Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is one of my favorite ways to use ripe bananas. These soft and fluffy baked donuts have all the cozy flavors of banana bread in a fun donut shape. Whenever I have extra bananas on my counter, I make this Banana Bread Donuts Recipe for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
The best part is that this Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.
Why I Love Making This Banana Bread Donuts
I have always loved homemade banana bread. The smell of bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla filling the kitchen feels warm and comforting. One day, I decided to turn my favorite banana bread into donuts, and it quickly became a family favorite.
These donuts are soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor. They are baked instead of fried, which makes them simple and less messy. I love serving them with coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat after dinner. They also make a great snack for busy days.
Equipment List
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Nonstick cooking spray
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Banana Bread Donuts
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Course: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 185 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Banana Bread Donuts
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. This helps the donuts release easily after baking and keeps them from sticking to the pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these ingredients first helps distribute everything evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Add the brown sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
4. Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter because that can make the donuts dense instead of soft and fluffy.
5. Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Cut a small corner and pipe the batter into each donut cavity. Fill each one about three-quarters full for the best shape.
6. Bake the Donuts
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts should look lightly golden and spring back when gently touched in the center.
7. Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool for about five minutes. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
8. Add the Glaze
If making the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and place them back on the rack until the glaze sets.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of glaze.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Drizzle with honey instead of icing.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Banana bread became very popular in the United States during the 1930s. Home cooks looked for ways to use overripe bananas instead of throwing them away.
Over time, creative bakers began turning classic banana bread flavors into muffins, cakes, and even donuts. Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is a fun modern twist on a traditional favorite.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Banana Bread Donuts taste wonderful with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also pair nicely with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a breakfast smoothie.
You can serve them alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast or enjoy them with a glass of milk as an afternoon snack. If you love banana desserts, try pairing them with banana muffins, banana pancakes, or a simple fruit salad.
Occasion or Event Ideas
These donuts are perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, and holiday mornings. They are also great for bake sales, school events, and family get-togethers.
Because they are easy to transport, they make a wonderful addition to picnics and potluck meals. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them popular with both kids and adults.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen donuts overnight in the refrigerator.
- Warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving.
- Add fresh glaze after reheating if desired.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Health Benefits
One of the benefits of this Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is that bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness. Because these donuts are baked instead of fried, they contain less oil than traditional donuts. The bananas also help keep the donuts moist, which means less fat is needed in the recipe.
When enjoyed in moderation, these donuts can be a delicious homemade treat that fits into a balanced lifestyle.
FAQs about Banana Bread Donuts
Can I make Banana Bread Donuts without a donut pan?
Yes. You can use a muffin pan if you do not have a donut pan. The flavor will stay the same, although the shape will be different from traditional donuts.
How do I know when the donuts are finished baking?
The donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the batter. This helps keep the texture of the donuts consistent.
What toppings work well with Banana Bread Donuts?
A simple vanilla glaze is delicious, but cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or cream cheese frosting also taste wonderful on these donuts.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the glaze just before serving for the freshest appearance and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Donuts Recipe is soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It is a wonderful way to use ripe bananas and create a homemade treat everyone will enjoy.
Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these baked donuts bring comfort and sweetness to any table. Once you learn how to make Banana Bread Donuts, they may become one of your favorite homemade recipes too.
Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step helps the donuts release easily after baking and keeps them from sticking to the pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these ingredients first helps distribute everything evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Add the brown sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
Make the Batter
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter because that can make the donuts dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Fill the Donut Pan
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Cut a small corner and pipe the batter into each donut cavity. Fill each one about three-quarters full for the best shape.
Bake the Donuts
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts should look lightly golden and spring back when gently touched in the center.
Cool Completely
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool for about five minutes. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before glazing.
Add the Glaze
- If making the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and place them back on the rack until the glaze sets.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of glaze.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving.
