If you love the comforting flavor of classic banana bread but crave a fun, bite-sized twist, then this Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is absolutely for you! These soft, fluffy baked donuts bring all the warmth and sweetness of your favorite banana bread into a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick baking time, these donuts come together effortlessly, making them a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and that irresistible banana flavor in your Banana Bread Donuts Recipe. Each component plays an important role in creating that tender, fluffy texture and delightful taste.
- 2/3 cup mashed banana: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the donuts tender.
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey: Adds a subtle, wholesome sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp oil or water: Oil helps maintain moistness, water can be used as a lighter alternative.
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional): A lovely touch that enhances the warm banana notes.
- 1 cup flour: Versatile all-purpose or gluten-free flour works beautifully to provide structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: The magic leavener that ensures your donuts rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the flavors.
How to Make Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together the mashed banana, maple syrup (or honey), oil (or water), and vanilla extract in a large bowl. This lovely mixture forms the moist, flavorful base for your donuts and ensures every bite bursts with banana goodness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease your donut pan or mini muffin tin generously to ensure the donuts release easily after baking. A well-greased pan means your beautiful banana bread donuts come out clean and maintain their perfect shape.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening and salt, which is key to that perfect donut texture.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, folding just until combined. You’ll want a smooth but not overworked batter to keep your donuts tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, smoothing the tops gently. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 minutes or until the donuts have risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake or they could dry out.
Step 6: Cool and Remove
Once your banana bread donuts are baked to perfection, allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then gently pop them out, ready to enjoy or dress up with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
These banana bread donuts are delicious plain, but you can elevate them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of maple glaze, or even a thick spread of cinnamon cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch. Each garnish adds a new layer of flavor and charm.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate cozy morning treat. They also make a delightful companion to yogurt parfaits or fresh fruit for a well-rounded breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, arrange the donuts on a platter with edible flowers or fresh banana slices. You can also stack them with layers of Nutella or peanut butter between, creating a donut sandwich that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bread donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to three months. This way, banana bread donut goodness is always within reach.
Reheating
To warm up your frozen or refrigerated donuts, microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a toaster oven. They’ll come back soft and fresh, just like they were right out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
This Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is best with all-purpose, spelt, oat, or gluten-free flour as it yields a lighter texture. Whole wheat flour hasn’t been tested here and may produce denser donuts.
Do I have to use maple syrup or honey?
Maple syrup and honey provide natural sweetness and moisture, but you can substitute with another liquid sweetener or granulated sugar; just keep an eye on the consistency of your batter.
Can these donuts be made vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based oil and make sure your sweetener and vanilla extract are vegan-friendly to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas that have plenty of brown spots or are almost black. They will be the sweetest and most flavorful.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and use two donut pans or bake in batches. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Banana Bread Donuts Recipe enough for anyone seeking a quick, wholesome, and utterly delicious treat. It’s a truly special way to enjoy banana bread with less fuss and more fun. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Print
Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these soft and fluffy baked banana bread donuts that capture the delicious flavor of classic banana bread in a convenient, donut form. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup or honey, and made with simple ingredients, these baked donuts are a healthier twist on a beloved treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup mashed banana
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp oil or water
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, pure maple syrup or honey, oil or water, and vanilla extract if using. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or a mini muffin tin to ensure the donuts do not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined to form a smooth donut batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan or mini muffin tin, smoothing the tops gently with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until the donuts have risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, gently pop them out of the pan and enjoy. Optionally, top with icing or cinnamon cream cheese frosting as desired.
Notes
- This recipe works well with white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Almond flour or whole wheat flour are not recommended here as their performance has not been tested.
- You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- For frosting, consider cinnamon cream cheese frosting or basic icing to complement the banana flavor.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
