Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Daily Meals
I love starting my mornings with something wholesome and delicious, and these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares deliver just that. The combination of ripe bananas and warming cinnamon creates a comforting treat that’s not only easy to make but also nutritious. Each bite is soft and flavorful, perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack throughout the day. I often make a batch on Sundays to enjoy during the week. You can even customize them with nuts or chocolate bits for an extra indulgence!
When I first tried making breakfast squares, I experimented with various flavors until I landed on this Cinnamon Banana version. The result was so delightful that it quickly became a staple in our home. The natural sweetness from the bananas means you can reduce added sugars, making it a healthier option for breakfast.
I love how simple it is to throw together. Just mash ripe bananas, mix with oats, and sprinkle in some cinnamon. It’s particularly satisfying to cut into the squares and see those golden edges, showing just how perfectly they baked. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making mornings even easier!
Why You Will Love These Squares
- Delicious banana flavor with a hint of warm cinnamon
- Makes for a quick and nutritious breakfast on the go
- Easily customizable with nuts, chocolate, or dried fruit
Ingredient Highlights
The star of these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares is, of course, the ripe bananas. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, resulting in a soft texture that binds the squares together. Choose bananas that are speckled and overripe for the best flavor. Not only do they enhance the taste, but they also serve as a natural sweetener, allowing you to reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Rolled oats play a crucial role in the structure of these squares. They contribute heartiness and fiber, making the breakfast both sustaining and nutritious. When baked, oats absorb moisture and become tender, creating a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft banana. If you're gluten-sensitive, using certified gluten-free rolled oats is an easy swap that keeps the integrity of the recipe intact.
Customizing Your Squares
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to add your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch, while dark chocolate chips can bring a touch of indulgence. Just be cautious with portions; I recommend keeping add-ins to around a half-cup to maintain the correct texture and baking time.
If you're looking for a different flavor profile, consider tossing in dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins. These add another layer of sweetness and chewiness. Keep in mind that adding too much extra ingredient may require slight adjustments in baking time, so keep an eye on your squares towards the end of baking for that golden crust.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious breakfast squares.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure to measure out your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour and Bake
Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy warm or store them for later!
Store any leftover squares in an airtight container for freshness!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or a handful of dark chocolate chips before baking. These squares are also great topped with yogurt or fresh fruits.
Storing and Reheating
These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for a week or frozen for up to three months. Just cut your squares into portions before freezing; this way, you can easily take out only what you need each day.
To reheat, simply pop a square in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warm. If you prefer, the oven can be used to bring back some crispness—just place them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method will revive the delightful soft and slightly chewy texture.
Common Troubleshooting
If your squares turn out too dry, this could be due to overbaking or not using enough ripe bananas. Keep an eye on the baking time, and check for doneness at the 20-minute mark. They should be golden and set in the middle. If you happen to skip the almond milk or use too many oats, it can lead to a drier result as well, so ensure you’re following the ingredient ratios closely.
On the other hand, if your squares don't hold together well, this may happen if the mixture was not mixed enough or if you didn't let it cool adequately before cutting. Make sure the wet and dry ingredients are combined thoroughly, and letting the squares rest in the pan for ten minutes before slicing can help them firm up for better cuts.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use almond milk or any other plant-based milk.
→ How should I store the breakfast squares?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these squares?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
→ What can I add to customize these squares?
You can add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
I love starting my mornings with something wholesome and delicious, and these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares deliver just that. The combination of ripe bananas and warming cinnamon creates a comforting treat that’s not only easy to make but also nutritious. Each bite is soft and flavorful, perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack throughout the day. I often make a batch on Sundays to enjoy during the week. You can even customize them with nuts or chocolate bits for an extra indulgence!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy warm or store them for later!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or a handful of dark chocolate chips before baking. These squares are also great topped with yogurt or fresh fruits.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g