Baked Banana Bread Donuts

The smell of overripe bananas used to stress me out until my youngest started demanding donuts every weekend morning. I found myself with a fruit bowl full of spotted bananas and a craving for something baked but special. These banana bread donuts became the perfect compromise—all the comfort of banana bread in a fun handheld form. Now I actually let bananas go dark on purpose just so I have an excuse to make them.

Last summer my sister visited and I made these for her kids. The youngest one, who usually claims to hate bananas, ate three in one sitting and asked if I could make them for her birthday instead of cake. Something about the donut shape makes everything feel more like a treat. Now theyre my go-to when I need to feed a crowd but want something that feels a little special without hours of work.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The darker the spots, 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 note than white sugar
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter
• 1/4 cup whole milk: Any milk works, but whole gives the tenderest crumb
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference here
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level instead of scooping directly to avoid packing
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps them rise into that perfect donut shape
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic bananas for extra lift
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warm spice that makes them taste like home
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just enough to add depth without overpowering
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out flavors

Instructions

Preheat and prep your pan:

Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cavity donut pan with butter or cooking spray

Mash your bananas:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth—small lumps are fine and add nice texture

Whisk in the wet ingredients:

Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla, whisking until everything is well combined

Mix the dry ingredients separately:

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt

Combine the mixtures:

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—some visible streaks of flour are better than overmixing

Fill your donut pan:

Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity, filling about 3/4 full for the best shape

Bake until golden:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and theyre lightly golden on top

Cool before glazing:

Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely

Optional glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, then drizzle over cooled donuts

Save

My neighbor smelled these baking through our open kitchen window and came over to investigate. She ended up staying for coffee and we ate them warm from the oven while our kids played in the yard. Thats the thing about these donuts—they make people want to slow down and visit awhile.

Making Them Your Own

Ive learned that half a cup of chopped walnuts folded into the batter adds wonderful crunch. Mini chocolate chips work beautifully too, though they melt slightly during baking which creates these irresistible chocolate pockets throughout. Sometimes I do both when Im feeling fancy.

Storage Secrets

These are definitely best fresh but they keep well for about two days in an airtight container. I actually like to wrap each one individually and freeze them, then pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds when a donut craving hits. They taste almost as good as fresh baked.

Topping Ideas

Sometimes I skip the glaze entirely and dust them with cinnamon sugar while theyre still warm. A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar works too. You could also dip them in melted chocolate or spread with cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent treat.

• Try adding 1/2 cup of toasted pecans for a Southern twist
• A pinch of cardamom in the dry mix makes them taste bakery special
• For extra banana flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon banana extract along with the vanilla

Save

These banana bread donuts have become my Sunday morning staple. Theyre simple enough for a weekday but special enough to feel like a little celebration.

Recipe FAQ

→ What ingredients add the moist texture?

Ripe bananas and melted butter contribute to the tender, moist texture of these baked donut treats.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, folding in chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips before baking adds extra crunch and flavor.

→ How can I make the glaze for the donuts?

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over cooled donuts for a sweet finish.

→ What spices are used to enhance flavor?

Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm, comforting notes that complement the banana and brown sugar perfectly.

→ How do I store these baked donuts?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness.