Banana Bread Donuts Recipe (Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Cozy)
If you love classic banana bread and fluffy baked donuts, this Banana Bread Donuts Recipe combines the best of both into one irresistible treat. These donuts are soft, moist, and packed with rich banana flavor, finished with warm spices and optional glaze for the perfect bakery-style experience at home.
They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or even dessert. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked, making them lighter while still delivering a tender texture and comforting flavor. Plus, they’re a great way to use up overripe bananas.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because banana naturally adds moisture and sweetness to baked goods.
The mashed bananas keep the donuts soft and tender without requiring excessive butter or oil. Baking instead of frying creates a light texture while preserving the rich banana flavor.
A balanced combination of flour, eggs, and leavening gives the donuts structure without making them dense. Cinnamon and vanilla enhance the cozy flavor profile, making the donuts taste similar to homemade banana bread but with a softer, more delicate texture.
Ingredients
Each ingredient contributes to the donuts’ soft texture and rich flavor.
Bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness. Flour gives the donuts structure, while eggs help bind everything together.
Butter or oil adds richness, and baking powder helps create a light, fluffy texture. Cinnamon and vanilla enhance the warm bakery-style flavor.
For the Donuts:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
Step 2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4. Make Batter
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 5. Fill Donut Pan
Transfer batter into a piping bag or spoon into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes until donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Step 7. Cool
Allow donuts to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Step 8. Add Glaze
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled donuts if desired.
Pro Tips
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
Do not overmix the batter, or the donuts may become dense.
Pipe the batter into the pan for cleaner donut shapes.
Allow donuts to cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Chocolate chips can make the donuts more dessert-like.
For a healthier version, replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
A cinnamon sugar coating instead of glaze also works beautifully.
What to Serve With It
Banana bread donuts pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or milk.
They also work well alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for breakfast.
For dessert, serve them slightly warm with extra glaze or whipped cream.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness or freeze for up to 2 months.
Warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
Common Mistakes
Using underripe bananas can reduce flavor and moisture.
Overmixing the batter may create dense donuts.
Overbaking can dry them out quickly.
Filling the donut pan too much can distort the shape.
FAQs
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes, use a muffin tin instead.
Can I freeze banana bread donuts?
Yes, they freeze very well.
How do I make them healthier?
Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use oil and dairy-free milk.
Why are my donuts dense?
Overmixing the batter is the most common reason.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely, both work well in this recipe.
Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter or oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Let donuts cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled donuts if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Video
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix batter to keep donuts soft.
- Pipe batter into the pan for cleaner shapes.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
