Banana Bliss Donuts

Prepare to fall in love with these utterly delightful Banana Donuts! Exceptionally soft, wonderfully sweet, and bursting with rich, cozy flavor, these baked treats are a true culinary revelation. What makes them truly special is a delightful hidden pocket of caramelized banana in every single bite, ensuring each donut is unbelievably moist, tender, and packed with an irresistible warmth that will have you coming back for more. Whether you prefer the classic allure of a chocolate glaze, the sophisticated richness of a brown butter glaze, or the comforting simplicity of a cinnamon sugar coating, these breakfast (or any-time-of-day!) delights are destined to become a household favorite.

If you’re a donut enthusiast always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes, you simply must explore some of our other favorites. You’ll adore our Jelly Donuts, our perfectly golden Glazed Donuts, and these exquisitely decadent Raspberry Cheesecake Donuts!

Irresistible Baked Banana Donuts: Your New Favorite Treat

These baked banana donuts redefine comfort food. They are incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and infused with an intense banana flavor that’s simply addictive. But the real magic lies within – a surprise caramelized banana filling that adds an extra layer of sweetness, moisture, and a gooey texture that elevates these donuts beyond the ordinary. No matter your preference, be it a shimmering chocolate glaze, a nutty brown butter glaze, or a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar, these delectable donuts are guaranteed to vanish from your plate in record time!

While we cherish these homemade banana donuts for special weekend brunches or celebratory occasions, the truth is, they’re so incredibly easy and quick to prepare that they absolutely deserve to be enjoyed any day of the week. Personally, I often gravitate towards the rich chocolate glaze, a nod to my traditionalist heart, but I can wholeheartedly attest that the warm cinnamon sugar coating and the sophisticated brown butter glaze are equally divine and offer their own unique charm.

Perhaps the best feature of this recipe? These banana donuts are proudly baked, not fried. This means you can say goodbye to messy oil splatters, deep fryers, and the heavy feeling that sometimes accompanies traditional donuts. With just a handful of everyday pantry staples – think flour, eggs, butter, and, of course, ripe bananas – you can have a fresh, warm batch ready to enjoy in roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of ripe bananas, instead of reaching for your trusty banana bread recipe, consider giving these innovative and utterly delicious banana donuts a try!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Baked Banana Donut Recipe

These baked banana donuts are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. Soft, perfectly sweet, and infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, they offer an ideal solution for using up those ripe bananas patiently waiting on your counter. Being baked rather than fried makes them lighter, easier to prepare, and ensures a consistently fluffy result every single time. They truly are a fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying twist on classic banana desserts!

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated techniques or specialized equipment. These banana donuts capture all the warm, comforting essence of your favorite banana bread, but in a charming, handheld form that bakes to golden perfection in just 20-23 minutes! From mixing to baking, the entire process is streamlined for your convenience.
• Soft, Sweet, and Flavor-Packed: Every single bite of these donuts is a symphony of flavors. With a delicate hint of cinnamon, the deep richness of brown sugar, and tender, sweet banana pieces in the batter, these are anything but ordinary. The secret caramelized banana filling takes them over the top, creating a wonderfully moist texture and an explosion of taste. They are fluffy, perfectly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet – especially when adorned with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, a luscious brown butter glaze, or a decadent chocolate drizzle.
• No Frying Required – Healthier & Less Messy: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it skips the deep fryer entirely. Baked to golden perfection in your oven, these donuts are not only a healthier alternative but also significantly less messy to prepare. No splattering oil, no lingering greasy odors, just pure baking bliss. Simply mix your batter, pipe it into a donut pan, and let your oven do the rest for a quick, wholesome, and delicious treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up!

How to Bake the Best Banana Donuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to create a batch of soft, moist, and incredibly flavorful banana donuts that will instantly become a family favorite! These lightly spiced donuts are baked to perfection and feature a luscious caramelized banana filling, offering a delicious surprise in every bite. Whether you enjoy them as a satisfying morning treat with your coffee or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is the perfect way to transform ripe bananas into something truly extraordinary – all without the hassle of frying!

Preparing the Caramelized Banana Filling:

1. Combine: In a small bowl, gently mix chopped yellow banana pieces with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Ensure the banana pieces are well coated.
2. Freeze: Spread the coated banana pieces onto a parchment-lined plate or small tray in a single layer. Place them into the freezer while you prepare the donut batter. This crucial step helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from sinking during baking, creating that wonderful “hidden pocket” effect.

Crafting the Fluffy Donut Batter:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until these dry ingredients are well integrated.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, combine the mashed banana, large eggs (at room temperature for best results), melted unsalted butter, rich vanilla extract, and whole milk. Whisk these wet ingredients vigorously until they are smoothly combined and fully emulsified.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a whisk or spatula, gently fold and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure tender, fluffy donuts. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
4. Prepare for Piping: Transfer the prepared donut batter into a large Ziploc bag. Snip a small corner off the bag to create a piping hole. This allows for easy and neat filling of the donut molds. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag with a round tip.

