Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Picture this: the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon mixing with the sweet, ripe scent of freshly mashed bananas, filling your kitchen as you prepare these delightful bites. The golden exterior of each banana donut hole promises a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center that’s sugary, soft, and utterly irresistible. Baking these little jewels is not only a joy but a celebration of simplicity and sweetness that’s ready in just minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or an impressive treat for guests, this Banana Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Donut Holes Recipe

• Ready in 17 minutes: Quick, fuss-free, and perfect for when you need a fast homemade delight without hours in the kitchen.
• Uses simple ingredients: With just bananas, flour, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples, no complicated shopping lists here.
• Perfect for beginners: This recipe requires minimal equipment and easy steps, so even novice bakers can shine.
• Impressive presentation: These donut holes look homemade but feel fancy—golden, puffy, and dusted with cinnamon sugar magic.
• Customizable: From adding nuts to switching oils, you can tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Why This Banana Donut Holes Recipe Works

This Banana Donut Holes Recipe is a masterclass in balance and technique. The use of self-rising flour means the donut holes puff up beautifully without needing additional leaveners, ensuring a tender crumb. The perfectly ripe banana lends natural sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for heavy sugars or oils. Meanwhile, the coconut oil keeps the dough soft yet moist, helping you shape each ball without flour overload, which would make the texture dense. Finally, air frying creates a satisfyingly golden, lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside fluffy—like little pockets of banana bread joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is all you need to whip up a batch of these irresistible banana donut holes. Each element contributes to that perfect blend of texture and flavor.

• Banana (1 large or 1/2 cup mashed): The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and moisture.
• Self-rising flour (3/4 cup): Provides gentle lift and soft structure, no extra baking powder needed.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warming spice and depth.
• Unrefined sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens naturally with a touch of molasses flavor.
• Coconut oil (2 tablespoons melted + 2-3 teaspoons for dough and brushing): Gives richness and a subtle tropical note, helping keep the dough tender and the coating shiny.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Banana: If you’re out of bananas, applesauce (unsweetened) works in a pinch but expect a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Self-rising flour: You can substitute with all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt for the same effect.
• Unrefined sugar: Swap for coconut sugar or brown sugar for an equally rich sweetness.
• Coconut oil: Use melted vegan butter or neutral oil like avocado oil if you prefer a more subtle flavor.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Mash the Banana

Start by mashing one large ripe banana until it’s a smooth, creamy puree. Measure about 1/2 cup to ensure the perfect ratio for your dough. This natural sweetness and moisture create the tender center that you’ll love.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a fork or potato masher to get it super smooth — no lumps here!

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the self-rising flour, cinnamon, and unrefined sugar to the banana puree. Stir gently at first with a rubber spatula to combine, then start kneading with oil-greased hands to form a slightly sticky dough ball. Don’t panic if it feels moist; that’s exactly what you want.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your hands oiled! This prevents the dough from sticking and helps you shape perfect balls.

Step 3: Shape into Dough Balls

Grab about a tablespoon of dough per ball, rolling it gently between your palms to create little rough spheres. Place them on a parchment-lined plate, spacing them so they don’t stick together later. Once all are formed, lightly spray avocado oil on top for a golden finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t worry about perfect roundness — rustic shapes add homemade charm.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Lightly spray your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the donut holes, leaving about an inch between each. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 6 to 7 minutes until puffed and golden brown. They should be dry on the outside but soft inside.

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes in an oven.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, brush each donut hole generously with melted coconut oil using a pastry brush. Immediately roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly, adding that irresistible donut-like sweetness and sparkle.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step — it’s what transforms these bites into a donut lover’s dream!

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve your banana donut holes right away while they’re warm and tender. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering just the right balance of spice, banana sweetness, and that little crunch from the cinnamon sugar.

💡 Pro Tip: Best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls to make your Banana Donut Holes Recipe a guaranteed winner:

• Using underripe bananas: They won’t provide enough sweetness or moisture, resulting in dry donut holes.
• Adding too much flour: Leads to dense, bready dough that loses the light softness you want.
• Not spacing the donut holes properly: Causes them to stick together and fold over during cooking.
• Skipping the oil when shaping: Your dough will cling to your hands and be impossible to roll smoothly.
• Not brushing with coconut oil after cooking: Without it, the cinnamon sugar won’t stick properly, missing the classic donut finish.
• Overcooking in the air fryer: Can dry out or harden the donut holes — keep a close eye after 6 minutes.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve nailed the classic Banana Donut Holes Recipe, have fun experimenting with these delicious twists:

Nutty Banana Donut Holes

Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and nutty richness.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bites

Fold mini vegan chocolate chips into the dough before shaping for delightful chocolate surprises in every bite.

Maple Cinnamon Glaze

Instead of coconut oil and cinnamon sugar, drizzle warm maple syrup mixed with cinnamon for a sticky, flavorful coating.

Spiced Pumpkin Donut Holes

Add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal treat bursting with autumn warmth.

Lemon Zest Delight

Mix in fresh lemon zest and roll the finished donut holes in a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze for a bright, tangy flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free mix and keep flour additions minimal to maintain fluffiness.

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

Dust with extra cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for a hint of sparkle. A quick drizzle of vegan chocolate or caramel sauce takes these bites to another level. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair these donut holes with fresh fruit salad, dairy-free yogurt, or a creamy nut butter dip for a balanced snack or breakfast treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in cute cupcake liners or on decorative skewers for a party-friendly presentation. Bundle them in a small jar with cinnamon sugar for a thoughtful homemade gift. Stack on a tiered tray with other mini desserts for an impressive brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover banana donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve freshness, store in the fridge if your kitchen is warm, but bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Freeze uncoated donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freeze them plain, then coat with cinnamon sugar after thawing for best results.

Reheating

Warm frozen or leftover donut holes in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes or in a toaster oven until warmed through and slightly crisped on the outside. Avoid microwaving which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes! Just add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour for the perfect substitute.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem—bake these at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden and puffy.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use coconut oil or vegan butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified to keep it plant-based.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?

Not as written, but swapping self-rising flour for a gluten-free baking mix should work well. Watch moisture levels to keep the dough balance right.

How ripe should the banana be?

The riper the better—look for lots of brown spots or even fully brown bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.

Can I add other flavors to the batter?

Yes! Spices like nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice work beautifully alongside cinnamon.

Why are my donut holes dense?

This usually happens if too much flour is added or the bananas are underripe, so stick closely to measurements and use ripe fruit!

How do I store leftover donut holes?

Keep them airtight at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate and rewarm gently before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Donut Holes Recipe is a charming reminder that the simplest ingredients can deliver the most satisfying results. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few as a cozy treat for yourself, these golden bites will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Every bite is a tender, cinnamon-kissed moment of pure comfort and joy.

Have you tried this Banana Donut Holes Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍌🍩

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