Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares

Name: Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups oats (rolled or quick); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Planning

I love starting my day with something that's not only delicious but also easy to make, and these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares perfectly fit the bill. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of warmth from cinnamon, every bite is a delightful experience. These squares are not just a treat for the palate; they are also a wholesome way to fuel my morning. Whether it's a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend, these breakfast squares are always a hit.

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-21T21:41:34.704Z

When I first experimented with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares, I wanted to create a wholesome breakfast option that didn’t require too much time in the kitchen. Using ripe bananas not only adds natural sweetness but also helps to bind the squares together, eliminating the need for excessive added sugars or fats. I found that the secret lies in letting the banana flavor shine through, enhanced by a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. I’ve made them with oats, and they maintain a wonderful texture while being nutritious at the same time. If you want to add a little extra flair, consider tossing in some chopped nuts or a few chocolate chips. Each variation is sure to please!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and fluffy texture that feels delightful with every bite
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas for a healthier option
Versatile and easy to customize with different mix-ins

The Importance of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is key to achieving the most flavorful and moist Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, enhancing natural sweetness and providing a great texture. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; these are perfect for baking. If you have overripe bananas that are already turning black, those can be used as well since they'll contribute even more moisture and flavor to your squares.

If you find yourself without ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake unripe bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until their skins turn black, making them softer and sweeter for your recipe.

Customizing Your Breakfast Squares

One of the best parts about these breakfast squares is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For example, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch, or fold in some dark chocolate chips for an indulgent twist. To make them even more nutritious, try mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you add more sweet ingredients.

If you're looking to make these squares vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup as it works perfectly with the other flavors. Moreover, using plant-based milk will maintain the squares' moisture without compromising flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

After baking, allow your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares to cool completely before cutting and storing. These squares can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option. For longer storage, consider freezing individual squares. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they will last up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Serving suggestions are as varied as your taste buds! Enjoy them plain, or drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. Pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost. For a delightful twist, consider cutting them into smaller bites and serving them as a healthy snack at your next gathering.

Ingredients

For the Breakfast Squares

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups oats (rolled or quick)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), milk, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the mixture before baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your breakfast squares feel too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ones. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine! Additionally, if your squares are turning out too dry, make sure your bananas are ripe enough—under-ripened bananas lack the moisture necessary for a fluffy texture.

On the other hand, if you notice the squares are too moist or gooey after baking, they might need more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Scaling the Recipe

To make a larger batch of Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares, simply double the amounts in the original recipe and use a larger baking pan—an 8x12-inch pan works well for a doubled version. Keep in mind that you may need to extend the baking time slightly, so start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark, adding additional time if needed.

Conversely, if you're looking to make a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller square pan, like a 6-inch version, which will yield about six generous squares. Be sure to adjust the baking time correspondingly, as smaller batches usually bake a bit faster.

Flavor Variations

For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. These will elevate the taste profile and offer a warm, inviting aroma when baking. Additionally, mixing in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or almond butter into the wet ingredients can provide a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the banana perfectly.

Don't hesitate to experiment with spices. A teaspoon of pumpkin spice or chai spice blend could add an interesting twist for seasonal variations. Tailoring your squares with flavors that align with your mood or the time of year can keep things exciting and fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.

→ How should I store these breakfast squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute oats with a different grain?

Absolutely! You can use other grains like quinoa or buckwheat, but adjust the liquid accordingly.

→ Are these breakfast squares gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, these squares can be gluten-free.