Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Bread Donuts deliver everything you love about banana bread—rich banana flavor, cozy spices, and moist texture—with the added charm of donut form. They’re easy to make, bake quickly, and are ideal for using up ripe bananas. Plus, the optional glaze adds a sweet, bakery-style finish that elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup melted butter, cooled
Cooking spray or oil for greasing the donut pan

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or oil.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Combine sugars: In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
Add wet ingredients: Stir in mashed bananas, then add eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until the batter is smooth.
Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fill the donut pan: Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut wells, filling them about halfway.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool: Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk. Dip cooled donuts into glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 12 donuts
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for a healthier or gluten-free option.
Swap the glaze for a cinnamon sugar coating by brushing warm donuts with melted butter and dipping in cinnamon sugar.
Try a maple or cream cheese glaze for different flavor profiles.
For a vegan version, use flax eggs, dairy-free yogurt, and plant-based butter.

Storage/reheating

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for about 10 seconds or warm briefly in the oven. If glazed, they’re best eaten within a day to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Just drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Do I need a donut pan?

Yes, to achieve the donut shape. However, you can use a muffin pan as an alternative—just adjust baking time slightly.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Are these donuts fried or baked?

They are baked, making them a healthier option compared to traditional fried donuts.

Can I freeze Banana Bread Donuts?

Yes, freeze unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of yogurt?

Sour cream works perfectly, or you can use plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce both sugars slightly, but keep in mind it will affect sweetness and moisture.

Why are my donuts dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Measure ingredients accurately and monitor baking time closely.

What kind of bananas should I use?

Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.

How can I make them more indulgent?

Top with a chocolate glaze or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent twist.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Donuts are a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, offering the same beloved flavors in a quick-bake, perfectly portioned treat. Whether you enjoy them plain or glazed, they’re sure to be a hit at breakfast tables and snack times alike. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.

Banana Bread Donuts: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe You Need to Try

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These Banana Bread Donuts are soft, moist, and warmly spiced baked treats that combine the beloved flavor of banana bread with the fun form of donuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray or oil.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
Add mashed bananas, eggs, yogurt or sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut wells, filling each about halfway.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and dip cooled donuts into glaze.