Banana Bread Donuts Recipe

Banana bread donuts are what I make when I’ve got a couple of overripe bananas on the counter and want something a little more fun than another loaf. They have that familiar banana bread flavor but feel lighter and more snackable, especially when baked instead of fried. I usually make these in the morning and end up grabbing one again later in the afternoon with coffee—they’re hard to resist.

This recipe came from wanting the comfort of banana bread without the long bake time or the commitment of slicing a loaf. Turning it into donuts made it feel more casual and easier to share. After a few rounds of testing to keep them moist but not dense, this version became my go-to whenever bananas start getting spotty.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Banana bread gained popularity as a way to use overripe bananas, especially during times when wasting food wasn’t an option. Baked donuts are a more modern twist, combining classic quick-bread flavors with the convenience of donut-shaped treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and tender: Like banana bread in donut form
• Baked, not fried: Lighter and easier
• Great for ripe bananas: Perfect use-it-up recipe
• Quick to make: Faster than a full loaf
• Kid-friendly: Easy to grab and eat
• Freezer-friendly: Stores well
• Customizable: Easy to add mix-ins

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use very ripe bananas: More flavor and moisture
• Don’t overmix the batter: Keeps donuts tender
• Grease the pan well: Prevents sticking
• Let them cool slightly: Helps them release cleanly

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Donut pan: Standard size works best
2. Mixing bowls: For wet and dry ingredients
3. Whisk or fork: For mixing
4. Spatula: For folding batter
5. Spoon or piping bag: For filling the pan

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Ripe bananas: Provide sweetness and moisture
2. All-purpose flour: Gives structure
3. Baking soda: Helps the donuts rise
4. Salt: Balances sweetness
5. Brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture
6. Egg: Binds the batter
7. Melted butter or oil: Adds richness
8. Milk or yogurt: Keeps donuts soft
9. Vanilla extract: Adds warmth
10. Optional cinnamon: Enhances banana flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter → neutral oil: Keeps donuts extra moist
• Milk → almond or oat milk: Dairy-free option
• Brown sugar → coconut sugar: Slightly less sweet
• All-purpose flour → whole wheat pastry flour: Heavier but still soft

Ingredient Spotlight

• Overripe bananas: The key to flavor and texture
• Brown sugar: Keeps the crumb tender

Banana Bread Donuts

These banana bread donuts are baked to a golden brown, with a tender and moist crumb resembling banana bread. The recipe combines mashed ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and baking powder, resulting in small, round donuts with a subtle sweetness and a light glaze. They are ideal for a quick breakfast or sweet snack, showcasing a soft texture and flavorful banana aroma.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• Ripe bananas: Provide sweetness and moisture
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure
• Baking soda: Helps the donuts rise
• Salt: Balances sweetness
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture
• Egg: Binds the batter
• Melted butter or oil: Adds richness
• Milk or yogurt: Keeps donuts soft
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth
• Optional cinnamon: Enhances banana flavor

Equipment

• Donut pan: Standard size works best
• Mixing bowls: For wet and dry ingredients
• Whisk or fork: For mixing
• Spatula: For folding batter
• Spoon or piping bag: For filling the pan

Method

 

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C)
2. Prepare pan: Grease donut pan well
3. Mash bananas: Until mostly smooth
4. Mix wet ingredients: Combine bananas, sugar, egg, butter, milk, and vanilla
5. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
6. Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet
7. Fill pan: Spoon or pipe batter into donut wells
8. Bake: Until set and lightly golden
9. Cool: Let rest before removing from pan

You can also try out other recipes

Apple Cider Pork Roast

Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Store at room temperature: Up to 2 days
• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
• Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat lightly: Microwave briefly if desired

How to Serve This Dish

• Plain: Simple and classic
• With glaze: Light vanilla or cinnamon glaze
• With coffee or tea: Perfect pairing

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Donut bites: Cut and toast lightly
• Dessert base: Top with ice cream
• Breakfast sandwich: Slice and spread nut butter

Additional Tips

• Taste the batter: Adjust sweetness before baking
• Add mix-ins carefully: Chocolate chips or nuts work well
• Cool fully before glazing: Prevents melting

Make It a Showstopper

• Dip in glaze: Adds shine and sweetness
• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar: Simple finish
• Stack on a platter: Looks inviting

Variations to Try

• Chocolate chip banana donuts: Fold in mini chips
• Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts
• Banana maple: Swap vanilla for maple extract
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Vegan: Use flax egg and plant-based milk

FAQ’s

1. Do I need a donut pan?: Yes, for this shape
2. Can I make these into muffins?: Absolutely
3. Are these fried?: No, baked
4. Can I reduce the sugar?: Yes
5. Do they freeze well?: Very well
6. Can I add frosting?: Yes, lightly
7. Why are mine dense?: Batter was likely overmixed
8. Can I make them dairy-free?: Yes
9. How ripe should bananas be?: Very spotty
10. Can I double the recipe?: Yes

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me.
It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.