Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Balanced Collection
I absolutely love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares! They’re not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making for a perfect morning treat. The warm cinnamon paired with overripe bananas creates a delightful flavor that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. I appreciate that these squares can be prepared ahead of time, allowing me to savor a guilt-free breakfast even on the busiest mornings. Whether I enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated later, these squares always bring a smile to my face.
I remember the first time I made these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares; the recipe was a happy accident inspired by leftover bananas. As I mashed the fruit, I realized I could incorporate all my favorite breakfast flavors into one perfect treat. Slowly mixing in spices and oats, I encountered a sweet, warm aroma that excited my taste buds.
The key to making them truly special lies in allowing the bananas to ripen sufficiently. The natural sweetness of overripe bananas blends seamlessly with cinnamon, creating a moist texture in each square. Trust me, don’t skip that step—your patience will reward you!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Delightful combination of banana and warm cinnamon
- Perfectly moist texture that holds up well
- Easy to make ahead for busy mornings
Perfecting Your Batter
When making the batter for your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares, ensure that your bananas are well-mashed to avoid any lumps. This step is crucial as it contributes to the overall moistness of the squares. I recommend using a fork or a potato masher to get them smooth. For a twist, experiment with adding a few tablespoons of nut butter for extra creaminess and flavor without compromising the recipe's integrity.
Incorporating the dry ingredients properly is vital for the texture of your breakfast squares. Mix the baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt into the wet ingredients thoroughly before folding in the rolled oats. If you notice the mixture is too thick, a splash of almond milk can help loosen it. This small adjustment will ensure that the oats combine evenly and contribute to a delightful chewiness.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best texture and prevent over-baking, keep a close eye on your squares during baking. You should be looking for a golden edge and a slight springiness when you gently press the center. The recommended baking time is 25 minutes, but every oven is different; make sure to check a bit earlier if you know your oven runs hot. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Once baked, don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing the squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps them set, making them easier to cut without crumbling. If they are too warm, they may fall apart when served. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before slicing to get those perfect squares!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Squares
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Mix all the ingredients until well combined to make the batter.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the rolled oats and walnuts, mixing until combined.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Cut
Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out and cutting into squares.
Enjoy these delicious breakfast squares warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, add dark chocolate chips or seeds for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, cut the squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them an excellent make-ahead breakfast option.
When you’re ready to enjoy your squares, reheating them is simple. Just pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. A drizzle of honey or a smear of almond butter on top before enjoying can elevate the flavors even more!
Variations to Explore
Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins! Adding a half-cup of dark chocolate chips can transform these squares into a delightful dessert treat, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth in the morning. Alternatively, you could swap the walnuts for pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version. This flexibility allows everyone to personalize their breakfast squares while enjoying their wholesome base.
For those looking to lower the sugar content, try substituting the honey or maple syrup with unsweetened applesauce. This not only reduces sweetness but also contributes additional moisture to the squares. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to add depth to the flavor profile. Adjusting these ingredients slightly can lead to a new favorite variation each time you bake!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the honey with a vegan option?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or Agave nectar as a vegan substitute for honey.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I freeze these breakfast squares?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
→ What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
I absolutely love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares! They’re not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making for a perfect morning treat. The warm cinnamon paired with overripe bananas creates a delightful flavor that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. I appreciate that these squares can be prepared ahead of time, allowing me to savor a guilt-free breakfast even on the busiest mornings. Whether I enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated later, these squares always bring a smile to my face.
Created by: Helena Whitby
Recipe Type: Balanced Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 squares
What You'll Need
For the Squares
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the rolled oats and walnuts, mixing until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out and cutting into squares.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, add dark chocolate chips or seeds for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 98mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g