By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 30, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 133votes.
Soft, naturally sweet, and kissed with coconut, these Easy Banana Coconut Dessert Squares are the kind of cozy bake you make once and crave again and again. They come together in one bowl, bake up golden and tender, and slice into perfect little squares that feel indulgent but wholesome.
Table of Contents
Easy Banana Coconut Dessert Squares
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft, naturally sweet Easy Banana Coconut Dessert Squares made in one bowl with ripe bananas and shredded coconut. Golden edges, tender centers, and perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or a lighter dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup (225 g) ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 to 3 large bananas)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup (55 g) coconut oil, melted (or neutral oil)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (120 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (1 g) fine salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/3 cup (55 g) dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
3. Whisk in eggs, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until glossy and combined.
4. Fold in shredded coconut, baking powder, salt, and any optional add-ins just until evenly mixed.
5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake 22 to 28 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and the center is set when gently pressed.
7. Cool completely in the pan (at least 45 minutes) so the squares firm up, then lift out and slice into 9 squares.
Notes
For clean slices, cool fully and wipe the knife between cuts.
Bananas control sweetness. Use very ripe, spotty bananas for best flavor.
If edges brown quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 to 8 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate airtight up to 5 days. Freeze sliced squares up to 2 months and thaw overnight.
Egg-free option: Use 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water), rest 5 minutes before mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
Easy Banana Coconut Dessert Squares are a simple baked treat made with ripe bananas and shredded coconut as the stars. The bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, while coconut delivers chew, structure, and a lightly tropical aroma.
Why It Works
Bananas act as both a sweetener and binder, meaning less added sugar and a soft crumb without fuss. Coconut absorbs moisture as it bakes, creating squares that hold together beautifully once cooled.
When to Make It
These squares are perfect for:
- Using up overripe bananas
- A quick family dessert
- Make-ahead snacks for the week
- Lunchbox treats
- A healthier bake sale option
Why You’ll Love It
- One bowl, no mixer required
- Naturally sweetened with bananas
- Soft centers with lightly golden edges
- Easy to slice and store
- Family friendly and kid approved
Key Ingredients & Notes
Ripe Bananas
Use bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your squares will be. If your bananas are pale yellow, let them sit another day or two.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
This is the structural backbone of the recipe. Unsweetened coconut keeps the squares from becoming cloying. Fine or medium shred both work, though fine shred gives a more cake-like texture.
Eggs
Eggs help bind everything together and add richness. If you need an egg-free option, flax eggs work well.
Maple Syrup or Honey
Just enough to enhance the banana flavor. You can reduce this slightly if your bananas are extra ripe.
Coconut Oil or Neutral Oil
Adds moisture and keeps the squares tender. Melted coconut oil pairs beautifully with the coconut flavor, but avocado oil or light olive oil also work.
Baking Powder
Gives a gentle lift so the squares are soft rather than dense.
For ingredient science and baking basics, King Arthur Baking has an excellent breakdown of how coconut behaves in baked goods that is worth a look while experimenting.
How to Make Easy Banana Coconut Dessert Squares
Step 1: Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch pan (20 x 20 cm) with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Mash
In a large bowl, mash 1 cup (225 g) ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk in:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup (55 g) melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Mix until glossy and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Fold in:
- 1 1/2 cups (120 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) salt
Stir just until evenly combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center feels set when gently pressed.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let cool completely in the pan. This step is essential. Coconut firms up as it cools, giving you clean, sturdy slices.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always cool fully before slicing for best structure.
- Use parchment paper to lift the whole slab out easily.
- If edges brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- For extra moisture, stir in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
- Toast coconut lightly before mixing for deeper flavor.
- Slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Chip Banana Coconut Squares: Add 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon Banana Squares: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 2 tablespoons collagen peptides.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and maple syrup.
- Extra Tropical: Add finely chopped pineapple, well drained.
If you enjoy simple banana-based bakes, you might also love these Healthy Banana Bread Muffins (Moist & Easy) or Banana Protein Muffins (Soft, High Protein & Easy) for quick grab-and-go options.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve these squares:
- Slightly chilled for firmer texture
- Warm with a spoon of yogurt
- With fresh berries on the side
They pair beautifully with afternoon coffee or tea. For a light dessert plate, add a square next to a scoop of High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) for contrast.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced squares for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheating: Enjoy cold or warm briefly in the microwave.
According to Healthline, coconut-based snacks store well when kept cool and sealed, making these ideal for meal prep desserts.
FAQs
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with one flax egg made from 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2 1/2 tablespoons water. Let it gel before mixing.
Are these very sweet?
No. They are lightly sweet with banana-forward flavor. If you prefer sweeter squares, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.
Why did my squares feel soft at first?
They firm up as they cool. Coconut needs time to absorb moisture after baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a 9 x 13 inch pan and increase bake time by 8 to 12 minutes.
Can I add flour?
You can add up to 1/4 cup oat flour for a more cake-like crumb, though it is not necessary.
Conclusion
These Easy Banana Coconut Dessert Squares prove that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying results. They are cozy, naturally sweet, and endlessly adaptable. If you make them, leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your photos. I would love to see your golden squares.
