Banana Donut Holes: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats

Paula

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Deliciously baked banana donut holes displayed on a plate.

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Donut Holes are not just a delightful treat; they’re also an excellent way to use up ripe bananas. These little bites are soft, sweet, and can easily satisfy your sweet tooth! Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a quick snack, or want to impress your family, this recipe is sure to win hearts. They are simple to make, perfect for any occasion, and provide a warm, comforting taste that everyone will love.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind works!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for extra adherence)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions


  1. Mash the Bananas: In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth.



  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined. Then, whisk in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.



  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.



  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.



  5. Rest the Batter (Optional): If time allows, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature.



  6. Prepare the Frying Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, making sure it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).



  7. Shape the Donut Holes: Use a small cookie scoop, two spoons, or a piping bag to shape the batter into small balls.



  8. Fry in Batches: Carefully drop the donut holes into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pot. Fry in batches of 5-7 donut holes at a time.



  9. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the donut holes for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.



  10. Remove and Drain: Once golden, remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.



  11. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donut holes are warm, prepare the coating by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.



  12. Coat the Donut Holes: Toss the warm donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Brush with melted butter for extra stickiness.



  13. Prepare the Optional Glaze: For a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.



  14. Glaze the Donut Holes (Optional): Dip the cooled donut holes into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.



  15. Let the Glaze Set (Optional): Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving, if desired.


How to Serve Banana Donut Holes

Serve these delicious donut holes warm or at room temperature. They are perfect to enjoy on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, serve them on a platter with a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce for dipping.

How to Store Banana Donut Holes

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed and reheated in the microwave for a quick treat.

Tips to Make Banana Donut Holes

  • Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined for light and fluffy donut holes.
  • If the batter seems too thick, gently fold in a little extra milk until desired consistency.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying to prevent soggy donut holes.

Variation

You can customize these donut holes by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a touch of peanut butter to the batter. For a tropical twist, consider adding a bit of shredded coconut or chopped pineapple for added flavor!

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the donut holes on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, and then toss in cinnamon sugar.

What can I do with leftover donut holes?
You can freeze leftover donut holes for future snacks. Simply thaw and reheat them in the microwave or an oven to get them warm and soft again.

Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?
Yes! You can substitute bananas with applesauce or pureed pumpkin for different flavors, but be aware that it may change the texture slightly.

Banana Donut Holes

These soft and sweet Banana Donut Holes are perfect for any occasion, utilizing ripe bananas for a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 donut holes
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Mixture

  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk Any kind works!
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Frying and Coating

  • Vegetable oil for frying About 2-3 inches deep.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter Optional, for extra adherence.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk Or water.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth.
  • Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined. Then, whisk in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
  • In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  • If time allows, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature.

Frying

  • Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, making sure it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  • Use a small cookie scoop, two spoons, or a piping bag to shape the batter into small balls.
  • Carefully drop the donut holes into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pot. Fry in batches of 5-7 donut holes at a time.
  • Fry the donut holes for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once golden, remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Coating

  • While the donut holes are warm, prepare the coating by mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  • Toss the warm donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Brush with melted butter for extra stickiness.
  • For a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Dip the cooled donut holes into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.
  • Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving, if desired.

Notes

Serve these delicious donut holes warm or at room temperature. They are perfect to enjoy on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, serve them on a platter with a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce for dipping. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Keyword Banana Donut Holes, Banana Recipes, Donut Holes, Fried Treats, snack ideas

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