Healthy Apple-Almond Breakfast Squares with Chia Seeds

These nutritious breakfast squares combine the convenience of meal prep with wholesome ingredients. Inspired by Scandinavian breakfast traditions, where open-faced sandwiches meet wholesome grains, I’ve created a protein-rich morning treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of fresh apples, protein-packed almond butter, and omega-rich chia seeds makes these squares a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option.

Prep Time and Yields

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yields: 9 squares

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (320g/11.3 oz), thawed
• ¼ cup (60g) almond butter, natural
• 3 medium apples (about 450g/1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup (25g) rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons (30g) chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15g) melted coconut oil
• Pinch of sea salt

Essential Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Mandoline (optional)
• Mixing bowls

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Core apples and slice thinly (about ⅛ inch)
3. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning
4. Set aside while preparing base

Step 2: Prepare the Base

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Roll puff pastry to 12×12 inch square
3. Transfer to baking sheet
4. Score 1-inch border around edges
5. Dock center area with fork
6. Pre-bake for 10 minutes

Step 3: Layer Components

1. Remove partially baked pastry
2. Spread almond butter evenly within border
3. Arrange apple slices in overlapping pattern
4. Mix oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon
5. Sprinkle mixture over apples
6. Drizzle with honey

Step 4: Final Bake

1. Return to oven for 15-20 minutes
2. Pastry should be golden brown
3. Apples should be tender
4. Cool for 5 minutes

Step 5: Finish and Cut

1. Prepare glaze by mixing ingredients
2. Drizzle warm glaze over squares
3. Cut into 9 equal squares
4. Sprinkle with additional chia seeds

Storage and Serving

• Best served warm or room temperature
• Store in airtight container:
• Room temperature: 1 day
• Refrigerated: 3 days
• Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

Per square:

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 125mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 7g

Pro Tips

1. Choose firm apples that hold shape when baked
2. Warm almond butter slightly for easier spreading
3. Don’t skip pre-baking the pastry base
4. Cut while slightly warm for cleaner slices
5. Toast oats before sprinkling for extra flavor

These breakfast squares offer a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. The combination of almond butter and chia seeds provides sustained energy, while the fresh apples and honey add natural sweetness. They’re an excellent meal prep option for busy mornings, providing both nutrition and satisfaction to start your day.

For best results, enjoy these squares within 15 minutes of baking when the pastry is at its flakiest, or gently reheat before serving. They pair beautifully with a morning coffee or tea and can be customized with seasonal fruit variations throughout the year.