Banana Oat Squares

It has been a crazy busy weekend, but since the squares i made last week did not turn out as well as i had hoped, i decided to make these for this afternoon's shower instead. This square is slightly healthier than the last few that i have taken from my square recipe book, and reminds me a lot of these cookies that i tried last Autumn.

Banana Oat Squares


6 Tbsp butter or hard margarine, softened.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed.
1 large egg.
3/4 cup mashed banana (about 1 + 1/2 medium)
1/4 tsp salt.
2 cups quick cooking rolled oats.
1/3 cup chopped walnuts.

Beat butter and brown sugar in medium bowl. Add egg. Beat well. Add banana and salt, beat until well combined.
Add rolled oats and walnuts, stir until combined. Spread evenly in greased 8 X 8 inch pan. Bake at 350 F oven for about 55 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Let stand in pan on wire rack until cool. Cuts into 25 squares.

I took liberties with the recipe and drizzled dark chocolate over the cut squares. I also added about 1/8 tsp nutmeg, but i could not taste it; next time i will have to add more. The batter mixed up quickly, and easily spread into the pan; not a single fight to it! This is a great beginner recipe.

I sprayed the pan instead of greasing it, and all i had to do was flip it and the giant square popped right out. I checked it after 50 minutes, and it was getting crispy, so keep an eye on the oven after 45 minutes.

I had to cut when they were still a bit warm, i figured i they would cool faster with the air circulating since i only have a couple hours before i have to leave. The edges crumbled a bit, but nothing worth panicking over. I tried the crispy edges that i had chopped off and they are delicious!  I know these will be a healthy hit this afternoon! Hope everyone is having a good weekend!