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; 2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond milk; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares. The combination of warm cinnamon and ripe bananas creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also provide a hearty dose of wholesome ingredients that keep me energized throughout the morning. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack, these squares are an excellent way to use up overripe bananas while adding a little sweetness to my daily routine.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:34:14.807Z

When I first made these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares, I was amazed by how simple and satisfying they were. The recipe came together seamlessly, and I loved how the spices complemented the sweetness of the bananas. Each time I bake them, I experiment with the ratio of oats to flour, which can change the texture from chewy to more cake-like.

The secret to achieving the best flavors is allowing the bananas to be nearly overripe. They not only enhance the taste but also add moisture to the squares — a little tip that I always share with friends looking to recreate this recipe. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

        Why You'll Love These Squares
        Hearty and filling, perfect for busy mornings
Warm cinnamon aroma that fills the home
Versatile and easy to customize with nuts or chocolate chips

      

Mastering Texture and Flavor

The texture of your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares hinges on the ripeness of the bananas. The more mature the bananas, the sweeter and softer your squares will be. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots—they should be soft and mushy to ensure a smooth batter. This contributes to a tender, cake-like consistency after baking, as the bananas bind the ingredients together effectively.

When mixing the wet ingredients, it's essential to combine them thoroughly to avoid lumps. Use a fork or potato masher for the bananas, ensuring there are no large chunks left. The goal is to create a homogeneous mix that incorporates all flavors well, which in turn affects the final taste. I recommend mixing for at least 2-3 minutes until you achieve a uniform consistency.

Baking Tips for Success

When you pour the mixture into the baking dish, aim for an even spread across the surface. This helps the squares bake uniformly, resulting in a consistent texture throughout. You can use a spatula to smooth out the top if needed. Keeping an eye on the baking time is also crucial; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a firm texture in the center.

If you find your squares are a bit too crumbly after baking, a simple fix is to consider the amount of liquid in your wet ingredients. A bit more almond milk can be added next time, or you could reduce the baking time slightly for a denser square. On the other hand, if they turn out too moist, adjusting the baking time upward could help achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Ingredients

For the Squares

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Bake the Squares

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool in the dish for 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup, depending on your preference.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just the right amount for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

Reheating is simple: pop the squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat or enjoy them cold. If you prefer a crispier texture, a quick toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes can refresh them perfectly. They can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of yogurt or your favorite nut butter for extra flavor.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Adding a half-cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips can elevate the flavor profile. Pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch, while chocolate chips bring a delightful sweetness that complements the banana. Just remember to fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients to keep the texture light.

For a dairy-free option, almond milk works beautifully, but other alternatives like oat or coconut milk can be used without altering the taste significantly. If you want to reduce sweetness, you can cut back on honey or maple syrup, relying on the natural sugars in the ripe bananas to sweeten the squares adequately.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

→ What if I don’t have bananas?

You can substitute the bananas with unsweetened applesauce, but the flavor and texture will slightly differ.

→ Can I make these squares vegan?

Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and a non-dairy milk to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.

→ How can I customize these squares?

Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor twist!