and further boosts the protein content, making these squares an ideal choice for a satisfying breakfast.

Honey or maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener, balancing the earthy notes of the almonds and oats. If you prefer a lower glycemic index option, you can substitute with agave nectar or even a sugar alternative like stevia. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste, as some sweeteners are sweeter than honey or maple syrup.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When baking the Vanilla Almond Breakfast Squares, achieving the right consistency is key. After 25 minutes, look for a golden-brown top and edges that are starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. This is a sign that the squares are fully set. If you notice them browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning.

Letting the squares cool completely in the pan is crucial for easy cutting. If you try to cut them too soon, they might crumble. Once cooled, the parchment paper allows for a clean lift out of the dish, ensuring you retain their shape while cutting into neat squares. A sharp knife works best for clean cuts, and if you find the edges uneven, simply trim them off for a polished look.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your breakfast squares:

Ingredients

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

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your breakfast squares:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Bake

Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow to cool completely in the dish before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into squares.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or sweeteners based on your personal taste or dietary preferences.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Vanilla Almond Breakfast Squares can be made in advance, making them perfect for busy mornings. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze portions by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

For a quick breakfast option during the week, stick one in your bag for a grab-and-go meal. You can even warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them a bit warm. This versatility ensures that you have a nourishing breakfast readily available, no matter how hectic your morning becomes.

Customizing Your Squares

Feel free to get creative with these breakfast squares! You can add a variety of extras such as shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may require slight adjustments in the ratios of wet to dry components to maintain the structure of the squares. For instance, if you add fruit, reduce the amount of honey slightly to prevent them from becoming overly sweet and sticky.

If you want to make these squares vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure the almond butter is free of any animal by-products. This makes the squares accessible for everyone while still maintaining that rich, delicious flavor that makes them irresistible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture might be slightly different.

→ How do I store these breakfast squares?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! They freeze well, and you can thaw them as needed.

→ What can I substitute for almond flour?

You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend if desired.