Sweet Banana Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Try the amazing taste of homemade baked banana donuts with a brown sugar glaze. This recipe is a treat that mixes the sweetness of ripe bananas with the warmth of brown sugar. It’s perfect for a healthy breakfast or a tasty dessert. These donuts will quickly become a favorite in your family.

Key Takeaways

Homemade banana donuts with a brown sugar glaze
Baked, not fried, for a healthier option
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas
Yields 12 donuts in about 45 minutes
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack

Introduction to Homemade Banana Donuts

Homemade banana donuts mix the cozy taste of ripe banana with the softness of a fresh donut. Unlike fried ones, these are baked. This makes them a healthier choice with fewer calories and less oil.

Why These Donuts Are Special

These banana donuts stand out for their moist texture and strong banana taste. They’re topped with a sweet brown sugar glaze. A mom and nutrition expert created this recipe. It turns banana bread into a fun, easy-to-eat snack.

Benefits of Baking vs Frying

Baking these donuts makes them a healthier option without losing taste or texture. They’re lighter and less greasy, making them easier to digest. The author also suggests using safe bakeware to boost wellness and avoid harmful chemicals.

Baked Donuts	Fried Donuts
Lower in calories and fat	Higher in calories and fat
Easier to digest	Heavier and greasier
Baked in non-toxic bakeware	Fried in unhealthy oils

These homemade banana donuts are a joy to eat. They’re moist, full of banana flavor, and just right with the brown sugar glaze. Plus, they’re simple to make and can be topped in many ways.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Banana Donuts

To make delicious banana donuts, you need the right ingredients. The main ingredient is ripe bananas. These bananas are overripe, with a deep yellow color and speckled skin. They make the donuts moist, sweet, and full of flavor.

You also need all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a bit of cinnamon. These add to the banana’s natural sweetness.

Eggs and butter are key for binding the batter. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, and vanilla extract boosts the flavor. A pinch of salt balances the other ingredients.

For the glaze, you’ll need dark brown sugar, whole milk, butter, and powdered sugar. This mix creates a rich, velvety glaze that goes perfectly with the banana donuts.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ripe bananas, mashed	175 g (¾ cup)
All-purpose flour	225 g (1¾ cups)
Baking powder	2 tsp
Cinnamon	1 tsp
Granulated sugar	110 g (½ cup)
Eggs	2
Butter, melted	60 g (¼ cup)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
For the Glaze:
Dark brown sugar	110 g (½ cup)
Whole milk	60 ml (¼ cup)
Unsalted butter	30 g (2 Tbsp)
Powdered sugar	90 g (¾ cup)

By choosing and measuring these ingredients carefully, you’re on your way to making perfect homemade banana donuts with a rich brown sugar glaze.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make these tasty Banana Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze, you’ll need some key kitchen tools. The main tool is a donut pan, which comes in different sizes for the perfect donuts. You’ll also need mixing bowls, a whisk, and a pastry bag or plastic bag for piping the batter.

Donut Pan Selection Guide

When picking a donut pan, look for one with a non-stick surface. This makes it easy to get the donuts out after baking. Choose a pan with six to twelve cavities, depending on the size you like. Silicone pans are a good choice because they’re durable and easy to use.

Additional Baking Tools

Mixing bowls of various sizes for preparing the batter and glaze
Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient proportions
A whisk or electric mixer to combine the wet and dry ingredients
A wire cooling rack to allow the donuts to cool and the glaze to set
A pastry bag or resealable plastic bag for piping the batter into the donut pan

With these tools, you’ll be all set to make a batch of Banana Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze. They’re sure to be a hit with your taste buds.

Selecting and Preparing Bananas

Choosing the right bananas is key to making tasty banana donuts. Look for bananas with brown spots or a completely brown skin. These bananas will give your treats a deep, sweet banana flavor.

To get ready the bananas, mash them with a fork, potato masher, or pastry cutter. This step releases the natural sugars and makes the bananas smooth and creamy. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening by placing them in a paper bag with another ripe fruit. Or, bake the unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

Overripe Bananas	Mashing Bananas	Banana Ripening Tips
Look for bananas with brown spots or completely brown skin for the best flavor and texture.	Mash the bananas using a fork, potato masher, or pastry cutter to create a smooth, creamy texture.	If bananas aren’t ripe enough, place them in a paper bag with another ripe fruit or bake unpeeled at 300°F for 15-20 minutes to speed up the ripening process.

