Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Squares

Name: Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/3 cup melted coconut oil; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Meals

I love starting my day with these delightful Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Squares. They're not only deliciously moist but also packed with the goodness of bananas and the warm spice of cinnamon. Each square is a little burst of flavor that fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making breakfast feel like a treat. They’re quick to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or a comforting brunch with friends. I often make a batch on the weekends and enjoy them throughout the week for an energizing breakfast option.

Created by

Xenia Radcliffe

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:49:36.368Z

Baking these Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Squares became a weekend tradition for me. The first time I made them, I was amazed at how simple the process was. Just mash the ripe bananas, mix in the ingredients, and bake! I love how the cinnamon enhances the banana flavor, making each bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly morning.

Over time, I experimented with adding a handful of walnuts or a sprinkle of oats for added texture. This not only makes them heartier but also gives them a satisfying crunch. These squares reheat beautifully, so they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go option during the week!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist texture from ripe bananas that you'll crave
Warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen
Easy to make with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy mornings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, contributing moisture and natural sweetness. When choosing bananas, look for ones with brown spots as they are overripe and will mash easily, giving your squares that decadent texture. The more mashed and liquidy the bananas, the more moist your breakfast squares will be. This is crucial because it helps prevent the final product from being dry or crumbly, making each bite a delicious and moist experience.

The binding properties of eggs play a significant role in creating the right texture for these breakfast squares. They not only help hold the other ingredients together but also provide structure and richness. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal—mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens, mimicking the binding action of eggs.

Baking Tips for Perfect Squares

To ensure even cooking, spread your batter evenly across the baking pan. Using a spatula can help achieve a smooth surface, allowing heat to circulate uniformly, which helps to avoid undercooked centers or overcooked edges. Keep an eye on baking time; every oven is different. It's wise to begin checking around the 20-minute mark. You’ll know they’re ready when the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling the squares in the pan first is a key step to maintain their shape and prevent them from falling apart. After about 10 minutes of cooling in the pan, transferring to a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides, helping the squares set properly. This step is essential if you wish to preserve their texture—too much moisture trapped can lead to sogginess.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Squares are incredibly versatile when it comes to storage. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps them just as delicious as when freshly baked!

For serving, these breakfast squares pair wonderfully with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt, providing an extra layer of flavor. You could also add fresh slices of banana on top or sprinkle some extra walnuts for added crunch. Consider serving these with a side of fresh fruit to brighten your breakfast plate and create a fulfilling meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Mix everything well for a delicious breakfast treat!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your breakfast squares:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and rolled oats.

Combine All Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. If using, add the chopped walnuts at this stage.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Cool and Slice

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!

These squares are perfect for a healthy breakfast on the go!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try drizzling some honey on top or serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead Ideas

These breakfast squares are a great option for meal prep. You can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also saves you precious time in the morning. Just pour the batter into the greased pan and bake it fresh when you're ready. This strategy means you can enjoy the warm, fragrant goodness as part of your breakfast routine throughout the week!

Additionally, consider mixing in other ingredients like shredded coconut or dried fruits for variety in your breakfast squares. You can also experiment with spices—adding nutmeg or cardamom could elevate the flavor profile. Just remember that any add-ins should not exceed the known ingredient quantities to maintain the right texture.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

To cater to different taste preferences or dietary needs, feel free to customize your breakfast squares. For a chocolatey twist, fold in half a cup of dark chocolate chips just before baking; they’ll melt delectably into the batter while baking. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace rolled oats with gluten-free oats or almond flour. This maintains the structure without compromising on flavor.

You can also add in fresh or frozen blueberries for a summery flavor or swap walnuts for pecans for a different nutty profile. These variations not only change the taste experience but also keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to seasonal ingredients or pantry favorites.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your squares come out too dense, check if you overmixed the batter. Overmixing can develop the oats too much, leading to a heavy, less appealing texture. Mixing until just combined is key here. Also, ensure you're using ripe bananas, as unripe bananas will not provide the necessary sweetness or moisture, compromising the overall outcome of your squares.

Should your squares fall apart while slicing, this indicates they may not have cooled sufficiently or may be underbaked. Always allow the squares to cool in the pan for at least ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you notice the top is golden but the center is still wet, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes; just watch closely to avoid burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How long do these squares last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make these squares gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free rolled oats in the recipe.

→ Is it possible to substitute the eggs?

Yes, you can use flax eggs or applesauce for an egg-free version.