Name: The Best and Fluffiest Banana Bread Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana (mashed); ⅓ cup organic cane sugar; ¾ cup almond milk (or plant milk at room temperature); 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted); 1 tsp vanilla paste; ½ tsp white distilled vinegar; 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or all-purpose gluten-free baking flour); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp cinnamon; pinch of sea salt; 2 tbsp melted vegan butter; ½ cup organic cane sugar; 2 tbsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

There is nothing quite like waking up to fresh, warm donuts that melt in your mouth, and this is exactly why I am so excited to share The Best and Fluffiest Banana Bread Donuts Recipe with you. These delightful treats perfectly combine the cozy flavors of banana bread with the light, airy texture of a classic donut, creating a breakfast or snack experience that feels like a warm hug. Each bite delivers a gentle sweetness that’s enhanced by cinnamon sugar coating, making these donuts irresistible for any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a light brown batter that has a slightly lumpy and thick texture. The batter has small darker specks mixed throughout, giving it a grainy look. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the batter, leaning towards the left side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft natural lighting highlighting the smooth and creamy consistency of the mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in these banana bread donuts. Each item plays a crucial role, from moisture to rise to that beautiful golden color on the crust.

1 ripe banana (mashed): The heart of the recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture to keep the donuts tender.
⅓ cup organic cane sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the banana’s natural flavor.
¾ cup almond milk (or plant milk at room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and dairy-free while adding a touch of nuttiness.
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted): Brings rich moisture and helps create that fluffy texture we all crave.
1 tsp vanilla paste: Enhances the flavors with a deep, aromatic sweetness.
½ tsp white distilled vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to give the donuts their fluffy rise.
1 ¼ cup all purpose (or gluten-free baking) flour: The foundation that holds everything together with the perfect chew.
1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the donuts puff up beautifully.
½ tsp baking soda: Works alongside vinegar for that extra lift and lightness.
½ tsp cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the banana perfectly.
Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
2 tbsp melted vegan butter: For brushing and helping the cinnamon sugar stick wonderfully.
½ cup organic cane sugar & 2 tbsp cinnamon (for sugar coating): The finishing touch that creates a crisp, flavorful exterior.

How to Make The Best and Fluffiest Banana Bread Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment and Oven

Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your donuts bake evenly. Then, prepare two 3-inch silicone donut pans by spraying them lightly with non-stick spray. Silicone pans are fantastic here because they help these baked donuts release cleanly without any fuss, keeping their classic ring shape intact.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the mashed banana, organic cane sugar, almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla paste, and white distilled vinegar in a mixing bowl. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse and moisture base that will make your donuts incredibly soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients on their own ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to achieving the fluffiest texture possible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently stir just until the batter comes together and is free of clumps. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a denser donut. The batter should be soft and smooth, ready to pour into your prepared pans.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Your Donuts

Using a cookie scoop or a piping bag made from a zip-top bag with a cut corner, fill each donut cavity equally, aiming for about 10 donuts total. This helps them bake consistently. Pop the pans into the oven and bake for about 24 to 26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Allow the donuts to cool completely in their pans before carefully removing them. Then, brush each donut with melted vegan butter and toss them in a mix of organic cane sugar and cinnamon. This final step adds a beautiful, sweet, and slightly crunchy coating that perfectly complements the fluffy interior.

How to Serve The Best and Fluffiest Banana Bread Donuts Recipe

The image shows a stack of four round doughnuts covered in a rough sugar coating. The top doughnut has a bite taken out of it, exposing a dense, soft inside with a slightly grainy texture. The doughnuts are a light brown color with a sugary crust that glistens. The stack is placed in a grey baking tray, partially filled with more doughnuts at the base, all coated with the same sugar layer. The background is softly blurred with a smooth, neutral tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these banana bread donuts are delightful on their own, you can elevate them by adding a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. Fresh banana slices or a dollop of coconut whipped cream also make excellent, fresh garnishes.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or a chai latte for a comforting breakfast. If you want something more substantial, serve alongside a fresh berry salad or a bowl of dairy-free yogurt for a balanced brunch. Their naturally sweet flavor melds beautifully with slightly tart or creamy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack these donuts on a wooden board for a communal display at a brunch or party. You could also skewer mini donuts with fresh fruit for a whimsical “donut kebab.” Wrapping each donut individually in colorful parchment and tying with twine makes for charming, edible gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), store your banana bread donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed will maintain their moisture and softness without getting dry or stale.

Freezing

These donuts freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw for an anytime treat that tastes fresh out of the oven.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen or day-old banana bread donuts, reheat them gently in the oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This refreshes the texture and reactivates that irresistible aroma that makes these donuts so special.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! While almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor, any plant-based milk or dairy milk will work perfectly fine without compromising the taste or texture of the donuts.

What if I don’t have silicone donut pans?

You can use metal or non-stick donut pans, just be sure to grease them thoroughly to prevent sticking since silicone pans are naturally non-stick. Alternatively, mini muffin pans can be a good substitute for donut holes.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend that’s designed for one-to-one substitution. This keeps the texture light and fluffy without any gluten.

Why is vinegar used in the recipe?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create bubbles that help the donuts rise, resulting in the fluffy and tender texture that makes this recipe so outstanding.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe—those with lots of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the donuts will turn out.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fresh, wholesome, and utterly delicious treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into making The Best and Fluffiest Banana Bread Donuts Recipe. They’re not only a triumph of flavor and texture but also a wonderful way to brighten any morning or cozy up your afternoon. I guarantee once you try them, they will become your go-to recipe for a special banana-infused delight that never disappoints.