Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donuts are the perfect combination of moist banana bread and the convenience of a donut. Made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, maple syrup, and your choice of flour, these donuts are naturally sweet and full of flavor. They’re also easy to customize with toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips, cinnamon, or toasted nuts. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional donuts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2/3 cup mashed banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons oil or water
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or mini muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, maple syrup (or honey), oil (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 of the way full.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 donuts
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Total time: 13 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: You can stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Toppings: Coat the donuts in cinnamon sugar, or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F.
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute for maple syrup.
Can I make these donuts without oil?
Yes, you can substitute the oil with water or extra mashed banana for a fat-free version, though the texture may be slightly denser.
Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?
Almond flour is not recommended for this recipe as it has different baking properties. Stick to oat flour, spelt flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and they are lightly golden on top.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Donuts are the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent, offering the delicious flavors of banana bread in a fun donut form. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a treat for guests, they’re sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have a batch of warm, comforting donuts in no time!
Banana Bread Donuts
These Banana Bread Donuts are soft, moist, and full of flavor, just like homemade banana bread! Baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional donuts. With a slight sweetness from maple syrup and a hint of vanilla, these donuts are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup mashed banana
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp oil or water
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: mashed banana, maple syrup, oil or water, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool before serving.
Notes
- You can customize with add-ins like mini chocolate chips or walnuts.
- To make this recipe vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- For a sweet topping, try cinnamon sugar or frosting.
