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Banana Bread Donuts Recipe

4.4 from 115 reviews

These Banana Bread Donuts are a delightful twist on classic banana bread, combining moist mashed bananas with a hint of natural sweetness from maple syrup or honey. Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked to perfection in a donut pan or mini muffin tin, they offer a tender crumb and lightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack. This recipe is versatile, accommodating various flours including gluten-free options, making it accessible for many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup mashed banana
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tbsp oil or water
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, or gluten free all purpose flour)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, maple syrup or honey, oil or water, and vanilla extract (if using) until fully combined and smooth.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or, if unavailable, a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  4. Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
  5. Fill the Pan: Spoon or pour the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, smoothing the tops with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until the donuts have risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before carefully popping them out. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, top with icing or a cinnamon cream cheese frosting for added indulgence.

Notes

  • This recipe works well with white, spelt, oat, or Bob’s gluten free all purpose flour. Almond flour or whole wheat flour are not recommended for this recipe.
  • Use oil for moistness, but water can be used as a lighter substitute for less fat.
  • If using honey, baking soda may be added to balance acidity, but this recipe is balanced as is.
  • Donuts can be customized with icing or frosting of choice, such as cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
  • Do not overbake as the donuts can dry out quickly due to their small size.

Keywords: banana bread donuts, baked donuts, healthy donuts, gluten free donuts, maple syrup, breakfast donuts, easy donut recipe