Baking Your Banana Donuts to Perfection:

1. Fill Molds: Pipe each donut mold in your donut pan halfway full with the batter.
2. Add Filling: Carefully retrieve the frozen, coated banana pieces from the freezer. Gently place a few pieces into the center of the batter in each donut mold.
3. Top Off: Pipe the remaining donut batter over the banana pieces, filling the molds almost to the top.
4. Bake: Place the donut pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes. The donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted into the cakey part (avoiding the gooey banana center) comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool: Once baked, transfer the donut pans to a wire cooling rack for approximately 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. After 10 minutes, gently remove the donuts from the molds and place them directly onto the cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Glaze (Optional): Ensure your donuts are completely cooled before applying any glazes or coatings. This prevents the toppings from melting or becoming runny.

Decadent Chocolate Glaze for Banana Donuts

1. Melt Chocolate: Place semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter into a heat-proof bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture appears too thick, add one tablespoon of water at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you achieve a silky-smooth, pourable glaze.
3. Dip & Top: Dip each cooled banana donut into the warm chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. If you’re adding crushed peanuts, sprinkle them on top immediately before the glaze sets completely. The glaze will take about an hour to fully harden.

Classic Cinnamon Sugar Coating for Banana Donuts

1. Melt Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 15 seconds, or until fully liquid.
2. Combine Sugar & Cinnamon: In a separate small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
3. Coat Donuts: Lightly brush the top and sides of a cooled donut with the melted butter. Immediately, gently toss the buttered donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Repeat this process for as many donuts as you wish to coat.

Rich Brown Butter Glaze for Banana Donuts

1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium-low heat. As the butter begins to foam, start stirring constantly. Keep stirring until you observe tiny, light brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan and a nutty aroma fills the air. This indicates the milk solids are toasting.
2. Remove from Heat: Immediately remove the pot from the stove. The residual heat will continue the browning process, so don’t wait for the specks to turn dark brown, or the butter might burn.
3. Mix Glaze: Pour the warm brown butter into a medium bowl. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of whole milk.
4. Whisk to Smoothness: Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes completely smooth and lump-free. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzly consistency.
5. Dip & Garnish: Dip your cooled donuts into the warm brown butter glaze and place them back on the cooling rack. If you’d like to add banana chips for an extra crunch and flavor, do so before the glaze fully sets. The glaze will dry to a beautiful matte finish.

Storage and Reheating Information for Baked Banana Donuts

While these banana donuts are undeniably at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh from the oven, they remain wonderfully delicious for a short period afterward. The texture and glazes, however, tend to start losing their optimal quality after the first day, so fresh is always recommended!

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover glazed or unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out too quickly.
• Refrigerator: If you’ve made a large batch of unglazed donuts, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a slightly longer period, up to 5 days. Glazed donuts can also be refrigerated, but the glazes might become tacky or condense.
• Freezer: You can easily freeze these donuts without any topping or glaze for up to 1 week. Beyond this timeframe, the donuts may begin to lose their desired moistness and structural integrity, becoming a bit dry. To enjoy them later, simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until soft.
• Reheating: For that “freshly baked” experience, pop your donuts into the microwave for a quick 5-10 seconds. Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. If you’re planning to add a topping or glaze, do so *after* reheating to ensure it remains fresh and vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Donuts

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can easily use a muffin tin instead. Simply adjust the baking time, as muffins are typically larger and may require a little longer to bake through than donuts. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

How do I prevent my banana filling from sinking to the bottom?

The key to keeping that delightful surprise filling perfectly centered is freezing the banana pieces (coated in cinnamon sugar) before adding them to the batter. This slight hardening helps them suspend in the batter while baking, ensuring they don’t sink and maintain that intact, gooey pocket of flavor in the middle of each donut.

Can I use green or very ripe bananas for this recipe?

For the banana filling, we highly recommend using mostly yellow bananas, ideally with a few brown flecks. This ripeness level ensures the banana pieces are firm enough to hold up to the cinnamon and sugar coating and maintain their shape during baking. For the mashed banana *in the batter*, very ripe, spotty bananas are actually perfect as they contribute more natural sweetness and moisture.

Can I use a different kind of milk besides whole milk?

Certainly! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to use any type of milk you prefer or have on hand, whether it’s skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The subtle differences in flavor and fat content will have a minimal impact on the final deliciousness of your donuts.

Do I have to make the banana filling?

No, you absolutely don’t! While the caramelized banana filling adds a wonderful surprise, these donuts are incredibly delicious on their own, even without it. If you choose to omit the filling, keep in mind that you might yield slightly fewer donuts, as the filling contributes to the overall volume. They’ll still be wonderfully soft, fluffy, and full of banana flavor!

