Easy Brown Butter Cinnamon Banana Bread Squares

If you’re a fan of banana bread, then you need to try these brown butter cinnamon banana bread squares! They’re a little twist on the classic, with the nutty richness of brown butter and a warm cinnamon flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. The best part? They’re easy to make, perfectly moist and you only need one banana! Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or need something to share with friends, these squares are sure to be a hit!

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: The brown butter adds a nutty richness, while the cinnamon gives a warm, comforting kick—making each bite irresistible.
• Super moist texture: Thanks to the banana and brown butter, these squares stay soft and tender, without being overly sweet.
• Uses just one banana: No need to worry about having a bunch of overripe bananas lying around—this recipe only requires one, making it perfect for those small banana leftovers.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch of these delicious brown butter cinnamon banana bread squares ready in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Recipe

• Butter: Adds richness and a deliciously nutty flavor, especially when browned, which makes the squares extra flavorful.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and banana.
• Egg + Egg Yolk: The egg helps bind everything together, while the extra yolk makes the squares extra rich and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, helping the other ingredients shine.
• Cinnamon: Gives these squares a cozy, spiced warmth, complementing the banana and brown butter perfectly.
• Flour: The base of the brown butter cinnamon banana bread squares batter that gives structure to the squares while keeping them soft and tender.
• Banana: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana bread flavor everyone loves—plus, it helps hold everything together.
• Baking Soda: Helps the squares rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
• Optional Sugar for Topping: A sprinkle of sugar before baking adds a sweet, slightly crunchy finish to the top of the squares.

How to Make These Brown Butter Cinnamon Banana Bread Squares

To start preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Then start browning the butter to give it that nutty, rich flavor. Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. After a few minutes, the butter will foam and eventually brown. Once it reaches a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma (about 4-5 minutes), remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

While the butter cools, mash up your ripe banana in a large bowl until smooth, then add the brown sugar, browned butter, followed by the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then mix together ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Next, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, and pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top of the batter before placing it in the oven. I love using organic cane sugar.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy the irresistible flavors of brown butter, cinnamon, and banana in every bite. These were a hit with both of my kids… which is a rare occasion.

Storage Tips for This Recipe

1. Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat them within a few days, store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them to avoid moisture buildup.
2. Refrigeration: If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them. Place the squares in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the brown butter cinnamon banana bread squares. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Common FAQ’s For This Recipe

• Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter?
  While you can use regular butter, browned butter adds a nutty and rich flavor that elevates the taste of the squares. If you prefer, you can skip browning the butter, but you’ll miss that extra depth of flavor.
• Can I use a different type of sugar?
  Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar if needed, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. You can also use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture.
• Can I make this recipe without eggs?
  Yes! If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). This will give you similar binding properties, but the texture may be a little different.
• Can I make this recipe in a different-sized pan?
  Yes, you can. If you want to make a larger batch, you can use a 9×13-inch pan or a bread pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time (it may take a few extra minutes). If using a smaller pan, reduce the baking time slightly, and check doneness with a toothpick.
• Can I freeze these banana bread squares?
  Yes! You can freeze the squares by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll last for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

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