If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that’s simple to whip up yet irresistibly tasty, look no further than this Banana Donut Holes Recipe. These little bites burst with the warm, comforting flavors of ripe bananas and cinnamon sugar, making them perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a cozy dessert. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a lightly crisped exterior, they bring a fresh twist to classic donut holes without the hassle of frying. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to whenever you want a quick, crowd-pleasing snack that feels homemade and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward making your Banana Donut Holes Recipe a success. Each component plays a critical role—from the natural sweetness and moisture of bananas to the spice of cinnamon and the fluffiness that baking powder provides. These simple pantry staples combine to give the donut holes their soft texture and fantastic flavor.
- Bananas (2 medium, mashed): Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture to keep the dough tender.
- Flour (1½ cups): Provides the structure to hold everything together while keeping the donut holes light.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Leavens the dough so the donut holes puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle floral sweetness that enhances the banana flavor.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough and works perfectly combined with cinnamon for that classic coating.
- Cinnamon (2 tbsp): Gives a warm spice kick that pairs wonderfully with bananas and sugar.
How to Make Banana Donut Holes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven or air fryer to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. This simple prep step lets you focus on the exciting part—making the dough!
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix in Vanilla
Peel and mash your bananas in a bowl until completely smooth—no chunky bits here! Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that lovely fragrant note that pairs so well with bananas. This fragrant base is what makes the donut holes taste comforting and inviting.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Batter
Add the flour and baking powder to your banana mixture, then gently stir everything together until a soft batter forms. The batter will still be a bit sticky, but that’s exactly what makes these donut holes so tender.
Step 4: Knead and Shape Into Balls
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then transfer the dough to a clean surface like a cutting board. Give it a gentle knead until you achieve a firmer dough ball that’s easy to handle. Then, divide the dough into 9 to 12 golf-ball-sized portions, rolling each into as round a shape as possible. The goal here is to get uniform balls for even baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your donut holes on the prepared baking sheet and give them a quick spray with oil for a little crispiness. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and beautifully browned on the outside. The aroma at this stage is absolutely dreamy and signals that your Banana Donut Holes Recipe is almost ready!
Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donut holes bake, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. As soon as the donut holes come out of the oven, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re generously coated. This sweet, spiced crust is what makes these donut holes so addictive.
How to Serve Banana Donut Holes Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate the presentation and flavor, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also make exquisite complements, adding color and texture to your delightful donut holes.
Side Dishes
Banana donut holes are a great companion to a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a fuller breakfast spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet richness with refreshing, nutritious elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by skewering the donut holes on decorative sticks for a fun party treat, or arrange them in a pyramid on a platter as a centerpiece at brunch. You can even pack them in small gift boxes lined with parchment paper for sharing as little tokens of homemade goodness with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover banana donut holes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to four days, staying soft yet retaining that cinnamon sugar crunch. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze these donut holes for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they maintain their shape and flavor, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever you like.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the donut holes into a warm oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them chewy. This little extra step revives their fresh-baked magic beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Donut Holes Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen bananas before mashing. This helps keep the dough from becoming too wet and maintains the perfect texture for baking.
Are these donut holes gluten-free?
The recipe calls for regular flour, so they are not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind the texture may vary slightly but still remain delicious.
Can I make these without an oven, using only an air fryer?
Definitely! This Banana Donut Holes Recipe works wonderfully in an air fryer at 350°F as well. Just keep an eye on the baking time since air fryer models vary; 6 to 8 minutes is a great starting point.
What if I want them extra sweet?
Feel free to increase the sugar slightly in the coating or add a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving. A touch of extra sweetness perfectly complements the warm cinnamon spice.
Are banana donut holes healthy?
While they are a sweet treat, using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excessive sugar or fat. Enjoy them as a balanced snack or dessert within a varied diet.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Donut Holes Recipe is such a rewarding and enjoyable experience, especially knowing how quickly they come together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. These bite-sized delights bring warmth, sweetness, and just the right amount of spice, making them perfect for sharing with those you love or simply treating yourself. Give them a try—you may find yourself baking these little treasures again and again!
PrintBanana Donut Holes Recipe
These Banana Donut Holes are a delightful, bite-sized treat made from ripe bananas and a simple batter, baked to perfection and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they deliver a soft, fluffy texture with a sweet cinnamon finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 donut holes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas (mashed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas and Add Vanilla: In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Batter: Add flour and baking powder to the mashed bananas and gently mix until a soft batter forms. The mixture should be slightly sticky but cohesive.
- Knead Dough: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking, then transfer the batter to a cutting board. Gently knead the dough until it becomes slightly firmer and easier to handle.
- Shape Donut Holes: Divide the dough into 9 to 12 golf ball-sized portions. Roll each between your hands to form smooth, round balls. Lightly spray them with oil for a better bake.
- Bake: Arrange the donut holes evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until the outside is golden brown and the donut holes have puffed up.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, combine sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl until well mixed.
- Coat Donut Holes: Once baked, immediately toss the warm donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the donut holes fresh and warm, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 10-15 minutes.
- You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or applesauce to the batter.
- These donut holes are best enjoyed the same day but can be reheated in a toaster oven for freshness.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and softness.
