Soft, hearty breakfast squares with sweet banana and a golden top. This version is inspired by the photo; the complete original recipe isn’t visible.
Makes: 9 squares
Prep: 10 minutes | Bake: 25–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder, about 25–30 g
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup raisins or chocolate chips, optional
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, yogurt, milk, vanilla, and honey or maple syrup.
- Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Rest the mixture: Let stand for 5–10 minutes so the oats absorb some moisture. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. If very stiff, add 1–2 tablespoons more milk.
- Add the extras: Fold in raisins or chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.
- Bake: Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–35 minutes, until golden and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out without wet batter.
- Cool and slice: Cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes, then lift out and cut into 9 squares. For neat, firm squares like those pictured, let cool completely before slicing.
Tips and variations
- For a finer texture: Briefly pulse half the oats in a blender before mixing.
- Without protein powder: Replace it with ¼ cup oat flour; start with 2 tablespoons milk and add more if needed.
- For natural sweetness: Use very ripe, spotted bananas and omit the honey.
- To serve: Enjoy warm or cold, with yogurt or a drizzle of peanut butter.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave until warm.
Approximate nutrition per square: 150–170 calories and 8–10 g protein, without optional sweetener or mix-ins. Values vary with your yogurt and protein powder.