Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares

Name: Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Favorites

I love starting my day with something delicious and healthy, and these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares are just perfect! The blend of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon creates a delightful treat that not only satisfies my sweet cravings but also fuels me for the day ahead. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy mornings or a cozy brunch. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you can grab one on your way out the door!

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:50:38.308Z

When I first tried making these breakfast squares, I was looking for a way to use up some ripe bananas. To my delight, the combination of cinnamon and bananas not only adds flavor but also transforms the texture into something incredibly moist and satisfying. I love how they bake up, puffing beautifully while filling my kitchen with a comforting aroma.

One key tip I discovered during my baking experiments is to slightly under-bake them. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for breakfast or a snack. They taste even better the next day, making them a fantastic make-ahead option!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously moist texture from ripe bananas
Warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen
Quick and easy to prepare for busy mornings

The Role of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for achieving the perfect moisture and natural sweetness in these breakfast squares. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste and a softer texture. The ideal bananas for this recipe should have a few brown spots, indicating they are overripe. You can even freeze overly ripe bananas for later use; just thaw them before mashing to get the same delicious effect.

Another great benefit of ripe bananas is that they allow you to reduce added sugars without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer even less sweetness, you can adjust the honey or maple syrup, starting with 1/3 cup and testing the batter for your taste. Just keep in mind that the batter's consistency will be slightly affected, necessitating less flour if you reduce sweetness significantly.

Perfecting Your Bake

Baking these squares to perfection is about finding that sweet spot between moist and overdone. Keep an eye on the time; start checking for doneness around 25 minutes, inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, indicating the squares are perfectly done. If you notice the edges browning faster than the center, you can cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking while the middle cooks through.

The texture of these breakfast squares is meant to be moist but firm enough to hold their shape once cooled. If you prefer a slightly denser square, consider adding 1/4 cup of oats to the batter. This addition not only provides a pleasing texture but also boosts the nutritional value, making your breakfast even heartier.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for these delightful breakfast squares.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for a smooth preparation process.

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the steps of making these delicious breakfast squares.

Preheat Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

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

Enjoy your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter before baking!

Make-Ahead Options

These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares store well in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator, making them an ideal choice for meal prep. You can bake a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy a quick breakfast every morning. Just reheat a square in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up before eating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the squares. Cut them into individual pieces, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, or pop one in the microwave straight from the freezer for a quick treat.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to customize these breakfast squares based on your preferences! For a chocolatey twist, add a 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the batter. Alternatively, swap in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a chewier texture and additional flavor. Just remember to keep the total mix-in volume around 1/2 to 3/4 cup to maintain the desired texture.

If you're looking to increase the nutritional profile, try folding in 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seeds. Not only will they bump up the fiber content, but they also add a nice nutty flavor. Just be cautious if adjusting other liquids, as these add-ins can absorb moisture from the batter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these squares vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I freeze these breakfast squares?

Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!

→ What can I serve with these breakfast squares?

They pair wonderfully with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra protein.