Freshly baked Banana Bread Donuts — homemade donuts that capture the soft, comforting flavor of banana bread. These are finished with a brown-butter banana glaze for a rich, irresistible touch.
If you love baked donuts, this banana version is an easy next stop. It’s a great way to use overripe bananas and yields tender, flavorful donuts that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
To make them, combine the batter, pipe it into donut molds, and bake. Once cooled, top with the velvety brown butter banana glaze and enjoy.
What’s in Banana Bread Donuts
- Butter: Unsalted butter in the batter; salted butter for the brown-butter glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar flavor that pairs well with banana and cinnamon.
- Ripe bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and banana flavor.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the warm flavors.
- Plain 2% Greek yogurt: Keeps the donuts moist and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Provide structure and a light, fluffy texture.
Pro tip: Use very ripe bananas!
The sweeter and more speckled the bananas, the better the flavor in the finished donuts.
Equipment You’ll Need
No specialty tools are required. A stand mixer or electric mixer makes the batter extra smooth, and a piping bag or large zip-top bag helps fill the donut pan neatly. You’ll also need a donut pan for baking.
Try it!
Blueberry Protein Donuts
If you enjoy these banana bread donuts, consider trying blueberry protein donuts for another baked-donut option.
Easy Variations and Substitutions
These baked banana donuts are flexible. You can swap ingredients to suit preferences or dietary needs.
No eggs? Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce.
No Greek yogurt? Sour cream works well and maintains moisture.
Want more texture? Stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts, or dust cinnamon sugar over the glaze.
Tips for the BEST Banana Bread Donuts
Adjust baking time for altitude if needed.
Do not overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients — overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
How to Store + Freeze
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate up to a week.
To freeze: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm briefly before serving.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Donuts
These donuts work well at any time of day. Pair ideas:
- A cup of coffee or tea
- Scoop of banana-based nice cream for a dessert-style pairing
- Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas
- Bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet-and-savory combo
Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
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Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed (~1 cup)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
Brown Butter Banana Glaze
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons mashed ripe banana
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
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Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside.
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Using a mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add mashed banana, maple syrup, and Greek yogurt; mix to combine.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
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Slowly add the dry ingredients until the batter reaches a muffin or cake-batter consistency.
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Transfer batter to a piping bag or large zip-top bag. Snip the corner and pipe batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
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Bake 7–8 minutes or until set. Let rest 2–3 minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack to cool. This recipe yields 12 donuts, so you may need to bake two batches depending on your pan.
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While the donuts cool, make the brown butter glaze: melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until it turns golden with brown flecks, then remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
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Whisk mashed banana, vanilla, and salt into the browned butter. Add powdered sugar until the glaze is pourable but thick. If too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
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Spread the glaze over each donut with a spoon or knife. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Notes
- Use very ripe, brown-speckled bananas for the best banana flavor.
- Baking times can vary with altitude; adjust as needed.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients to keep the donuts light and tender.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
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Photography by: The Wooden Skillet