More Delicious Banana Recipes to Try

If you love bananas as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile fruit:

1. Classic Southern Banana Pudding
2. Chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
3. The Best Ever Banana Bread
4. No-Bake Banana Split Dessert
5. Decadent Banoffee Poke Cake

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Banana Donuts

These Banana Donuts are soft, sweet, and bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced flavor. These baked treats have a hidden pocket of caramelized banana in every bite, making them moist, tender, and packed with cozy goodness. Whether you keep them simple or dress them up with a cinnamon sugar coating, a rich brown butter glaze, or a drizzle of chocolate, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana donuts

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Resting Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 12 donuts

Calories: 329 kcal

Author: Trish – Mom On Timeout

Equipment

• Donut Pan

Ingredients

Filling

• 1 medium yellow banana
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (20 grams)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 grams)

Donut Batter

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour (215 grams)
• ⅔ cup brown sugar (120 grams)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 grams)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 grams)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (3 grams)
• 1 medium mashed banana
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, 28 grams)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup whole milk

OPTIONAL TOPPING VARIATIONS

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (45 grams)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (5 grams)

Brown Butter Glaze

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 grams)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (110 grams)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (1 gram)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (1 gram)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• banana chips (optional)

Chocolate Glaze

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90 grams)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• salted and roasted peanuts (crushed, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pans and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Banana Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Dice the yellow banana into small cubes, approximately the size of small pebbles, and gently toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

   (Ingredients: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 medium yellow banana)

2. Spread the coated banana pieces into a single layer onto a small plate lined with parchment paper. Place this plate in the freezer while you prepare the donut batter. (It’s okay if they are not completely frozen; a good chill is sufficient.)

Donut Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.

   (Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour, ⅔ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt)

2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed banana, large eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Whisk these wet ingredients well to ensure they are fully combined.

   (Ingredients: 1 medium mashed banana, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ cup whole milk)

3. Add the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients bowl. Whisk or fold together gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable.
4. Transfer the batter into a large Ziploc bag. Cut a small hole at one corner of the bag to create a makeshift piping bag.
5. Remove the banana pieces from the freezer. Pipe each donut mold halfway full with the batter. Then, gently place a few of the coated frozen banana pieces into the center of the batter in each mold. Pipe the remaining batter over the banana pieces, filling the donut molds almost to the top.
6. Bake the donuts for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cakey part of the donut (avoiding the gooey banana center) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Once baked, place the donut molds on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. This allows the donuts to firm up. After 10 minutes, carefully remove each donut from its mold and place it directly onto the cooling rack to cool further.
8. Allow the donuts to cool slightly before eating them plain. If you plan to apply any of the optional glazes or coatings, ensure the donuts are completely cooled first to prevent melting or stickiness.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. While the donuts are cooling, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside. Melt unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 15 seconds.

   (Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)

2. Lightly brush the top and sides of a cooled donut with the melted butter. Immediately and gently toss the buttered donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process for the desired number of donuts.

Brown Butter Glaze

1. Over medium-low heat, begin melting the unsalted butter in a small pot. Once the butter starts to foam, stir continuously until you observe small, light brown specks forming at the bottom of the pot. This indicates the butter is browning and developing a nutty aroma. Immediately remove the pot from the stove, as the residual heat will continue the browning process. Do not wait for the specks to become dark brown, or the butter will burn.

   (Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter)

2. Pour the warm brown butter into a medium bowl. Whisk in the powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of whole milk. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired drizzly thickness.

   (Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons whole milk)

3. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and place them back onto the cooling rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off and harden. If you wish to add banana chips, sprinkle them on top before the glaze completely sets. The glaze will dry to a beautiful matte finish.

   (Ingredients: banana chips)

Chocolate Glaze

1. Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in a heat-proof bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add one tablespoon of water and stir until smooth and glossy.

   (Ingredients: ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon water)

2. Dip each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing excess to drip. If using crushed peanuts, sprinkle them on top immediately before the glaze has a chance to cool and set completely. Note that the chocolate glaze can take up to an hour to fully harden.

   (Ingredients: salted and roasted peanuts)

Notes

Storage Information

These donuts are absolutely best fresh! They are still good the next day but the texture and glazes start to deteriorate after that.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Unglazed donuts can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: You can make the donuts without a topping and freeze them for up to 1 week. After this time, the donuts begin to dry out and lose their integrity and moistness. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Reheat: To reheat, pop the donuts in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Add any topping or glaze after reheating to keep it fresh!

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Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Simply adjust the baking time, as muffins may take a little longer to bake than donuts – check with a toothpick for doneness.

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Do I have to make the banana filling?

No, you sure don’t! These donuts are delicious on their own! Keep in mind you will get fewer donuts without the filling.

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Please see post above for more information, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal |
Carbohydrates: 49g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 14g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g |
Trans Fat: 0.4g |
Cholesterol: 58mg |
Sodium: 158mg |
Potassium: 217mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 32g |
Vitamin A: 371IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 65mg |
Iron: 2mg