These Banana Bread Donuts are moist, airy, and packed with classic banana bread flavor just in donut form! Baked instead of fried, they’re perfect for a wholesome breakfast or mid-day treat.

Banana Bread Donuts

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Why You’ll Love Them

• Soft and tender texture, like banana bread in donut form
• Customizable with mix-ins like chopped nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips
• Easily adaptable for vegan or dietary swaps
• Quick to bake just 8 minutes!

Ingredients

Wet ingredients:

• 2/3 cup mashed ripe banana
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp oil or water
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Dry ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or spelt, oat, or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Mix-Ins

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract
• A handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a donut pan—or use a mini muffin tin as a workaround.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, sweetener, oil (or water), and vanilla.
3. Stir in the dry ingredients to form the batter—mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Scoop or pipe the batter into the donut pan. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
5. Allow to cool slightly, then gently release the donuts with a small knife or spatula. Let cool completely before glazing or topping.

Toppings & Frosting Ideas

• Cinnamon sugar: Mix ½ cup sugar with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon—perfect for dipping.
• Nut or chocolate spreads: Try peanut butter, almond butter, or homemade Nutella.
• Simple glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk (or water) + 1 tbsp melted butter (optional). Thin with more liquid if desired.
• Cinnamon cream cheese icing: Beat 8 oz cream cheese + 4 oz butter with 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla. Thin with milk or water if needed. Keep refrigerated.

Adaptations & Tips

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey; the recipe is naturally egg-free and dairy-free.
• Oil-free option: Swap oil for an equal amount of water or extra mashed banana for a denser texture.
• Flavor boost: Add peanut butter, cashew butter, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and nutrients.

Explore More Banana Treats

• Chocolate Banana Bread – A rich and satisfying twist on classic banana bread.
• Banana Muffins or Banana Bread – Other healthful banana recipes perfect for baking.
• Vegan Banana Pudding – A creamy, dairy-free dessert to satisfy banana cravings.