Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares

Name: Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas); 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup fresh blueberries; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Haven

I absolutely adore these Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares! They combine the tartness of fresh blueberries with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon in a chewy oat base. Every bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and freshness. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, I find myself reaching for these squares throughout the day. Plus, they’re simple to make and a great way to enjoy heart-healthy oats. You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for those busy mornings when time is of the essence!

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:01:36.749Z

When I was experimenting in the kitchen, I wanted to create a healthy treat that wouldn’t feel like a compromise on flavor. After several tests, I realized combining tart blueberries with a hint of lemon brought these oat squares to life. The fresh zest elevates the flavor profile, making them irresistible!

I also discovered that letting the squares cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape better. This little trick ensures each piece is perfect with a crisp edge and soft center, perfect for enjoying any time of day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor that perfectly complements lemon zest
Chewy texture from oats that feels satisfying without being heavy
Great for meal prep—easy to grab and go in the morning

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients in these Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares are rolled oats, which provide a hearty base. Oats not only add a chewy texture but also contribute essential fiber that keeps you full and satisfied. Opt for rolled oats rather than instant or quick oats, as they will hold their shape better during baking, leading to a more enjoyable texture.

The bananas serve a dual purpose: they act as a natural sweetener while also binding the ingredients together. Mashed ripe bananas add moisture to the squares, reducing the need for excess fat. If you're in a pinch, unsweetened applesauce can be substituted for bananas, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Baking Tips for Perfect Squares

When mixing your ingredients, ensure that the banana is fully mashed to create a smooth batter. Any lumps may hinder the consistency of the baked squares. After you've combined the wet ingredients, it's crucial to not overmix once adding the dry ingredients; otherwise, the texture could become too dense. Aim for a just combined mix, ensuring not to break the blueberries too much.

Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the moisture content of the fruit. Keep an eye on the edges of the mixture; they should appear golden brown. If the center still looks undercooked, you may need to bake it for a few extra minutes, but always check to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the squares.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares:

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup fresh blueberries
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to use fresh blueberries for best flavor. Frozen can be used but may alter the texture slightly.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares:

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until combined and then gently fold in the blueberries.

Bake the Mixture

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the blueberries with other berries based on your preference or what’s in season. Adding nuts can give an extra crunch and boost in nutritional value.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to five days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Cut the squares into servings before wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. They thaw easily and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a quick snack.

To reheat, simply microwave a square for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. This can bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, especially comforting on those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast.

Flavor Variations

While the blueberry and lemon combination is wonderfully refreshing, you can easily customize these squares to suit your taste. For a berry medley, feel free to substitute half of the blueberries with diced strawberries or raspberries for a unique twist. If you're a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch and nutrition.

For a touch of spice, sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients. This will deepen the flavor profile without overpowering the fresh citrus and berry notes, making for a delightful morning treat or snack.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but fresh blueberries are preferred for texture and flavor. If using frozen, add them straight from the freezer without thawing.

→ How do I store the Blueberry Lemon Oat Squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Absolutely! You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as an alternative.

→ What can I use instead of bananas?

You can use applesauce as a substitute for bananas, though this may slightly change the flavor and texture.