These Banana Bread Donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with delicious banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack, these treats combine the comforting taste of banana bread with the fun of donuts! The recipe is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, or even cream cheese frosting.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup mashed banana
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons oil or water
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
4. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
6. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Optional: Frost the donuts with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting, chocolate glaze, or dip them in cinnamon sugar.

Nutrients (Per Donut)

• Calories: 135
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

A Versatile and Easy Recipe

One of the greatest things about these banana bread donuts is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of warm, freshly baked donuts in less than 30 minutes. The recipe requires minimal preparation, and the donut batter comes together quickly with a few basic pantry staples, such as flour, baking powder, and maple syrup. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to achieve soft, fluffy, and flavorful results.

The inclusion of mashed bananas gives the donuts their signature banana bread flavor. This not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the donuts’ moist texture, which can sometimes be lacking in traditional baked donuts. The maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, while the option to use different types of flour, such as gluten-free or oat flour, ensures that everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.

The Perfect Texture: Soft, Fluffy, and Slightly Lumpy

The texture of these banana bread donuts is what truly sets them apart from other donuts. While typical fried donuts tend to have a crisp exterior and airy interior, these banana bread donuts are dense yet soft, with a crumb that closely resembles that of a well-made banana bread loaf. The combination of mashed bananas and the addition of oil or water helps to achieve this perfectly tender texture, making each bite satisfying and moist. The batter is thick and slightly lumpy, just like a traditional banana bread batter, which contributes to the texture you know and love.

Baking the donuts in a donut pan gives them their iconic ring shape, which not only makes them visually appealing but also allows for even cooking. The result is a slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. The flavor is pure banana bread goodness, and each donut is a delightful mouthful of banana-y goodness.

Customizable to Your Liking

Another wonderful feature of these banana bread donuts is their versatility. While the basic recipe is already delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ins. For example, you could add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist, or you could dip the finished donuts in cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced flavor. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top the donuts with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of chocolate glaze.

For a healthier option, you could sprinkle a little chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the donuts after they come out of the oven for added crunch. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey or coconut sugar, to adjust the flavor to your preference. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a unique batch of donuts each time you bake them.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These banana bread donuts are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions. They are perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick and satisfying breakfast, but they also work well as an afternoon snack or dessert. These donuts are great for family gatherings, brunches, or even as a treat to share with friends. The best part? Since they are made in a donut pan, they have a fun, easy-to-eat shape that both kids and adults will enjoy.

The donuts also make for a great meal prep option. You can bake a batch on the weekend and store them in an airtight container for a quick grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week. Because they are so easy to make, you can whip up a batch whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting, without the need for a complicated baking process.

A Healthier Alternative

While donuts are often thought of as an indulgence, these banana bread donuts offer a healthier alternative to traditional donuts. By using whole ingredients like bananas and maple syrup, you can enjoy a naturally sweet treat without the need for refined sugars or artificial flavorings. The addition of flour, baking powder, and the use of eggs in the batter provides a satisfying texture that helps to keep you feeling full and energized.

You can also make these donuts even healthier by choosing alternative flour options, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, depending on your dietary preferences. By adjusting the toppings, you can further control the sugar content. For example, opting for a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey can add just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the natural banana flavor.

Ideal for Baking with Kids

If you’re looking for a fun and easy recipe to bake with children, these banana bread donuts are an excellent choice. The recipe is simple, and there’s no need for complicated techniques. Kids can help mash the bananas, stir the batter, and, of course, enjoy decorating the finished donuts with their favorite toppings. Baking together is a great way to create lasting memories and teach kids about the joys of cooking, all while enjoying a delicious, homemade treat.

Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Flavors

In conclusion, these banana bread donuts are a delightful twist on the traditional banana bread recipe, offering the same rich, banana-flavored goodness in a fun and portable form. With their soft, fluffy texture and the ability to customize with your favorite toppings, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, or a dessert to share with family and friends, these banana bread donuts will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light and enjoyable.

Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So the next time you have some ripe bananas lying around, try making these banana bread donuts and treat yourself to a deliciously fun twist on a classic comfort food.