Banana Donut Holes

There’s something magical about the smell of warm banana treats filling the kitchen, especially when it ends in a plate full of sugar-dusted donut holes. These banana donut holes are the perfect bite-sized indulgence soft, fluffy, golden, and coated in that irresistible sweet layer of sugar. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a spontaneous snack, they hit the sweet spot every single time.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born on a lazy Sunday morning when I had a couple of overripe bananas sitting on the counter and a craving for something warm and comforting. Rather than go for the usual banana bread, I decided to turn that same flavor into something more playful and snackable. Enter: banana donut holes. It was love at first bite. Now they’ve become a regular request in my house, especially on chilly mornings when everyone wants something sweet with their coffee or cocoa.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Banana-based desserts have deep roots in Southern and tropical cuisines, where the fruit grows abundantly and is often baked, fried, or mashed into sweet creations. Donuts themselves trace back to Dutch settlers in early America who fried dough into “olykoeks” or oily cakes. The marriage of banana and donut dough is a more recent twist, but one that’s rapidly become a favorite for its simplicity and flavor. Banana donut holes in particular offer that nostalgic carnival or fairground vibe just with a homemade, fruity twist.

Why You’ll Love Banana Donut Holes

These little golden gems come with a whole lot of reasons to keep them on repeat in your kitchen:

Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with your coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry ingredients and ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Quick and Easy: No yeast, no rising time just mix, fry, and roll in sugar.

Customizable: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.

Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, brunches, or just a fun family treat.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Fry ahead and warm up in the oven when ready to serve.

Great for Leftovers: They store beautifully and still taste great the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want those donut holes to be perfectly golden, airy, and flavorful? Here are a few tips I swear by:

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Do not overmix the batter or they’ll turn out dense instead of fluffy.
• Test oil temperature before frying. Around 350°F is ideal.
• Fry in small batches to avoid dropping the oil temp and getting soggy results.
• Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the outside crisp.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy, but having the right tools helps things go smoothly:

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.

Whisk and Spatula: To gently mix everything without overworking the batter.

Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out consistent donut holes.

Deep Fry Thermometer: Helps maintain perfect frying temp.

Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: For removing the donut holes safely from the oil.

Wire Rack: Allows excess oil to drip off and keeps them crisp.

Ingredients in Banana Donut Holes

What makes these little bites shine is the way each ingredient works together to create a pillowy, flavorful result.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 and 1/2 cups – Provides structure and fluffiness.
2. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Helps the donut holes puff up nicely as they fry.
3. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Enhances all the sweet and fruity notes.
4. Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds cozy warmth to every bite.
5. Very Ripe Bananas: 2 medium, mashed – Naturally sweet and moist, the flavor star here.
6. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (plus extra for coating) – Sweetens the batter and coats the donuts for that classic crunch.
7. Egg: 1 large – Binds everything together and adds richness.
8. Milk: 1/4 cup – Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Boosts the banana flavor beautifully.
10. Vegetable Oil: for frying – Neutral oil perfect for crisp, even frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to tweak the recipe a bit? No problem:

Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Milk: Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Sugar: Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Egg: Substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan twist.

Vanilla Extract: Try almond extract for a nutty, bakery-style flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas: The riper, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, infusing every bite with flavor and natural moisture.

Cinnamon: That little sprinkle goes a long way in balancing the sweetness and giving these donut holes a cozy depth.

Instructions for Making Banana Donut Holes

Alright, now it’s time to bring these warm, sugary bites to life. Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat your oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels and place a wire rack nearby.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another, mash the bananas and mix in sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Make sure the oil has reached proper frying temperature. Use a thermometer if you have one. Keep your slotted spoon and wire rack ready.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, a few at a time.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown all over. Transfer to the wire rack to drain.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While still warm, roll each donut hole in a bowl of granulated sugar until well coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve them warm with a hot drink, or let them cool and store for later snacking. Either way, they’re heavenly.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes these donut holes so special is their contrast crispy on the outside with a sugar crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. The banana flavor is gentle but rich, made even better with that hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Trust me, you’re going to love the way that sugary shell gives way to a warm, cake-like center.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few bonus ideas to make your batch the best ever:

• Use a piping bag to portion the batter if you want perfectly round donut holes.
• Add mini chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate twist.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of rolling in granulated for a softer finish.
• Store extras in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven to revive the crispness.

What to Avoid

Stay away from these common mistakes:

• Overmixing the batter: Leads to tough, chewy donuts.
• Oil too hot or too cool: Causes uneven cooking or greasy results.
• Crowding the pot: Lowers oil temp and results in soggy donut holes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20 donut holes
Calories per serving: 95

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Fried donut holes can be kept at room temp in an airtight container for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag, then reheat in the oven to bring back that crisp, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes

These beauties are perfect just as they are, but you can dress them up too. Serve with a drizzle of honey, chocolate sauce, or a side of whipped cream for dipping. They pair beautifully with coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa. For brunch, try them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Have extras? Here’s how to give them a second life:

• Chop and layer with whipped cream and fruit for a dessert parfait.
• Reheat and stuff with Nutella or jam for a surprise-filled treat.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, sweet topping.

Additional Tips

• Fry a test donut hole first to check oil temp and batter texture.
• If using frozen bananas, thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
• Want to impress? Serve them on a wooden board dusted with powdered sugar and a ramekin of dipping sauce.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Pile your donut holes in a small pyramid on a vintage plate. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and tuck in a sprig of mint or slice of banana on the side. Place the plate on a neutral-toned napkin for that Pinterest-worthy look.

Variations to Try

• Banana Chocolate Chip Donut Holes: Stir mini chips into the batter before frying.
• Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Add a little nutmeg and brown sugar for a warm spice blend.
• Glazed Version: Dip warm donut holes in a simple vanilla glaze instead of rolling in sugar.
• Pumpkin Banana Combo: Swap half the banana for pumpkin puree in the fall.
• Coconut Banana: Add shredded coconut to the batter and roll finished donuts in toasted coconut sugar.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A1: You can, but the texture will be more muffin-like. Try baking in a mini muffin tin at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

Q2: Can I make these vegan?
A2: Yes, use a flax egg and dairy-free milk. The banana helps hold everything together.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q4: What oil is best for frying?
A4: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely. Just fry in batches and keep cooked ones warm in the oven.

Q6: Do I need a deep fryer?
A6: Nope! A heavy-bottomed pot and a thermometer are all you need.

Q7: Why are my donut holes raw inside?
A7: Oil might be too hot, browning the outside too fast. Lower the temp slightly.

Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?
A8: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and double-check your baking powder is gluten-free.

Q9: Are they sweet enough without sugar on top?
A9: They’ll still be good, but the sugar coating adds crunch and enhances the banana flavor.

Q10: Can I use bananas that aren’t super ripe?
A10: Riper bananas are best for sweetness and moisture, but you can microwave slightly green bananas for 30–60 seconds to soften.

Conclusion

There’s something irresistibly charming about banana donut holes. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and packed with flavor in every sugary bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them to guests at brunch, they always bring smiles. So grab those ripe bananas, heat up that oil, and treat yourself you deserve it.

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