Anjali Arora
If you have a few ripe bananas sitting on your counter, it’s time to turn them into something truly delightful. These Banana Bread Donuts are crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and come together quickly with simple pantry staples. The warm, sweet aroma as they bake makes the kitchen feel instantly inviting—a little comfort in every bite.
What makes these donuts special is how effortlessly they transform everyday ingredients into a treat that feels indulgent yet homemade. For a complete breakfast or snack spread, you could serve them alongside a Peach Watermelon Salad or a Keto Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop, creating a combination that is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Quick to prepare, versatile, and utterly comforting, these banana bread donuts are perfect for busy mornings, cozy afternoons, or whenever you feel like treating yourself.
The Heart of the Recipe – Ingredients
Ingredients are the foundation of every great recipe. They set the flavour, texture, and overall character of the dish. For Banana Bread Donuts, each element plays a vital role: the bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, the flour and baking powder create structure, and the eggs and butter enrich the texture, giving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil, enough to submerge donuts)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Kitchen thermometer
- Donut cutter or ring molds
- Whisk
From Batter to Golden Bliss
The method brings your ingredients to life. Following it ensures perfect texture, flavour, and doneness, while keeping the process smooth and enjoyable. Each step, from mashing the bananas to frying the donuts, contributes to the final bite — soft, sweet, and irresistibly golden.
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth and free of large lumps. Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, sugar, and salt; whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, just until combined — do not overmix.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy. While heating, prepare a donut cutter or ring molds and lightly flour them.
- Once the oil reaches the target temperature, carefully pipe or spoon the batter into the hot oil, forming donut shapes using the cutter or molds. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon, drain excess oil on paper towels, and let them cool slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate, enjoying the contrast of the soft interior and crispy exterior.
Banana Bread Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth and no large lumps remain. Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, sugar, salt, and whisk until combined.3 medium ripe bananas, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. While heating, prepare a donut cutter or ring molds and lightly flour them.Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil
- Once the oil reaches the target temperature, carefully pipe or spoon the batter into the hot oil, forming donut shapes using the cutter or molds. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil once they are evenly golden and crispy on the outside. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the banana bread donuts warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate. Observe the soft, moist interior contrasting with the crispy exterior for perfect doneness.
Notes
Keep the Magic Fresh – Storing Tips for Banana Bread Donuts
Banana Bread Donuts are best enjoyed warm, straight from the fryer, but sometimes you might want to save a few for later. Proper storage ensures that these little bites of comfort remain soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside.
- Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain a slight crisp on the exterior, line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Before serving, warm them gently in an oven or microwave to restore softness.
- Freezing: For extended storage, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through.
With these tips, you can enjoy the sweet nostalgia of Banana Bread Donuts anytime, without compromising on their signature soft and fluffy texture.
Make It Your Own – Smart Substitutions for Banana Bread Donuts
Cooking is all about flexibility, and Banana Bread Donuts are delightfully adaptable. Whether you have dietary preferences, pantry constraints, or just want to experiment, these swaps will help you enjoy the same delicious results without compromising on flavour or texture.
- Bananas: Overripe bananas work best for natural sweetness, but you can also use mashed plantains or a mix of banana and apple puree if needed.
- Flour: All-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavour or gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version. Adjust the liquid slightly if using alternative flours.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or jaggery powder for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
- Butter: Unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil, ghee, or a neutral vegetable oil. This slightly changes the flavour but still gives a tender texture.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk works well if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- Frying Oil: Vegetable or peanut oil can be replaced with sunflower or canola oil, provided it has a high smoke point for frying.
These substitutions make it easy to personalise the recipe to your taste, diet, or available ingredients, while still keeping the magic of soft, golden, banana-flavoured donuts intact.
Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.
To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.