Baked Banana Bread Donuts

My kitchen counter had three speckled bananas sitting there for days, practically begging me to do something about them. I was craving something different than the usual banana bread loaf but wanted that same cozy comfort. That afternoon, I decided to try donut pans Id bought on impulse months ago and never touched. The smell that filled my kitchen made me wonder why Id waited so long.

My roommate wandered in with her coffee mug, drawn by the cinnamon banana scent floating through the apartment. We ended up eating three warm donuts standing right there at the counter, still in our pajamas, laughing about how we ruined our breakfast appetite. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that happen accidentally.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The blacker the skins, the sweeter and more flavorful your donuts will be
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesnt scramble your eggs
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor than white sugar
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter
• 1/4 cup whole milk: Creates a tender crumb, though any milk works in a pinch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Dont skip this, it pulls all the flavors together beautifully
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives these donuts their lift without being too cakey
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic bananas for perfect rise
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warm spice that makes these taste like comfort
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds that bakery style depth everyone notices but cant quite place
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the optional glaze that makes them feel extra special
• 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjust to get your glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little extra vanilla in the glaze goes a long way

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 350°F and generously grease your donut pan with butter or cooking spray

Mash those bananas:

Use a fork or potato masher until completely smooth with no lumps remaining

Whisk in the butter and sugar:

Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture looks glossy

Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla:

Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy liquid

Mix your dry ingredients:

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl

Combine wet and dry:

Fold gently until just combined, some small streaks of flour are perfectly fine

Fill the donut pan:

Pipe or spoon batter into each cavity about three quarters full, they will rise nicely

Bake until golden:

Check at 10 minutes, but most pans need 12 minutes for perfectly baked donuts

Cool briefly:

Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully moving them to a wire rack

Make the glaze if using:

Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth, then drzzle over cooled donuts

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These have become my go to when I need to bring something to brunch but want to stand out from the usual muffins and coffee cake. Last time I made them, my friends husband texted me afterward asking for the recipe, which is basically the highest compliment possible.

Getting The Right Batter Consistency

The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped but loose enough to flow slightly. If its too stiff, your donuts will be dense and heavy. Too thin and theyll spread instead of holding that perfect ring shape. Trust the feel of it over exact measurements.

Pan Choices And Substitutions

Dont have a donut pan? A mini muffin tin works beautifully for bite sized versions, though youll need to adjust the baking time to about 8 minutes. Regular muffin tins work too, just extend the bake time to 14-16 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Make Ahead And Storage

These actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and theyll stay moist for two days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze, then warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds.

• Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts right before baking for extra texture
• Try cinnamon sugar instead of glaze for a classic diner donut vibe
• Mini chocolate chips folded into the batter make them feel extra indulgent

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Theres something so satisfying about pulling a tray of homemade donuts from the oven, especially when they make your whole kitchen smell like banana bread. Hope these become as much of a staple in your kitchen as they are in mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes these banana bread donuts moist?

The combination of mashed ripe bananas and melted butter adds moisture and richness, resulting in tender and soft baked donuts.

→ Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Yes, folding in chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips adds texture and flavor without changing the baking process.

→ How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean when the donuts are done, usually after 10-12 minutes baking at 350°F.

→ Is there an alternative topping to glaze?

Dusting with cinnamon sugar provides a sweet, spiced finish and adds a pleasant texture without extra moisture.

→ What tools do I need to prepare these donuts?

You'll need basic kitchen tools including mixing bowls, a whisk, a 12-cavity donut pan, measuring cups, and a wire rack for cooling.