By following these simple tips, you’re on your way to making the most delicious banana donuts. Your family and friends will love them.

Making the Donut Batter

Making banana donut batter is a fun process. First, we mash ripe bananas until they’re smooth. Then, we mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. This makes a rich, tasty base for our donuts.

Wet Ingredients Mixing

In a big bowl, mash 2 medium ripe bananas until they’re smooth. Next, whisk in ½ cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Make sure everything is well mixed for a delicious batter.

Dry Ingredients Combination

In another bowl, mix dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter gently. The batter should be like banana bread, smooth but not too thin.

Now, our donut batter is ready. It’s time to put it in a donut pan and bake until they’re golden brown.

Banana Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze

Try the amazing mix of baked donuts and a brown sugar glaze. These donuts are healthier, with the taste of banana bread and a light texture. They’re a perfect treat.

Ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture to the dough. Baking them makes the donuts healthier than fried ones. The brown sugar glaze adds a rich, caramel taste to each bite.

Ingredient	Quantity
Eggs (large)	1
Light brown sugar	1/2 cup
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Canola or vegetable oil	1/4 cup
Sour cream	1/4 cup
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Mashed ripe bananas	1 cup
All-purpose flour	1 1/4 cups
Baking powder	1/2 teaspoon
Baking soda	1/2 teaspoon
Salt (optional)	1/4 teaspoon

To make the brown sugar glaze, you’ll need:

Unsalted browned butter: 1/4 cup
Packed light brown sugar: 1/3 cup
Half-and-half or cream: 3 tablespoons
Sifted confectioners’ sugar: 2 cups
Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt (optional): 1/4 teaspoon

Baking the donuts and donut holes takes about 13 to 14 minutes. The glaze needs some prep, but it’s worth it. Serve the donuts warm for the best taste. They keep well for up to 4 days at room temperature.

These baked banana donuts with brown sugar glaze are a delightful treat. They mix the comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of a donut. They’re perfect for a healthier breakfast or dessert option.

Baking Temperature and Timing

To make perfect banana donuts, you need the right oven temperature and timing. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This will give your donuts a golden-brown outside and a soft inside.

It’s important to watch your donuts while they bake. They usually need 11-12 minutes. When the tops bounce back after a light touch, they’re done. Don’t overbake, as it can make them dry. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before cooling them on a wire rack.

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bake the banana donuts for 11-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Getting the baking temperature and timing right is key. It helps you achieve a golden-brown outside and a soft inside. With practice, you’ll make delicious donuts at home.

“Baking is like chemistry, and if you don’t follow the recipe exactly, things can go wrong.” – Duff Goldman

Creating the Perfect Brown Sugar Glaze

Make your homemade banana donuts even better with a rich brown sugar glaze. This topping adds sweetness and a shiny look. Learning how to make the perfect glaze and how to apply it will make your donuts look like they came from a bakery.

Glaze Consistency Tips

To get the glaze just right, start by mixing brown sugar and milk in a saucepan. Heat it until it boils gently. Then, take it off the heat and add butter and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s smooth and shiny.

To get the right pouring consistency, add powdered sugar slowly. The glaze should coat the donuts well but still be easy to work with. If it gets too thick, just heat it a bit to thin it out.

Application Techniques

Let the donuts cool completely before glazing. This helps the glaze stick better and prevents it from running.
Dip the donuts in the warm glaze, letting the extra glaze drip back into the pan.
For even coverage, use a spoon to pour the glaze over the donuts. Make sure all sides are coated.
Work fast, as the glaze will start to set in about 10 minutes. This will give you a shiny finish.

By following these tips, you can make a brown sugar glaze that looks amazing and tastes great. It will turn your homemade banana donuts into a real treat.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Make your homemade banana donuts even better by trying different toppings and flavors. You can choose from classic toppings or try new, exciting flavors. This lets you make these treats truly your own.

Think about adding nut toppings like chopped pecans or walnuts. Their buttery crunch goes great with the donuts’ softness. For a burst of color and sweetness, try sprinkling on sprinkles or sugar crystals.

Try glazes other than the usual brown sugar. Options like maple or lemon-flavored can give your donuts a unique taste. This way, you can please different tastes.

For a simple yet tasty topping, dust your donuts with powdered sugar. This lets the banana flavor stand out while adding sweetness.

Want to try something new? Mix chocolate chips or dried fruit into the batter. These add fun flavors and textures to your banana donuts.

“The beauty of homemade banana donuts is the endless possibilities for customization. Embrace your creativity and find the perfect toppings and flavor combinations to make these donuts your own.”

Storage and Freshness Tips

Keeping your homemade banana donuts fresh is crucial for their taste. Knowing how to store them and their shelf life is important. This ensures they stay delicious.

Proper Storage Methods

It’s best to eat banana donuts the same day they’re baked. But, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Refrigerating them can keep them fresh for up to a week. But, it might change the glaze‘s texture.

To freeze banana donuts, cool them completely first. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature and glaze them for a fresh taste.

Shelf Life Guidelines

Room temperature (airtight container): 1-2 days
Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
Frozen (unglazed): Up to 3 months

Cream-filled or custard-filled donuts should not sit out for more than 2 hours. This is because of the dairy ingredients. Always check donuts for spoilage before eating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade banana donuts for days.

Nutritional Information

These homemade banana donut treats are a healthier choice than fried donuts. Each glazed donut has about 208 calories, 36g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 6g fat. The natural banana sweetness and baking make them a better option.

The nutritional facts might change a bit depending on the ingredients and sizes. But this recipe is a healthier choice than store-bought or fried donuts. It’s perfect for those looking for a tasty yet healthier donut option.

Nutritional Information	Per Glazed Donut
Calories	208
Carbohydrates	36g
Protein	3g
Fat	6g

The mix of natural banana flavor, baking, and a rich brown sugar glaze makes these banana donuts a tasty and nutritious treat. Enjoy the sweetness while feeling good about your choice.

Tips for Achieving Bakery-Style Results

Baking delicious donuts at home is a challenge, but it’s doable with the right techniques. To make your banana donuts with brown sugar glaze perfect, follow these essential tips:

Avoid Common Mistakes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture and rise.
Measure flour accurately to prevent a dense, heavy donut.
Don’t overmix the batter, which can lead to a tough, chewy donut.
Be mindful not to overfill donut molds – leave room for the donuts to expand during baking.
Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.

Common mistakes can ruin your donut dreams. These include using underripe bananas, overbaking, and glazing warm donuts. Focus on these details for soft, fluffy, and perfectly glazed banana donuts every time.

Baking Tip	Benefit
Use room temperature ingredients	Improves donut texture and rise
Measure flour accurately	Prevents dense, heavy donuts
Avoid overmixing the batter	Ensures a soft, tender donut
Don’t overfill donut molds	Allows donuts to rise properly
Let donuts cool before glazing	Prevents the glaze from melting

By following these baking tips, you’ll be on your way to creating bakery-style banana donuts. They’ll have a light, airy texture and a perfectly smooth, shiny brown sugar glaze.

“The secret to baking perfect donuts at home is all in the technique. With a little care and attention to detail, you can achieve that coveted bakery-fresh flavor and texture.”

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Making your own gluten-free donuts or vegan banana donuts is fun. You can try different flours and ingredients. The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend for a healthier option.

For vegan donuts, replace eggs with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce. Sour cream can be swapped for Greek yogurt. This gives a similar texture and taste.

Try adding different extracts like maple or almond instead of vanilla. You can also adjust the sugar to your liking. Add more or less sugar based on how sweet you want them.

Ingredient	Variation	Quantity
Flour	Whole Wheat Flour	1 cup
Flour	Gluten-Free Flour Blend	1 cup
Egg	Flax Egg	1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water
Sour Cream	Greek Yogurt	¼ cup
Vanilla Extract	Maple Extract	1 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract	Almond Extract	1 teaspoon

With these simple changes, you can make many tasty banana donut recipes. They can fit your diet and taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Banana donuts are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy them warm with cold milk or coffee. The sweetness of bananas and the brown sugar glaze are a match made in heaven.

