Honey-Glazed Banana Spice Squares
Elevate your banana bread experience with these Honey-Glazed Banana Spice Squares. This innovative twist on a classic comfort food features a moist, flavorful banana bread baked in a sheet pan, allowing for perfectly portioned squares that are easy to share. Infused with a delightful blend of warm spices including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, each square bursts with the rich sweetness of ripe bananas. Topped with shiny, honey-brushed banana slices that add both flavor and an appealing presentation, these squares are perfect for gatherings, snack times, or dessert. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a deliciously satisfying treat that will impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (measured and sifted)
ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons (measured)
ground cardamom
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (measured)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (measured)
baking soda
2 1/4 teaspoons (measured)
kosher salt
2 teaspoons (measured)
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
packed brown sugar
2 1/2 cups (measured)
large eggs
4 (at room temperature)
pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (measured)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup (measured)
sour cream
1 cup (at room temperature)
very ripe bananas
5 (mashed)
bananas
5 (cut lengthwise into thirds for topping)
coarsely chopped walnuts
1 cup (measured)
bittersweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup (measured)
honey
3 tablespoons (to brush on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 18" x 13" rimmed baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick baking spray. Line the sheet with parchment paper for easy removal, and then spray the parchment paper lightly again with the nonstick spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined.
3
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Beats on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, making sure to scrape down the bowl as needed.
4
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, mixing until fully combined.
5
Gradually add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream added in two parts, ensuring to start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be cautious not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, chopped walnuts, and bittersweet chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Take the remaining bananas, cut lengthwise into thirds, and arrange them on top of the batter.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and brush the tops of the banana slices with honey for a glossy finish. Allow to cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey-Glazed Banana Spice Squares?
They are a moist sheet pan banana bread infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, topped with honey-glazed banana slices, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
What is the required oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking sheet is needed?
You will need an 18" x 13" rimmed baking sheet.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Spray the pan with nonstick baking spray, line it with parchment paper, and then lightly spray the parchment again.
What spices are used in the batter?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground cloves.
How long should I beat the butter and brown sugar?
Beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
What equipment is recommended for mixing the butter and sugar?
A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for this step.
How should the eggs be added to the mixture?
Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing well after each addition.
What is the method for adding the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream added in two parts.
Should I start with the flour or the sour cream?
You should always start and end with the flour mixture when alternating.
How many bananas are needed in total?
A total of 10 bananas are used: 5 very ripe ones for the batter and 5 for the topping.
How are the topping bananas prepared?
The five bananas for the topping should be cut lengthwise into thirds.
When do I add the walnuts and chocolate chips?
Gently fold them into the batter with a spatula after the mashed bananas have been incorporated.
How long does the recipe bake?
Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I rotate the baking sheet during cooking?
Yes, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
When is the honey applied to the squares?
Brush the honey onto the tops of the banana slices immediately after removing the pan from the oven.
How long should the squares cool before serving?
Allow the squares to cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Can these be served warm?
Yes, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What type of chocolate chips are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of bittersweet chocolate chips.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil in the recipe?
Vegetable oil is added along with the butter to ensure the squares remain moist.
What temperature should the sour cream and eggs be?
Both the sour cream and the eggs should be at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, measured and sifted.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While the recipe calls for coarsely chopped walnuts, you could substitute them with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version.
How much honey is needed for the glaze?
You will need 3 tablespoons of honey to brush on top.
Is there baking soda or baking powder in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking soda.
Why use very ripe bananas for the batter?
Very ripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, which provides better flavor and texture to the bread.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer can be used, though a stand mixer is preferred for the creaming process.
What makes this a 'sheet pan' recipe?
Because it is baked in a large, thin rimmed baking sheet rather than a deep loaf pan, creating easy-to-share squares.
What is the flavor profile of these squares?
The flavor is a rich mix of sweet banana, warm earthy spices, and a touch of honey.