Description
These Banana Donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with natural banana flavor, topped with a rich brown sugar glaze and caramelized banana slices for an indulgent treat. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful combination of spices, sweetness, and creamy texture perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 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
Brown Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 ½ tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Caramelized Bananas
- ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1-2 medium fresh bananas (sliced into ½ inch pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Lightly butter or spray a nonstick donut pan and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the donuts evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, mashed ripe banana, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, sour cream, canola oil, and vanilla extract until combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender donuts.
- Fill Donut Pan: Pipe or spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity evenly to about ¾ full for proper rising.
- Bake: Place the donut pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched, indicating doneness.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Once cooled enough to handle, flip the pan over gently and remove the donuts carefully.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat until smooth. Add milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the glaze is well combined. Transfer to a bowl and let it cool for 10-12 minutes. The glaze will be thin initially but will thicken as it cools.
- Caramelize the Bananas: In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the butter, then add the sliced bananas. Cook gently for about 2 minutes, then flip the bananas and cook for an additional minute to caramelize evenly. Remove from heat.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the brown sugar glaze. If the glaze is too runny, allow more cooling time. If too thick, warm it gently in the microwave for short intervals until it reaches a good consistency and sticks well to the donuts.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon caramelized banana slices onto the center of each glazed donut and serve immediately to enjoy a warm, flavorful treat.
Notes
- For best results, measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid packing and excess flour.
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter combine evenly and produce a tender crumb.
- If you do not have a piping bag, you can spoon the batter into the donut pan carefully.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To soften brown sugar, microwave it for 10 seconds or store with a slice of bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