Pair banana donuts with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. Try them with sliced bananas, berries, or yogurt. This mix of soft donuts and fresh fruit is both nourishing and delicious.

For dessert, serve banana donuts warm with vanilla ice cream. The golden glaze and cool ice cream make a fantastic sundae. Add caramel sauce or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Banana donuts are also great for brunch or afternoon tea. Place them on a platter with other treats for a beautiful and tasty spread.

Serving Suggestion	Pairing	Benefits
Breakfast	Milk, coffee	Satisfying morning treat
Balanced Meal	Fresh fruit, yogurt	Nourishing and fulfilling
Dessert	Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce	Indulgent donut sundae
Brunch or Afternoon Tea	Pastries, scones, finger sandwiches	Visually appealing and delicious

Enjoy banana donuts with brown sugar glaze for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. They are sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Baking homemade banana donuts can be a fun experience, but sometimes, you might face some challenges. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you solve any donut troubleshooting, baking problems, or glaze issues you might have.

Texture Problems and Solutions

If your banana donuts are dense or heavy, it might be because you over-mixed the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid too much gluten. If your donuts are dry and crumbly, it could be because the oven was too hot or you baked them for too long. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature and watch the donuts closely while they bake.

Glaze Consistency Fixes

The perfect brown sugar glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out. Apply the glaze when the donuts are still warm for the best look.

Also, if your donuts bake unevenly, try rotating the pan halfway through baking to get even heat. To prevent donuts from sticking, grease the pan well with non-stick spray or butter before adding the batter.

By fixing these common donut troubleshooting, baking problems, and glaze issues, you’ll make perfect, bakery-style banana donuts every time.

Conclusion

This homemade banana donut recipe is a tasty and healthier choice compared to fried donuts. It has a moist texture, a rich banana taste, and a sweet brown sugar glaze. These homemade banana donuts will quickly become a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or any time.

The easy baking recipe makes it simple to enjoy a sweet breakfast treat without feeling guilty. It uses ripe bananas, whole wheat pastry flour, and a bit of maple syrup. This creates a nutritious and tasty donut that meets your cravings.

If you’re after a quick and satisfying breakfast or a guilt-free treat, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and clear instructions. You can quickly make a batch of these delicious donuts, adding homemade goodness to your day.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in this baked banana donut recipe?

You’ll need ripe bananas, granulated sugar, eggs, and butter. Also, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. For the glaze, dark brown sugar, whole milk, butter, and powdered sugar are needed.

What equipment is needed to make these homemade banana donuts?

You’ll need a donut pan, mixing bowls, and measuring utensils. A whisk or electric mixer is also required. Use a pastry bag or plastic bag for piping the batter. A wire cooling rack is handy for cooling and glazing.

How do I ensure the bananas are ripe enough for the best flavor and texture?

Choose bananas with brown spots or completely brown skin. If bananas aren’t ripe, speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe fruit. Or bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

What’s the baking process for these banana donuts?

First, mash the bananas and mix with sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Then, mix dry ingredients like flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until they spring back.

How do I make the perfect brown sugar glaze for the donuts?

Mix brown sugar and milk in a saucepan, then remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Add powdered sugar to get the right consistency. Dip cooled donuts into the warm glaze, letting excess drip off.

Can I customize these baked banana donuts with different toppings or flavors?

Yes, you can customize these donuts. Try adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sugar crystals. You can also use maple or lemon glaze, or dust with powdered sugar. For extra flavor, add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter.

How should I store these homemade banana donuts?

Enjoy donuts on the day they’re made. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Refrigerate for up to a week, but the glaze may change. Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months, thawing and glazing before serving.

What are the nutritional benefits of these baked banana donuts?

Each glazed donut has about 208 calories, 36g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 6g fat. This recipe is a healthier choice than fried donuts, thanks to baking and natural banana sweetness.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making these banana donuts?

Use room temperature ingredients and measure flour accurately. Avoid overmixing the batter. Don’t overfill the molds, as the donuts will rise. Cool donuts completely before glazing. Common mistakes include using underripe bananas, overbaking, and glazing warm donuts.