Banana Bread Donuts

These banana bread donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with ripe banana flavor—all in a fun, donut shape. They’re baked instead of fried, which keeps them lighter while still giving you that classic comfort-food feel. Made with naturally sweet bananas and wholesome ingredients, they’re a great way to enjoy dessert-like donuts without the heaviness of traditional fried ones.

Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a crowd-pleasing treat, these donuts come together quickly and bake in one pan. Whether you’re feeding family or meal-prepping for the week, they offer a satisfying balance of sweetness, texture, and homemade goodness.

Equipment

• Oven
• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• Ripe bananas, mashed – 1 cup (about 2 medium)
• Unsweetened applesauce – ¼ cup
• Maple syrup or honey – ¼ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Eggs – 2
• Whole wheat flour – 1½ cups
• Baking powder – 1½ teaspoons
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon

For the Glaze (Optional)

• Powdered sugar – ½ cup
• Milk or plant-based milk – 1–2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a donut pan with oil or nonstick spray.
3. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
4. Add applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
9. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze
10. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Let the glaze set before serving.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Cuisine: Baked Goods
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert

How to Store

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• If glazed, place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
• Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

What Not to Do

• Do not overmix the batter, or the donuts will be dense.
• Avoid underripe bananas—they won’t provide enough sweetness or flavor.
• Do not skip greasing the pan well; donuts may stick.

Tips & Variations

• Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glaze for added flavor.
• Use gluten-free baking blend to make them gluten-free.
• Substitute mashed sweet potato for a twist on flavor.
• Drizzle peanut butter or almond butter on top for richness.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Donut)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~27g
• Fat: ~3g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~12g

Conclusion

These baked banana bread donuts deliver the cozy flavor of banana bread in a fun, nutritious form. Made with whole ingredients and minimal added sugar, they make a nicer alternative to traditional fried donuts without sacrificing taste. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a wholesome snack, they’re easy to make and guilt-free satisfying.

FAQs

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
  Yes, you can swap it 1:1 if you prefer a lighter texture.
• Can these be made vegan?
  Use flax “eggs” and plant-based milk to adapt them.
• Are these freezer-friendly?
  Yes, freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
• Can I skip the glaze?
  Yes, they are delicious plain or with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• How ripe should the bananas be?
  Very ripe with brown spots for best sweetness and moisture.