Description
Delicious and moist baked banana donuts made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. These donuts are a healthier alternative to fried donuts, baked to perfection in the oven for a tender crumb and great banana flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Donut Batter
- 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)
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour blend plus ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- Spice enhancement: ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ground ginger
- Vegan adaptation: Use flax egg and plant-based milk plus coconut oil
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 enhance banana flavor and maintain moisture.
- 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 to ensure an even mix and lighter texture for the donuts.
- Gently Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined to keep the batter tender and airy. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
- 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. Serve plain or decorate with powdered sugar, glaze, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum.
- Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or ground ginger for a deeper spice flavor.
- To make these donuts vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Riper bananas provide more sweetness and moisture for best results.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
