Fluffy Homemade Banana Donut Holes Recipe: Sweet Bite-Sized Joy

Sweet banana donut holes burst with comfort and nostalgia in every delightful bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl through these tender morsels.

Soft, pillowy spheres capture the essence of ripe, fragrant bananas nestled in a delicate dough.

Warm spices dance alongside the fruit’s natural sweetness, creating a harmonious blend.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make you feel like a confident baker.

Dusted with powdered sugar, these little treats promise pure joy in each mouthwatering morsel.

Bake these irresistible banana donut holes and watch smiles light up the room.

Banana Donut Holes That Are Soft and Sweet

• These banana donut holes come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Packed with ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, these mini treats offer a cozy, nostalgic flavor that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Soft, bite-sized, and not too sweet, these donut holes are ideal for little hands and picky eaters who love finger foods.
• Requiring basic pantry ingredients and simple mixing technique, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Ingredients for Banana-Packed Donut Bites

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the donut holes, all-purpose flour works best.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the donut holes rise and become light.
• Cinnamon, Salt: Enhance flavor and balance sweetness.

• Banana: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and rich banana flavor, ripe bananas are ideal.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.
• Vanilla: Brings depth and warmth to the overall flavor.

• Butter (Melted): Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a soft texture, unsalted butter preferred for better control of saltiness.

How to Fry Banana Donut Holes Right

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Blend these dry components until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

• Egg
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Stir everything until the mixture becomes creamy and well-integrated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix- this keeps the donut holes tender and light.

Step 4: Shape Donut Holes

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form round balls of batter. Place them on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each donut hole.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven. Bake the donut holes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the donut holes rest for a few minutes. Optional: Roll in powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for extra sweetness.

Tips for Even Cooking and No Grease

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined to keep donut holes tender and light.
• Boost Banana Flavor: Use overripe, very dark bananas for a more intense, natural sweetness and deeper banana taste.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar immediately after baking for a crispy, caramelized exterior.
• Customize Texture: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra crunch and flavor variation.
• Storage Hack: Keep donut holes fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Store Donut Holes the Smart Way

• Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual donut holes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks when frozen properly.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed donut holes at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fluffy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
• Let frozen donut holes thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Best Pairings for Banana Donut Holes

• The creamy banana flavor perfectly complements the rich, buttery caramel notes in a warm latte, creating a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Crumble the donut holes over a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato for a decadent dessert that amplifies the banana's natural sweetness and soft texture.
• The warm cinnamon in the donut holes beautifully echoes the aromatic spices in chai, delivering a cozy and comforting flavor experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Create a simple cream cheese frosting for dipping, adding a tangy contrast that cuts through the donut holes' sweetness and elevates the overall taste profile.

Donut Hole Variations You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Paradise: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the fluffy texture and banana sweetness.
• Vegan Banana Bliss: Replace egg with mashed chia seeds or flax egg, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter to create a compassionate, dairy-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and add extra ripe banana for natural sweetness while reducing overall sugar content.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate vanilla protein powder into the dry ingredients to transform these donut holes into a post-workout snack with added nutritional value.

Banana Donut Hole Questions You’ve Asked

• Are banana donut holes healthy?

While not a diet food, they offer more nutrition than traditional donuts by using fresh bananas, which provide potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness, reducing overall added sugar.

• Can I make these donut holes without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana or 1/4 cup applesauce to maintain moisture and binding in the recipe.

• What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but you can also use whole wheat flour for added nutrition or gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.

• How do I prevent my donut holes from becoming dense?

Mix wet and dry ingredients gently and just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the donut holes tough and heavy instead of light and tender.

Banana Donut Holes Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Banana Donut Holes bring sweet Caribbean comfort to classic pastry lovers. Crisp exterior and pillowy center deliver rich banana flavor, promising pure dessert bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Coating and Glaze Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing vessel, creating a uniform powder blend of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt using a whisk.
2. In a separate container, thoroughly mash ripe bananas and integrate them with egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture achieves a silky, consistent texture.
3. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana-based liquid ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to prevent gluten development, stopping precisely when ingredients are incorporated.
4. Allow the batter to rest momentarily, enabling flour to hydrate and flavors to meld while preparing a cooking surface.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to an optimal temperature of 350°F, ensuring consistent heat for even golden-brown donut holes.
6. Using a small scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded portions of batter into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain temperature stability.
7. Fry donut holes for approximately 2-3 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and a crisp exterior.
8. Remove golden-brown spheres using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.
9. Optional: Dust warm donut holes with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for additional flavor complexity.
10. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Ensure ripe bananas are used for maximum sweetness and moisture in the donut holes.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and tender, preventing tough results.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
• Add extra warmth by incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside the cinnamon for deeper flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg