Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Balanced Meals
I absolutely love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With the sweetness of ripe bananas combined with a touch of cinnamon, every bite feels like a warm hug. I often whip these up on weekends to enjoy with a nice cup of coffee, and they always disappear quickly. The best part is you can prepare the batter in just a few minutes, making it a hassle-free breakfast option for busy mornings!
When I first tried making Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients transformed into something so delightful and satisfying. The aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible, and it always brings back fond memories of cozy mornings with my family. I prefer using overly ripe bananas as they provide natural sweetness, which helps reduce added sugars.
One key tip I've found is to let the squares cool completely before cutting them. This way, they hold their shape beautifully, which is perfect for serving. I often add a sprinkle of walnuts or chocolate chips on top for an extra treat. Once you try them, I’m sure you'll keep coming back for more!
Why You Will Love These Squares
- Sweet and fragrant combination of bananas and cinnamon
- Perfectly moist texture that’s surprisingly light
- Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy mornings
Baking Tips for Perfect Breakfast Squares
To achieve the perfect texture for your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares, it’s crucial to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your squares will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel, as they'll add natural sweetness and moisture to the dish. Mash them well to ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the batter. If you find yourself with overripe bananas, this is the perfect use for them.
When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, be mindful not to overmix the batter. Gently folding the ingredients together until just combined helps retain a light and airy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense squares, which is not ideal for a breakfast treat. I usually stop mixing as soon as no dry flour is visible to ensure they stay moist and fluffy.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to make this recipe healthier, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients and fiber. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, but it complements the moistness of the bananas nicely. Alternatively, gluten-free flour blends can be used to cater to gluten sensitivities, just be sure they include xanthan gum for structure.
For a twist on flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Chopped walnuts or pecans not only enhance the texture but also add a delightful crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can elevate the sweetness without overpowering the banana and cinnamon flavors. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the baking dish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to start making your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares:
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Once all the ingredients are ready, you'll be able to create something truly special!
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let's start making these amazing breakfast squares:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten egg. Mix well until smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Pour into the Baking Dish
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the squares to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy!
Your delicious Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares are ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For added texture, you can mix in nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. These squares can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares can be made ahead and stored for busy mornings. After they have cooled completely, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, for longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze them. They can last up to two months in the freezer, and when you're ready to enjoy, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed.
If you plan to serve these warm, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) and place the squares in for about 10 minutes. This will refresh their texture and flavor, making them taste freshly baked. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out.
Serving Suggestions
These breakfast squares are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your breakfast experience by serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the banana flavor perfectly, while the honey adds an extra hint of sweetness. Regulate the proportions according to your taste preference, and you'll have a balanced breakfast.
For a more decadent option, try spreading almond butter or peanut butter on top of each square. This not only adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with banana but also increases the protein content, making your breakfast more filling. You can also sprinkle some chia seeds or sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nutrition.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute bananas with applesauce or mashed pumpkin for a different flavor.
→ How can I make these squares healthier?
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar by half.
→ Can I freeze the breakfast squares?
Absolutely! Wrap the squares individually in plastic wrap and freeze. They can be enjoyed later after a quick reheat.
→ What can I serve with these breakfast squares?
These squares pair wonderfully with yogurt or any nut butter for an extra filling meal!
Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
I absolutely love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With the sweetness of ripe bananas combined with a touch of cinnamon, every bite feels like a warm hug. I often whip these up on weekends to enjoy with a nice cup of coffee, and they always disappear quickly. The best part is you can prepare the batter in just a few minutes, making it a hassle-free breakfast option for busy mornings!
Created by: Belinda Fraser
Recipe Type: Balanced Meals
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 squares
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten egg. Mix well until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the squares to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added texture, you can mix in nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. These squares can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 145mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g