These Banana Donut Holes are soft, fluffy, and packed with delicious banana flavor. Made with ripe bananas and lightly spiced with cinnamon, these bite-sized treats are deep-fried or baked to golden perfection. Whether coated in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with glaze, or enjoyed plain, they make a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy – Perfectly tender on the inside with a crisp outer layer.
- Easy to Make – No yeast required, just mix and fry (or bake).
- Great for Using Ripe Bananas – A fun alternative to banana bread.
- Customizable – Coat with sugar, dip in chocolate, or drizzle with glaze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Egg
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Butter (melted)
- Oil (for frying)
For Coating (Optional):
- Cinnamon sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate glaze
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and sugars. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Fry the Donut Holes (or Bake)
- For Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop batter into a greased mini muffin tin and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 3: Coat and Serve
- While warm, roll donut holes in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or drizzle with glaze.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 20-24 donut holes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Donut Holes – Add chocolate chips to the batter.
- Banana Nut Donut Holes – Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Glazed Donut Holes – Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Spiced Banana Donut Holes – Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
- Baked Banana Donut Holes – Skip the frying and bake them in a mini muffin tin.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 300°F for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these without frying?
Yes! You can bake them in a mini muffin tin for a lighter option.
What’s the best banana to use?
Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.
How do I prevent the donut holes from being dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter; stir just until combined.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
How do I get the best cinnamon sugar coating?
Roll the donut holes in the sugar while they’re still warm for the best adhesion.
Can I add a filling?
Yes! Use a piping bag to fill them with Nutella, jam, or cream after frying.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best results.
Can I air-fry these?
Yes! Air-fry at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but they may be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for balance.
Do these taste like banana bread?
Yes, they have a similar banana flavor but with a lighter, more donut-like texture.
Conclusion
These Banana Donut Holes are a fun, delicious way to use ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether fried or baked, coated in cinnamon sugar or drizzled with glaze, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Banana Donut Holes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 donut holes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Deep-fried
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Donut Holes are soft, fluffy, and packed with banana flavor, making them the perfect bite-sized treat! Fried to golden perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar or a light glaze, these mini donuts are quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible—ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
For the Donut Holes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, but enhances flavor!)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: (Optional but delicious!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Glaze: (Optional alternative to cinnamon sugar)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix mashed banana, egg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined (do not overmix!).
Step 2: Fry the Donut Holes
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop 1-inch rounds of batter into the hot oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Coat or Glaze
Option 1: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll warm donut holes in the mixture until fully coated.
Option 2: Vanilla Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dip each donut hole into the glaze, then place on a wire rack to set.
Serving & Storage
- Serve warm for the best taste!
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Notes
- Baked Version? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes in a mini muffin tin.
- Want extra banana flavor? Add ½ tsp banana extract.
- Love chocolate? Dip in melted chocolate instead of glaze.
- Make ahead! Freeze after frying, then reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.