Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Sweet Inspiration
I love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares! They are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. With ripe bananas and the warm spice of cinnamon, every bite feels like a cozy hug. I often make a batch at the beginning of the week, and they last perfectly for quick breakfasts or snacks. The best part? They’re easy to make and delightful to share with family or friends, making mornings a little more special.
These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares have become a staple in my kitchen. After experimenting with various healthy breakfast options, I discovered that combining oats with mashed bananas creates not only a wonderfully moist texture but also a natural sweetness that eliminates the need for added sugars. I've tried different variations, but the classic cinnamon and banana combo always wins!
One of my favorite tips is to use overly ripe bananas; they not only enhance the flavor but also help in keeping the squares tender. Whether I enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated later, their comforting aroma fills my home and makes breakfast feel special every time.
Why You'll Love These
- Deliciously sweet with a hint of cinnamon warmth
- Nutritious and perfect for meal prep
- Great for both breakfast and snack time
Ingredient Insights
The star of these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares is the ripe bananas. They not only provide natural sweetness but also contribute moisture and binding to the squares. When choosing bananas, look for those that are heavily speckled, as they are the sweetest and easiest to mash. If you're looking to make the dish vegan, substituting honey with maple syrup works beautifully, maintaining that lovely caramel-like flavor.
Rolled oats play an essential role in the texture of these squares. They absorb moisture during baking, creating a chewy consistency that's both satisfying and hearty. If you don’t have rolled oats on hand, quick oats can be used in a pinch but may result in a slightly softer texture. Avoid instant oats, as they can lead to a mushy outcome.
Baking Techniques
When mixing the wet ingredients, it’s crucial to ensure the bananas are mashed thoroughly. Lumps can lead to uneven cooking and inconsistent texture. Use a fork or a potato masher for this task, and aim for a smooth, almost creamy mixture. This will not only impact the final texture but will also help in evenly distributing the flavors.
Watch your baking time closely; every oven is different. Aim for a golden-brown top as a visual cue to indicate doneness. If you insert a toothpick and it comes out with moist crumbs, it's perfect! If it comes out wet, give it an additional 2–5 minutes in the oven, checking frequently.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious breakfast squares:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Here's how to prepare your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond milk, honey (or syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Cut
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or store for later!
Enjoy your homemade breakfast squares!
Pro Tips
- For a more indulgent treat, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the mixture. These will not only enhance the flavor but also provide delightful texture.
Storage and Meal Prep
These breakfast squares are fantastic for meal prep. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped. Just pop them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds for a quick breakfast or snack. Remember to place a damp paper towel over the squares while microwaving to retain moisture.
To ensure maximum freshness when freezing, it's best to cut them into squares only after completely cooled. This prevents moisture from forming on the squares, which can alter their texture when thawed. To reheat, consider using an oven set at a low temperature for a few minutes to revive that delightful softness.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to experiment with add-ins! Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can add a delightful chewiness, while chocolate chips or cocoa powder can turn these squares into a decadent treat. If you’re looking for added protein, consider tossing in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Just remember to slightly compensate for the additional dry ingredients by adjusting the wet ones slightly.
Serving these squares warm topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate your breakfast experience. Drizzle with a little more honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, or sprinkle some fresh fruit on top for a refreshing contrast. These squares also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, paired nicely with coffee or tea.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option.
→ How should I store the leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze these squares?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
→ What can I add to customize the flavor?
Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even chia seeds for added nutrition!
Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares
I love starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Squares! They are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. With ripe bananas and the warm spice of cinnamon, every bite feels like a cozy hug. I often make a batch at the beginning of the week, and they last perfectly for quick breakfasts or snacks. The best part? They’re easy to make and delightful to share with family or friends, making mornings a little more special.
Created by: Isadora Pembroke
Recipe Type: Sweet Inspiration
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond milk, honey (or syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or store for later!
Extra Tips
- For a more indulgent treat, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the mixture. These will not only enhance the flavor but also provide delightful texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g