Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Imagine combining the fluffy, comforting goodness of pancakes with the fun, crispy texture of donuts. These Banana Pancake Donuts are the perfect sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert. They’re light, soft on the inside, and just a little crispy on the outside—exactly how you’d want your donuts to be. With the delicious hint of banana, they have all the sweetness you crave, without being overwhelming. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can indulge in this dreamy breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love these little bites of heaven.
Why You’ll Love Banana Pancake Donuts
This recipe is all about creating the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving a crowd, these Banana Pancake Donuts check all the boxes. Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—from a lazy weekend breakfast to a fun brunch with friends.
Budget-Friendly: All you need are a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: No deep-frying, just a quick bake in the oven. They’re simple and stress-free to whip up!
Customizable: Feel free to add in chocolate chips, cinnamon, or nuts to make these donuts your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re soft, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. Kids and adults alike will love these banana-packed donuts.
Ingredients in Banana Pancake Donuts
Here’s what you’ll need to create these sweet treats:
Bananas: The star ingredient! They give the donuts their soft texture and natural sweetness.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base, making the donuts light and fluffy.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the donuts rise and become light and airy.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives structure to the donuts.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and flavor.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the banana without being overpowering.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the donuts.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these Banana Pancake Donuts:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden color.
Prepare the Donut Pan: Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps your donuts come out easily once they’re baked.
Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You want them to be completely mashed for the best texture in your donuts.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 of the way. Use a spoon or your fingers to smooth the top of each donut.
Bake the Donuts: Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown on top and slightly spring back when touched.
Finishing Touches: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your Banana Pancake Donuts as-is or with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a handful of chocolate chips. They’re perfect for any time of day!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 160
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
How to Serve Banana Pancake Donuts
These Banana Pancake Donuts pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing smoothie. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh sliced bananas for a truly indulgent treat.
- Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter for an extra decadent touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The darker the banana, the sweeter your donuts will be.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can also use a muffin tin. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as muffins will take a little longer to cook through.
- For a healthier version, swap the butter for coconut oil or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a fun twist.
FAQs
1 Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan version.
2 Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
3 Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work great. Just thaw them out before using them in the recipe.
4 How do I make these donuts even fluffier?
Make sure to not overmix the batter. The more you mix, the denser the donuts will become.
5 Can I make this recipe without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin as an alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
6 Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Chocolate chips will add a delicious melty surprise in every bite.
7 How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
8 Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
9 How can I make these even more indulgent?
Top them with a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter, or add a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
10 How do I make these more banana-flavored?
Use extra ripe bananas for a stronger banana flavor, or add a splash of banana extract to the batter.
Conclusion
Banana Pancake Donuts are the perfect blend of two of your favorite breakfast treats—donuts and pancakes. They’re light, fluffy, and packed with banana flavor, making them a breakfast you’ll look forward to. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or enjoying them on a quiet morning, they’re bound to put a smile on your face. Enjoy these sweet, easy-to-make delights, and feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Print
Banana Pancake Donuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Pancake Donuts combine the best of both worlds – fluffy banana pancakes shaped into fun donut forms, perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack. These donuts are light, moist, and packed with banana flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for greasing or frying
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with oil or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Carefully spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar on top if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat flour or oat flour.
- Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can also bake these in a muffin tin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg