There are few things in life that are more satisfying that a warm cup of coffee and a fresh-baked pastry.

Whether it’s a tasty breakfast or a little afternoon snack, my go-to treat has always been a sweet almond croissant. The problem is that one croissant can so easily turn to two, and two to three, and three to — well, let’s just stop at three.

But that’s why I love this week’s recipe.

My Baked Almond Croissant Squares are a delicious and healthy alternative to your favorite pastries, full of fiber and protein to keep you satisfied longer.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana

• 1/3 cup almond flour

• 1 cup oat flour (or ground-up oats)

• 1 scoop protein powder (optional) — if omitting, substitute extra 1/2 cup oat flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tsp almond extract

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup milk (add more if too thick)

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

• Powdered sugar or caster sugar to top (optional)

Fill Yourself Up 

Unlike the refined grain flour used in most baked goods, oat flour is full of complex carbs and fiber which will fill you up much more quickly. These complex carbs are significantly slower to digest, which means that you’ll remain satisfied for longer, keeping you from overeating and promoting healthy weight management.

And like oatmeal, oat flour is full of tons of other nutrients that can help lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, and improve your gut health!

Go Dairy Free

While including Greek yogurt in the recipe helps make these almond croissant squares extra dense and gooey, there are plenty of alternatives if you want to go dairy free. You can consider popular non-dairy yogurts such as coconut milk, cashew milk, or almond milk yogurts to maintain some of the same textures.

And when it comes to milk, I love going with almond milk for this recipe, but really any alternative milk works.

All About Almonds

It should go without saying, but when it comes to this recipe, almonds are sort of a big deal.

From the almond flour to the almond extract and slivered almonds, it’s going to be impossible to miss out on that smooth and sweet almond flavor. And if that’s not enough for you, swap in almond milk and almond-milk yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, and you’re looking at almonds five ways!

Like with the oat flour, almonds are full of proteins and fibers that will help fill you up quickly and keep you satiated. They are also high in antioxidants, vitamin E, and numerous other nutrients that will aid in a healthy diet.

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mash up the banana in a large mixing bowl.

3. Add in almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together.

4. Mix in honey, Greek yogurt, milk, almond extract, and the egg. Whisk together.

5. In a small 8x8 baking dish, grease the sides or line with parchment paper.

6. Pour mixture into baking dish and top with the slivered almonds.

7. Cook for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Top with powdered sugar or caster sugar if desired and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!