Description
Delight in these easy and delicious baked banana donuts, perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast treat. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and optional mix-ins like walnuts and chocolate chips, these donuts combine moistness with a tender crumb. This recipe offers versatile adaptations including gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a freshly baked, healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a nutty twist)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (for chocolate lovers)
Gluten-Free Adaptation
- Gluten-free flour blend plus ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
Spice Enhancements
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ground ginger (to deepen spice profile)
Vegan Adaptation
- Flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons plant-based milk)
- Plant-based milk
- Coconut oil instead of butter
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bananas: Begin by mashing the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps to maximize banana flavor and moisture in the donuts.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or buttermilk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures an even mix and results in a lighter donut texture.
- Gently Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender and airy.
- Fill Donut Pan and Bake: Lightly grease the donut pan, then spoon the batter into each cavity, filling about three-quarters full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them plain or dressed up with powdered sugar, glaze, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- You can enhance the flavor profile by adding nutmeg or ground ginger along with the cinnamon.
- To make these donuts gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with ½ teaspoon xanthan gum for structure.
- Do not overmix the batter — folding gently keeps the donuts soft and tender.
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Donuts can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips according to preference.
- Ensure the donut pan is greased well to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
