Name: Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 3 Tablespoons (40 ml) neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or grapeseed); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg; 1 Tablespoon milk (regular or dairy free); 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (200 g) overripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas); 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons (31 ml) milk of choice (regular or vegan); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of banana and cinnamon combined in a delightful treat, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe. These donuts are soft, moist, and perfectly sweet with the natural goodness of overripe bananas, all topped with a silky cinnamon glaze that adds just the right amount of warm spice. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a casual brunch, or a comforting dessert, these banana donuts quickly become an instant favorite that feels both nostalgic and excitingly fresh at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients laid out neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there are three overripe bananas with yellow skin and brown spots. To the right, a white bowl filled with white flour sits nearby. Below the bananas, there is a small metal bowl of white granulated sugar, next to a whole white egg placed alone. Below the egg is a small white bowl holding dark brown vanilla extract. To the right of the vanilla, there is a small white bowl with some white salt. Below the salt, another white bowl contains white baking powder. Below the sugar, a small speckled white bowl holds brown cinnamon powder. In the center, a transparent glass bowl contains white milk, and to the right of it, a clear round glass bowl has light yellow oil. At the bottom left, a white bowl is full of white powdered sugar. Each item is clearly labeled with black text on white backgrounds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret behind these scrumptious banana donuts. Each component plays a crucial role—from the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the spice-packed cinnamon in the glaze, every bite is a burst of flavor that brings the recipe brilliantly to life.

Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness to balance the banana’s natural flavor while helping create a tender crumb.
Neutral oil (3 tablespoons): Keeps the donuts moist without overpowering the taste; sunflower or canola oil work perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aromatic touch.
Egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve the perfect donut batter consistency; dairy or plant-based options are great.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base of the batter, providing structure and fluffiness.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the donuts a light, airy rise.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and highlighting the spices.
Overripe bananas, mashed (½ cup): The star of the recipe that brings moistness and natural sweetness.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the cinnamon glaze, lending a smooth, sweet finish.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable warm and spicy kick to the glaze.
Milk of choice (2 tablespoons): Blends the glaze ingredients for a perfect dipping consistency.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the glaze with an extra hint of sweetness and aroma.

How to Make Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut pans so the donuts come out effortlessly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together your oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and inviting. Then, carefully fold in the mashed bananas, egg, and milk, creating a luscious, rich base that promises moist donuts. Finish by adding your flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender and light.

Step 2: Fill and Bake the Donuts

To get that perfect donut shape, fill each cavity of your donut pan about halfway with batter. Here’s a handy tip: try piping the batter out of a ziplock bag—just scoop it in, snip off a corner, and squeeze out evenly. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 9 to 14 minutes, checking for that classic spring-back texture when you gently press a donut. Once done, let them cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, keeping a baking sheet or parchment underneath to catch any drips from the upcoming glazing step.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, milk, and vanilla in a wide, shallow bowl and whisk together until glossy and smooth. If you like a thicker glaze that clings generously, double the recipe – just dip your donuts twice, letting each layer set in between. This glaze is where the magic happens, bringing a sweet, cinnamon-scented crunch to the pillowy donuts.

Step 4: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut upside down into the cinnamon glaze, ensuring the top is evenly covered. Set them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set up and develop a light crust. If applying a second dip for a thicker glaze, allow the first coat to firm up before dunking again. These finished banana donuts are irresistibly inviting and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

A dark grey metal donut baking tray with six donut cavities is filled with a light brown batter with a slightly bubbly texture, each cavity almost full with batter. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the batter has a creamy, smooth look with small lumps visible. The centers have a raised darker grey cylindrical piece. There are no extra objects or hands in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple touches can elevate your banana donuts beautifully. Consider sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty aroma. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also lovely if you want a classic bakery look without extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy chai latte, perfect for a morning treat or afternoon snack. Fresh fruit, like berries or slices of kiwi, offers a bright, juicy contrast that balances the rich flavors of the donuts and glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few on a pretty cake stand or serving them in a rustic wooden basket lined with parchment paper for a charming brunch display. You could also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the glaze for an indulgent twist or arrange them on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sophisticated dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover banana donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, refrigeration helps extend their shelf life to about 4 days. Just remember glazed donuts can become sticky in the fridge, so placing parchment paper between layers is a smart move.

Freezing

If you want to make these donuts in advance, freezing works great! First, freeze them unglazed on a tray until solid so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Donuts keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently.

Reheating

To enjoy donuts fresh, warming them briefly in the microwave or oven brings back that delightful softness. Use low heat and short bursts of time to avoid melting the glaze too much—about 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F in the oven usually does the trick.

FAQs

Can I make this Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a flax egg or another egg replacer instead of a regular egg, and swap your milk and butter for plant-based alternatives. This will still yield moist, delicious donuts with the same lovely flavors.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No donut pan? No problem. You can bake the batter in a muffin tin for donut hole-style treats, or even make banana pancakes on the stove for a quicker, skillet-friendly option.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Frozen bananas work well when thawed and mashed. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so the batter doesn’t become too runny.

How do I get a thicker cinnamon glaze?

The easiest way is to double the glaze ingredients and dip your donuts twice, allowing the first layer to set before coating them again. This builds up a glossy, substantial glaze you’ll love.

Are these donuts gluten-free friendly?

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another stabilizer to keep the donuts tender and structured.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in donut form. The combination of ripe bananas and cinnamon glaze creates a treat that’s both comforting and a little bit special. Whether you make them for family breakfast or an anytime sweet craving, these donuts are sure to become a beloved favorite. Happy baking and even happier eating!

Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need