If youβre looking for a delicious and easy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, youβve come to the right place! This Banana Donut Holes recipe is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The delightful combination of ripe bananas and warm spices makes these donut holes a comforting snack that everyone in the family will adore. They are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even a late-night snack. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time. Plus, they are great for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. So let’s dive into this delightful recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Donut Holes
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Banana Donut Holes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use about 2-3 ripe bananas; they should have plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best; sifted to ensure a light texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can adjust based on your preference.
- Baking Powder: Essential for creating fluffy donut holes; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Eggs: One large egg helps bind the mixture together and adds moisture.
- Milk: Whole milk provides richness; substitute with any milk of your choice if desired.
- Cinnamon: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon enhances flavor; feel free to add nutmeg too if you like.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Banana Donut Holes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The more ripe they are, the sweeter your donut holes will be.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add sugar, milk, and eggs to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
Step 5: Shape the Doughnut Holes
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each one as they will expand while baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Transfer to plates and enjoy warm as a delightful snack!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your donut holes will be
- Donβt Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to tough donut holes; stir until just combined
- Add Glaze or Toppings: For an extra special treat, consider drizzling with chocolate glaze or sprinkling powdered sugar on top
How to Serve Banana Donut Holes
This Banana Donut Holes is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Coffee or Tea: The warm, sweet flavors of banana donut holes complement a rich cup of coffee or a soothing tea perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of ice cream balances the sweetness of the donut holes for an indulgent dessert.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layering banana donut holes with yogurt and fresh fruit creates a delightful breakfast option or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for banana donut holes up to 24 hours in advance. Mix the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to fry. This will save you time on the day you want to serve them.
- Storing: Store leftover banana donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.
- Reheating: To reheat banana donut holes while maintaining their texture, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place them on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them soft and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Suggestions for Banana Donut Holes
Use Overripe Bananas
One common mistake when making banana donut holes is using bananas that are not ripe enough. For the best flavor and sweetness, opt for overripe bananas. These bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also add moisture to the batter. When bananas are overly ripe, they develop a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste of your donut holes. Avoid yellow or green bananas, as they won’t yield the same delicious results. Remember, the darker the banana peel, the better it is for baking.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial when making banana donut holes. Using too much flour can lead to a dense texture, while too little can affect the rise. Always use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision. If you donβt have a kitchen scale, consider spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This method helps prevent packing down the flour, which can result in excess amounts being used.
Donβt Skip Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough before frying is another step you shouldn’t overlook. Many bakers make the mistake of skipping this step, thinking it wonβt be necessary. However, chilling allows the fats in your dough to firm up. This results in lighter and fluffier donut holes that maintain their shape during frying. Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and frying to ensure optimal texture and structure.
Use Fresh Oil for Frying
Using fresh oil is essential when frying banana donut holes. Old or reused oil can impart off-flavors and negatively affect your donuts’ texture. It is advisable to use oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. Before frying, check if your oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of dough into it; if it bubbles vigorously, itβs ready for frying. This ensures that you achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
FAQs
How do I store leftover Banana Donut Holes?
To store leftover banana donut holes effectively, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead. To freeze, arrange the cooled donut holes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in an oven for a few minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste.
Can I bake Banana Donut Holes instead of frying?
Yes! You can definitely bake banana donut holes as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin or silicone mold by greasing it lightly. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full with your batter and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Baking reduces calories significantly while still providing delicious donut-like treats that everyone will love.
What toppings work best with Banana Donut Holes?
When it comes to toppings for banana donut holes, there are plenty of delicious options available! A classic choice is cinnamon sugarβa mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon that adds warmth and sweetness. For something richer, consider dipping them in chocolate glaze or icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Drizzling honey or maple syrup also complements their flavor beautifully while adding extra sweetness.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Banana Donut Holes recipe?
Absolutely! Substituting ingredients can help cater to dietary restrictions or personal preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture in banana donut holes. For instance, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blends. You can also replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for vegan options. Just remember that substitutions may slightly alter taste and consistency but experimenting can lead you to delightful new versions!
Conclusion
In summary, crafting perfect banana donut holes requires attention to detail in various aspects such as ingredient choice and preparation methods. Using ripe bananas enhances sweetness while accurate measurements ensure consistency in texture. Chilling dough before frying plays an essential role in achieving lightness and preventing excessive greasiness from old oil will enhance flavor greatly. If you follow these key suggestions closelyβalongside exploring storage options or alternatives like bakingβyouβre well on your way to creating delightful treats that everyone will love! Enjoy making these delicious bites filled with banana goodness!

Banana Donut Holes
- Author: Cecilia
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Banana Donut Holes are a delightful, bite-sized treat that perfectly blend the sweetness of ripe bananas with warm spices. These fluffy morsels are not only easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous snack cravings, but they also serve as a fantastic solution for using up overripe bananas. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen, you can create a batch thatβs sure to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them warm for breakfast, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet afternoon snack, or paired with your favorite beverage for dessert. These versatile donut holes are bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix in the sugar, milk, and egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon; gently stir this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole (30g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For maximum sweetness and flavor, use overripe bananas. Drizzle with chocolate glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an indulgent touch. Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.