If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both delightfully bite-sized and bursting with warm banana flavor, this Banana Donut Holes Recipe is your new best friend. These little gems are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, making them an irresistible snack or breakfast companion. Whether you’re serving them up for a brunch party or sneaking a handful as an afternoon pick-me-up, these donut holes bring comfort and smiles in every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with pantry staples, so you’ll be whipping up these delicious morsels in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Banana Donut Holes Recipe is chosen not just for its flavor but also for how it works together to create that perfect texture and richness. From ripe bananas lending natural sweetness and moisture to a mix of flours that keep things tender yet sturdy, each element plays a crucial role.
- 1 large ripe banana (about 120g, mashed): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Adds a gentle, amber sweetness that balances the banana perfectly.
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil: Brings richness and keeps the donut holes soft and tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a lovely aromatic touch.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the donut holes rise to a light and fluffy texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, cozy spice for extra flavor dimension.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a classic dough consistency.
- ¼ cup almond flour: Gives a subtle nuttiness and tenderness.
How to Make Banana Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease your mini muffin pan or donut hole pan to keep each treat from sticking. Getting this step right ensures each donut hole comes out perfectly intact and ready to enjoy.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
Grab a large ripe banana and mash it with a fork in a big mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base that makes your donut holes wonderfully moist and packed with banana flavor, so don’t be shy—make sure the banana is evenly mashed for the best results.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
To your mashed banana, add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined and glossy, creating a sweet and luscious batter that will coat every bite.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Now sift in the baking powder, salt, cinnamon (if using), all-purpose flour, and almond flour. Gently fold everything together just until the ingredients meld. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the donut holes light and tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake
Use a spoon or a small scoop to fill each cavity in your prepared pan about three quarters full. This gives the donut holes room to rise without spilling over. Bake them for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that they’re perfectly cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Add Toppings
Allow your donut holes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For an extra touch, brush them lightly with melted coconut oil or butter, then roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy, sweet coating. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
How to Serve Banana Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
These donut holes are adorable on their own, but a little garnish takes them to a whole new level. Dusting with powdered sugar offers a classic, snowy look, while a cinnamon sugar coating adds warmth and texture. Don’t hesitate to drizzle warm melted chocolate or even a caramel sauce for an indulgent treat that’s sure to wow anyone you’re sharing them with.
Side Dishes
Pairing your banana donut holes with complementary sides can turn a simple snack into a full experience. Think creamy Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm spices. Fresh berries or a vibrant fruit salad add a refreshing contrast, making your bite-sized treats the star of a delightful brunch or afternoon snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make these little delights stand out even more. Try skewering several donut holes on decorative sticks for a fun “donut hole kabob,” or arrange them in a pyramid on a pretty plate. For parties, consider dipping half of each donut hole in chocolate, then in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for a festive look and added texture that invites everyone to grab one (or a few!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers (though these usually disappear fast), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the donut holes soft and fresh, perfect for snacking throughout the day or saving for breakfast.
Freezing
Banana donut holes freeze beautifully for longer storage. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen donut holes keep well for up to three months, so you can always have a batch ready to thaw and enjoy whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated donut holes back to life, warm them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This revives their soft texture and gentle warmth, making them taste just like when freshly baked. Avoid microwaving, which can sometimes make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and mash more easily, which enhances the flavor and texture of the donut holes.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, you can use additional all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might be slightly less tender and nutty.
Are these donut holes gluten-free?
The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Can I fry the donut holes instead of baking?
While this recipe is designed for baking, if you prefer frying, you can try it. Just be mindful to fry at a medium temperature to cook them evenly without burning, though the texture will differ from baked donut holes.
How can I make these vegan?
This recipe is mostly vegan if you use maple syrup and coconut oil. Just double-check ingredients like vanilla extract to ensure they are vegan-friendly, and avoid butter or replace it with vegan alternatives.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking up a batch of these bite-sized delights. With the perfect blend of banana goodness, a hint of cinnamon, and that soft, tender crumb, the Banana Donut Holes Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these little treasures as I do enjoying every bite!
Print
Banana Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 donut holes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Donut Holes are a moist and flavorful treat, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast bite. Made with ripe bananas, maple syrup, and a blend of all-purpose and almond flours, they offer a naturally sweet and slightly spiced flavor with a soft, cake-like texture. Baked to perfection in a mini muffin pan, these donut holes are easy to make, with optional toppings like cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 large ripe banana (about 120g, mashed)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or any liquid sweetener of choice)
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- ¼ cup almond flour
Optional Toppings:
- Cinnamon sugar coating
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Melted chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Banana: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth, ensuring no large lumps remain for a uniform batter.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Whisk thoroughly until all the wet ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the baking powder, salt, cinnamon (if using), all-purpose flour, and almond flour into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donut holes tender.
- Fill the Pan & Bake: Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each cavity of the prepared mini muffin or donut hole pan about ¾ full. Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Add Toppings: Allow the donut holes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For a cinnamon sugar coating, brush the donut holes lightly with melted coconut oil or butter, then roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the banana is very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough donut holes.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Customize toppings to your preference for variety.
