Discover the joy of baking with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Baked Banana Donuts. Perfectly moist, gently spiced, and coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar blend, these homemade treats are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, served warm right from your oven.
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Easy & Delicious Baked Banana Donuts: A Healthier Breakfast Treat
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, homemade donut, especially when it’s fresh from the oven and filled with the sweet essence of ripe bananas. This morning marked a delightful occasion in our kitchen as we finally put my beloved donut pan to its true calling. This particular recipe for baked banana donuts had been patiently waiting for over six months, a true testament to delayed gratification. Waking up today, I simply knew it was the perfect time to bring these delightful treats to life.
For those who grew up watching television commercials, the phrase “Time to make the donuts…” might instantly conjure images of a familiar, hardworking baker. The iconic Dunkin’ Donuts character, perpetually heading out the door before dawn, cemented this phrase into our cultural consciousness. It’s a phrase that has, quite amusingly, become a common mantra in our household, especially for my husband. When he retires early, he often quips, “I have to go to bed now, I have to get up and make the donuts,” a playful nod to his early morning work schedule. It reminds me of other classic sayings, like “Bring home the bacon.” Why is it always about breakfast foods, right?
Here is the old commercial I am referring to, bringing back those nostalgic breakfast vibes.
The Charm of Homemade Baked Donuts
What makes baked donuts so special? For starters, they offer a delightful lighter alternative to their fried counterparts. Baking eliminates the need for excess oil, making them a healthier indulgence without compromising on flavor or texture. These banana donuts boast a wonderfully soft, cake-like consistency that perfectly absorbs the warm, aromatic spiced sugar coating. It’s a treat that feels both decadent and wholesome, an ideal way to start any day or enjoy as a sweet pick-me-up.
The process itself is surprisingly simple, making it a fantastic project for bakers of all skill levels, and even a fun activity to involve children. Using a donut pan makes shaping effortless, and the baking process is quick and mess-free. The aroma of bananas and spices filling your kitchen is an added bonus, setting a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These aren’t just donuts; they’re moments of warmth and simple pleasure.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Baked Banana Donuts
If you’re a fan of banana bread, you’re going to adore these baked banana donuts. They capture all the beloved flavors of that classic comfort food in a fun, handheld form. The key to their incredible flavor lies in using perfectly ripe bananas – those with a few brown spots are ideal, as their natural sweetness intensifies when mature. This ensures a rich, moist crumb and a naturally sweet base that pairs beautifully with the comforting spices.
The spiced sugar coating is what truly elevates these donuts. A simple blend of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates an irresistible exterior that adds both texture and a burst of warm, fragrant flavor. Rolling the warm donuts in this mixture ensures that every bite is coated in a delicate, sweet spice. Served warm, they offer an unparalleled melt-in-your-mouth experience that is hard to resist.
Beyond the Banana: Exploring More Delightful Donut Recipes
Ever since acquiring my trusty donut pan, my kitchen has become a haven for experimenting with a myriad of baked donut recipes. The versatility of baked donuts allows for endless creativity, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary treats. If you’ve enjoyed these banana donuts, you’ll love diving into some of my other favorite variations.
For the chocolate lovers, my Double Chocolate Baked Donuts are an absolute must-try. Originally dressed up for Valentine’s Day, these rich chocolate cake donuts, generously dipped in a luscious chocolate glaze, are truly perfect for any occasion. They offer a deep, satisfying cocoa flavor that’s both elegant and comforting.
Then there’s the much-maligned pumpkin. Why do we reserve pumpkin for fall? I challenge you to break free from convention and bake up a batch of my Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts today! Their tender texture and warm spices make them a delightful treat any time of year, proving that pumpkin deserves year-round appreciation.
For the LOVE of LEMON! These are truly amazing and will brighten even the dreariest of mornings. My Baked Glazed Lemon Donuts are fluffy lemon cake donuts, baked to perfection and then dunked in a slightly tart lemon glaze. Each bite is a burst of refreshing citrus, a true ray of sunshine.
Are you like me, cherishing a refreshing Cherry Limeade in the summertime? I crafted these Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts as a delicious homage to my favorite Sonic drive-in drink. They capture that perfect balance of sweet cherry and tangy lime, making them an ideal summer treat.
My latest donut creation blossomed this past Valentine’s Day: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts. Yes, please! Made with real strawberries, then dunked in a rich chocolate ganache and adorned with festive sprinkles, these are perfect for Valentine’s or anytime you crave that classic flavor combination.
Freshly baked banana donuts cooling on my baking rack, ready to be dusted.
Sharing the Sweetness: Family Moments and Simple Joys
After the banana donuts emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I couldn’t resist sending a picture to my husband. “Look!” I texted, “I made the donuts today, too!” I can almost see him rolling his eyes, but his reply, typically succinct, came back: “nice.” That’s his usual response, a man of few words via text. In fact, it’s a running joke in our family that when you text him, you’ll get one of two responses: “K” or “nice.” We even like to experiment with punctuation to see if we can elicit a different reaction – “NICE!”, “niiiiiiiice.”, “Nice?”.
He says we’re making fun of him, but it’s truly all in good jest. We feel incredibly blessed to have him in our lives. He has always been an amazing father and husband, working tirelessly for our family and providing unwavering support. He didn’t get to enjoy one of these warm delights at 6 AM when he left for work, but I made sure to have a fresh, warm one waiting for him when he returned for lunch. Knowing his love for anything banana, I was certain he’d appreciate this sweet gesture, and he did!
^LOVE Them? PIN Them!^
A Heartfelt Treat for Special Occasions: Father’s Day and Beyond
These baked banana donuts aren’t just for a regular Tuesday morning; they make for a truly special gesture on occasions like Father’s Day. Imagine the smiles when your family wakes up to the comforting aroma of these homemade donuts, paired with a steaming cup of coffee and the Sunday paper. It’s a simple yet profound way to show appreciation for the incredible dads in our lives. They’re a thoughtful gift that speaks volumes of love and effort, creating cherished memories around the breakfast table.
Beyond Father’s Day, these donuts are perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or simply as a comforting treat when you have extra ripe bananas. They’re easy enough for kids to help with, fostering a love for baking and creating delicious food together. No matter the occasion, these spiced banana donuts are guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to my hubby and ALL of the Daddies out there!
We love you and we appreciate you every day!
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Print Recipe
Baked Banana Donuts
Ingredients
- ~~ For the Donuts ~~
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup about 3 medium sized bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ~~For the Spiced Sugar~~
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C), and generously spray 2 non-stick six-unit donut pans.
- In one large bowl, whisk together all of the dry donut ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon). In a separate bowl, whisk together all of the wet ingredients (mashed bananas, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. A piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off can make this step cleaner and easier.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the spiced sugar coating by combining sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a shallow bowl or plate.
- Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before handling. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and generously dust both sides of each warm donut with the prepared spiced sugar mixture.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. These donuts are delightful on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Nutrition
Calories: 218kcal |
Carbohydrates: 36g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 7g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 33mg |
Sodium: 161mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 17g