Baked Banana Donuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings together the naturally sweet essence of bananas and the light, tender crumb of a donut, these Baked Banana Donuts are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these gems are baked to perfection, boasting a moist texture and subtle banana flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Easy to make and wonderfully comforting, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, proving that healthy ingredients and great taste can go hand in hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create donuts with amazing texture and taste. Each element is carefully chosen to add moisture, sweetness, and that classic banana flavor that shines through without overpowering.

• 220 g flour: The sturdy base that gives these donuts their soft, cakey structure.
• 80 g sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the banana’s natural sugars.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully, making them light and fluffy.
• 1 ripe banana, mashed: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature banana taste everyone loves.
• 1 egg: Binds all ingredients together while contributing to the rich texture.
• 120 ml milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds tenderness to the final donut.
• 40 g melted butter: Brings a subtle richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
• 1 tsp vanilla: Enhances the aroma and complements the banana perfectly.

How to Make Baked Banana Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by combining the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, and baking powder — in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, mash your ripe banana until it’s smooth and creamy, then whisk in the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep your donuts tender.

Step 2: Fill the Donut Molds

Lightly grease your donut molds or use a non-stick spray. Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to give the donuts ample room to rise without spilling over.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop your filled molds into a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the donuts have a light golden hue. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure bliss!

Step 4: Add an Optional Glaze

If you want to add a touch of sweetness and shine, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled donuts for that picture-perfect, irresistible finish.

How to Serve Baked Banana Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar, add a light drizzle of honey, or toss on some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful texture contrast. Fresh banana slices on the side never hurt either!

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside Greek yogurt topped with berries or a smoothie bowl for a naturally sweet and satisfying morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate: thread mini versions on skewers for a fun party snack or arrange them around a colorful fruit platter for an eye-catching dessert spread. You can even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between two for a bite-sized donut sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Baked Banana Donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This prevents them from drying out while preserving their moist, tender crumb.

Freezing

If you want to keep these donuts longer, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently.

Reheating

To bring your donuts back to life, warm them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. You’ll get that freshly baked warmth and softness back in no time.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for Baked Banana Donuts?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for this recipe because they are sweeter and mash more easily, resulting in a naturally flavored and moist donut.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can bake the batter in a muffin tin or mini cake pan. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick as the shapes and sizes will vary.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!

Is it possible to add spices to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the banana flavor beautifully and add a cozy warmth to your donuts.

How do I make a glaze that isn’t too runny?

Start with a small amount of milk and gradually add powdered sugar until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. This helps the glaze stay put and gives your donuts a nice shine without dripping everywhere.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Baked Banana Donuts, you might find yourself reaching for them anytime you want a comforting, homemade treat that’s simple, flavorful, and downright addictive. They’re quick to whip up, easy to share, and a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas. Go ahead and bake a batch — your taste buds will thank you!