Name: Banana Donuts with Caramelized Banana Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (*see notes below for measuring*); 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature); 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup mashed ripe banana; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp sour cream (room temperature); 2 tbsp canola oil; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup brown sugar; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 ½ tbsp milk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp dark brown sugar (packed); ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; 1-2 medium fresh bananas (sliced into ½ inch pieces)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you are ready to delight your taste buds with a treat that tastes like a warm hug, this Banana Donuts with Caramelized Banana Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is calling your name. These donuts are incredibly moist and bursting with banana flavor, enhanced by a luscious vanilla glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. To top it all off, the caramelized bananas bring a rich, buttery, and slightly spiced twist that turns these donuts into an irresistible indulgence perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any moment you want to feel a little extra joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan with about two layers of banana slices evenly spread across the surface. The banana slices are light yellow with soft textures, each piece showing a slightly darker center. The slices are coated with a glossy, light brown sauce sprinkled with tiny darker cinnamon specks. The sauce pools slightly around the banana slices, creating a thin, shiny layer that glistens under the light. The white marbled texture is visible at the edges of the pan where the sauce is thinner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, moistness, and that golden color that makes donuts so inviting. From ripe bananas for natural sweetness to the perfect blend of spices and baking essentials, every element plays a vital role in crafting these scrumptious donuts.

All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and fluffiness to the donuts.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note that complements the bananas beautifully.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents ensuring light, tender donuts.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
Buttermilk: Contributes to tender crumb and gentle tanginess, making the donuts moist.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mashed ripe banana: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moistness.
Granulated sugar and dark brown sugar: A duo that sweetens while adding depth and a slight caramel undertone.
Sour cream: Keeps the donuts tender and adds subtle creaminess.
Canola oil: Helps keep the donuts moist without overpowering flavor.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the entire flavor profile with its aromatic warmth.
Powdered sugar: For the smooth vanilla glaze that melts on top.
Milk: Thins the glaze to that perfect silky consistency.
Brown sugar and cinnamon (for caramelizing): Provides sweetness and spice to the banana topping.
Fresh bananas: Sliced for thoughtful caramelized toppings that deliver extra banana goodness.

How to Make Banana Donuts with Caramelized Banana Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Pan and Oven

Start by lightly buttering or spraying a nonstick donut pan. This simple step ensures your donuts will release beautifully after baking. Then set your oven to preheat at 350°F (180°C), giving it plenty of time to get perfectly warm for even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This mixture forms the backbone of your donuts, blending spiced warmth and the necessary rising agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, mashed ripe banana, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, sour cream, canola oil, and vanilla extract. This blend creates the luscious, moist base with balanced sweetness and flavor that will make your donuts stand out.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your donuts dense, so aim for a smooth, slightly lumpy batter that promises a tender crumb.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan and Bake

Pipe or spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan. This technique helps you evenly portion the batter, making sure every donut is just right. Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops spring back with a gentle touch.

Step 6: Cool and Remove the Donuts

Once baked, let the pan cool on a wire rack to keep the donuts intact during removal. Flip the pan and gently lift out each donut carefully to maintain their perfect shape and moist interiors.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

For the glaze, melt butter and brown sugar together until silky smooth. Add milk and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer before removing from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and velvety. Set the glaze aside to cool for 10 to 12 minutes; it will thicken as it rests, ready to coat your donuts beautifully.

Step 8: Caramelize the Banana Topping

Warm butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then sprinkle in brown sugar and cinnamon to create a caramel base. Add banana slices, cooking gently for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden and caramelized, adding a stunning flavor and bite-perfect topping for your treats.

Step 9: Glaze and Assemble

Dip the donut tops into your vanilla glaze carefully. If the glaze runs off too fast, allow it more cooling time; if it’s too thick and doesn’t stick, warm it gently in the microwave. Finally, spoon the luscious caramelized banana slices right into the center of each donut and get ready to savor every bite.

How to Serve Banana Donuts with Caramelized Banana Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

The image shows several small round pastries with a light brown dough base and a glossy caramel-like frosting layer on top. Each pastry has spots of darker brown, adding texture to the shiny glaze. On top of the frosting, there are slices of banana with a light yellow color and some cinnamon powder sprinkled over them. The pastries are placed on a piece of parchment paper on top of a wire rack, with a white marbled surface underneath. One pastry in the background has a bite taken out of it showing a soft and fluffy inside layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add extra flair and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top after glazing for delightful crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also enhance presentation and taste without hiding that gorgeous caramelized banana topping.

Side Dishes

These banana donuts pair wonderfully with a creamy latte or a chilled glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait can also balance the richness of these donuts with refreshing textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine plating your donuts stacked slightly off-center on rustic wooden boards, accented with banana leaves or edible flowers for a tropical vibe. You can even cut donuts into halves or quarters and skewer caramelized bananas and a mint leaf for bite-sized, party-ready treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover banana donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep that glaze smooth and the bananas fresh, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking and preserve the donuts’ gorgeous look.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these donuts later, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and refresh gently in the oven for a few minutes.

Reheating

Reheat your banana donuts in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. Avoid the microwave as it can turn the glaze rubbery and make the donuts chewy instead of tender.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle before using to mimic the tang and acidity that tenderize the donuts.

What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I use a muffin tin?

You absolutely can bake these in a muffin tin! Just adjust the baking time slightly and expect a different shape but enjoy the same delicious flavors and moist texture.

How ripe should my bananas be for the best flavor?

Look for bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots; they have the most natural sweetness and intense banana flavor, perfect for this recipe.

Can I prepare the caramelized banana topping ahead of time?

It’s best to caramelize the bananas fresh just before serving, as they tend to soften and lose their texture when stored for long. However, you can prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate.

Is there a vegan version of this Banana Donuts with Caramelized Banana Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe?

Definitely! Substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with vinegar, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap sour cream with vegan yogurt. Just make sure to use a flax egg or another vegan egg substitute to maintain the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Donuts with Caramelized Banana Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe offers a delightful twist on classic donuts that is sure to become a cherished favorite. The harmony of moist banana cake, sweet vanilla glaze, and rich caramelized bananas is a celebration of flavor and texture that invites smiles and warm moments. I absolutely encourage you to try making these at home — you’ll love sharing them with family and friends, or simply savoring each bite yourself whenever a special treat is needed.