Dessert of the Day: Banana Bread Donuts

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Soft, moist, and packed with the comforting flavors of homemade banana bread, Banana Bread Donuts are the perfect dessert for breakfast lovers and sweet tooths alike. Baked instead of fried, these cake-style donuts combine ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a sweet vanilla glaze into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use overripe bananas or simply craving something cozy, these donuts deliver homemade goodness in every bite.


Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Donuts

Banana bread has been a beloved classic for generations, and turning it into donut form makes it even more fun. These baked donuts are:

  • Soft and tender
  • Full of natural banana flavor
  • Perfectly spiced with cinnamon
  • Easy to make in under 40 minutes
  • Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack

The best part? Since they’re baked, they have a lighter texture while still tasting rich and indulgent.


Ingredients

For the Donuts

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk

Vanilla Glaze

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Banana chips
  • Mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.


Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl combine:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Whisk together.


Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl combine:

  • Mashed bananas
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla
  • Milk

Whisk until smooth.


Step 4: Combine

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.


Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag.

Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full.


Step 6: Bake

Bake for:

12–15 minutes

The donuts are ready when lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes before removing.


Step 7: Glaze

Mix together:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze.

Place on a wire rack until set.

Sprinkle with chopped nuts or cinnamon if desired.


Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Donuts

  • Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts soft.
  • Let the donuts cool before glazing.
  • Double the glaze recipe if you love extra icing.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Donuts

Fold ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter.


Walnut Banana Bread Donuts

Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch.


Maple Glazed

Replace vanilla with maple extract and use maple syrup in the glaze.


Cream Cheese Frosted

Top with cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer dessert.


Cinnamon Sugar

Skip the glaze and coat warm donuts in melted butter followed by cinnamon sugar.


Storage

These donuts stay fresh:

  • Room temperature: 2–3 days
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months

Warm for a few seconds in the microwave before serving for that fresh-baked taste.


Perfect Pairings

Serve Banana Bread Donuts with:

  • Fresh coffee
  • Hot chocolate
  • Chai tea
  • Vanilla latte
  • Cold milk
  • Fresh fruit
  • Vanilla ice cream for dessert

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Donut)

  • Calories: 245
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 20g

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Donuts bring together everything people love about classic banana bread in a fun, donut-shaped treat. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a silky vanilla glaze, they’re easy enough for a weekend baking project yet special enough to share at brunches, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts. One bite offers the comforting aroma of ripe bananas and warm spices, making these baked donuts a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or served as an after-dinner indulgence, Banana Bread Donuts are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly unforgettable. Happy baking!


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