If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread but want a fun and delightful twist, Banana Bread Donuts are your new best friend. These little treats capture the rich, moist banana goodness you love, but in a perfectly portable, donut-shaped bite. They are tender, subtly sweet, and can easily be customized with just a touch of glaze or frosting to take them from simple snack to show-stopping treat. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, Banana Bread Donuts bring joy in every bite.

Banana Bread Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making Banana Bread Donuts that are moist, flavorful, and satisfying. Each item plays a special role, from the natural sweetness of bananas and maple syrup to the fluffiness that baking powder brings to the batter.

2/3 cup mashed banana: Ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, providing the signature banana bread flavor.

3 tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey): This adds gentle sweetness while keeping the donuts moist and delicious.
2 tbsp oil (or water): Oil helps the donuts stay tender, but water can be used for a lighter option.

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional): Adds depth and warmth to the flavor, amplifying the banana notes.
1 cup flour: Choose white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a soft texture; avoid almond or whole wheat for best results.

1 tsp baking powder: This is the secret to those perfectly risen, fluffy Banana Bread Donuts.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Banana Bread Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Start by mashing your ripe bananas until smooth. Then, gather all your other ingredients and grease your donut pan or a mini muffin tin. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when your batter is mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, maple syrup (or honey), oil (or water), and vanilla extract if using. This creates a luscious base that will keep your donuts perfectly moist.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, so mix until there are no streaks of flour left.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into each section of your prepared pan, smoothing the tops for an even rise. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about eight minutes, or until the donuts have puffed up and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 5: Cool and Remove

Allow the Banana Bread Donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently popping them out onto a wire rack. This helps them set and ensures they don’t break apart when you remove them.

How to Serve Banana Bread Donuts

Garnishes

One of the best parts about Banana Bread Donuts is their versatility when it comes to garnishes. A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances their sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor. For extra indulgence, try a drizzle of maple glaze or a dollop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting to add smooth, tangy richness.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Donuts pair wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, coffee, or a creamy latte. If serving at brunch, consider fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait on the side to add freshness, balancing the donuts’ richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Ready to impress your guests? Arrange Banana Bread Donuts on a tiered stand with edible flowers or fresh banana slices for a charming presentation. You can also sandwich them with a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter between two donuts for a fun twist on the traditional sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Bread Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to prevent spoilage, but bring them to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

Banana Bread Donuts freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They will last up to two months frozen without losing their delightful flavor and texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated donuts, warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until just heated through. This brings back that freshly baked softness and aroma you love.

FAQs

Can I substitute the flour in Banana Bread Donuts?

Absolutely! The recipe works well with white, spelt, oat, or Bob’s gluten-free all-purpose flour. However, almond and whole wheat flours are not recommended as they can change the texture significantly.

Is it necessary to add vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the bananas beautifully, but the donuts will still be tasty without it.

How do I make these Banana Bread Donuts vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan if you use a plant-based oil and maple syrup. Just ensure your vanilla extract and any toppings are vegan-friendly as well.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can bake the batter in a mini muffin tin for a slightly different shape. Just reduce the baking time slightly and watch closely for doneness.

What is the best way to add frosting to Banana Bread Donuts?

Once the donuts have cooled completely, gently spread your favorite frosting on top with a knife or pipe it for a more polished look. For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon or chopped nuts on the frosting while it’s still soft.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Donuts are a delightful way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of banana bread in a fun and portable form. They’re quick to whip up, naturally sweet, and endlessly adaptable to your favorite toppings and pairings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how addictive these bite-sized wonders can be!

Banana Bread Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 8 donuts 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously moist and naturally sweetened Banana Bread Donuts made with mashed bananas and maple syrup, perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast treat. These baked donuts combine the comforting flavor of banana bread with the fun shape of a donut, using simple ingredients and a quick baking method.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
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, until fully combined and smooth.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt through the flour.
Combine wet and dry: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined to form a smooth, thick donut batter; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.

Prepare pan and preheat oven: Lightly grease a donut pan or mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Fill the pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the tops for an even shape, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
Bake the donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes, or until the donuts rise and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and remove: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then gently pop them out and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional icing: Once cooled, add your preferred glaze or frosting such as cinnamon cream cheese frosting for extra flavor and indulgence.

Notes

This recipe works well with white, spelt, oat, or Bob’s gluten-free all-purpose flour, but almond or whole wheat flour has not been tested and may alter texture.

You can substitute maple syrup with honey for natural sweetness.
Use oil or water depending on your preference for added fat or a lower-fat version.
Donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.

For a dairy-free option, ensure no cream cheese frosting is used or substitute with a vegan frosting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 110
Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g

Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g

Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: banana bread donuts, healthy donuts, baked donuts, banana snack, maple syrup donuts, quick breakfast