The first time I made these donuts, I honestly couldn’t believe they came out of my own kitchen. Picture this: soft, pillowy banana bread donuts with a molten Nutella center, topped three different ways to satisfy every craving imaginable. It started as an experiment on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I had overripe bananas staring at me from the counter and a serious sweet tooth that wouldn’t quit.
What began as a simple desire to combine two of my favorite treats – banana bread and donuts – turned into something extraordinary. These aren’t your typical fried donuts; they’re baked to perfection, making them lighter yet incredibly satisfying. The surprise Nutella center creates a delightful contrast to the tender banana-infused exterior, while the three topping options ensure everyone finds their perfect match.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Obsession
Healthier Than Traditional Donuts
Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these baked beauties offer all the indulgence with less guilt. Furthermore, the addition of whole wheat flour and mashed bananas provides extra fiber and nutrients, making them a more wholesome treat.
Customizable Toppings
The genius of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting, the classic comfort of cinnamon sugar, or the decadent richness of melted Nutella, each option creates a completely different dessert experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Additionally, these donuts work beautifully for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or afternoon snacks. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Moreover, the batter can be prepared in advance, and the donuts freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Essential Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1/2 cup raw sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 cup canola oil (coconut oil works as an alternative)
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat butter (or substitute with applesauce for a healthier option)
- 1 large egg (room temperature works best)
- 2 small-medium ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (all-purpose flour can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup plain white flour (or light spelt flour)
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2/3 cup Nutella, melted until runny
For the Toppings
Cinnamon Sugar Mix:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Splash of vanilla extract
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh berries for garnish
- Chopped toasted nuts
- Additional melted Nutella for drizzling
- Whipped cream for extra indulgence
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). Meanwhile, generously grease two 12-hole donut pans with your preferred fat, ensuring every crevice is coated. Afterward, wipe away any excess with a paper towel to prevent pooling.
Creating the Base Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, butter, and egg until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking. Subsequently, add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, continuing to whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flours, salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Gently fold these ingredients together until just combined – remember, overmixing can result in tough donuts. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Assembly Process
Using a teaspoon, fill each donut cavity about halfway with batter (approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons per hole). Then, carefully spoon 1 teaspoon of the melted Nutella into the center of each portion. Finally, top with the remaining batter, using your fingertips if necessary to ensure the Nutella is completely covered.
Baking to Perfection
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when touched and appear golden brown. Allow them to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before carefully removing.
Creative Topping Applications
Cream Cheese Frosting Method
While the donuts cool, whisk the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as desired. Once the donuts are completely cool, spread this frosting generously over the top using an offset spatula.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
For the cinnamon sugar version, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the donuts are still warm (this is crucial for proper adhesion), gently roll each donut in the mixture until evenly coated.
Melted Nutella Glaze
Reserve some of the melted Nutella for drizzling over the final batch of donuts. If it has thickened during baking, simply warm it again for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Donut Holes Bonus
Transform this recipe into bite-sized treats by using a mini muffin pan. Fill each cavity halfway with batter, add 1/2 teaspoon of Nutella, and top with additional batter. These smaller versions bake in 8-10 minutes and make perfect party treats.
Seasonal Adaptations
During fall, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. For spring, try incorporating lemon zest into the cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy twist.
Dietary Modifications
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg, use plant-based butter, and choose a dairy-free frosting alternative. The results remain deliciously satisfying while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Make-Ahead Strategies
Batter Preparation
The donut batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, add the baking powder and baking soda just before baking to ensure optimal rise and texture.
Freezing Instructions
Unfrosted donuts freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before applying toppings.
Storage Guidelines
Fresh donuts stay delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week, though they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.
Important Notes
Banana Ripeness Matters
Use bananas that are very ripe – they should have brown spots and be soft to the touch. Overripe bananas provide more natural sweetness and moisture, resulting in more flavorful donuts.
Nutella Consistency
The key to successful stuffing is achieving the right Nutella consistency. It should be warm enough to pour easily but not so hot that it melts the batter. Test the temperature by dipping a spoon – it should coat smoothly without being runny.
Pan Preparation
Proper greasing is essential for easy removal. Pay special attention to the inner ring of the donut pans, as this area tends to stick most frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a donut pan?
While donut pans create the traditional shape, you can use a regular muffin tin for donut holes or even bake the batter as a loaf. The baking time will need adjustment – muffins typically require 15-18 minutes, while a loaf takes 45-50 minutes.
What’s the best way to tell if they’re done?
The donuts should spring back when lightly touched and appear golden brown. Additionally, a toothpick inserted into the donut portion (not the Nutella center) should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I use different nut butters instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Almond butter, peanut butter, or even cookie butter work wonderfully. However, these alternatives may be thicker, so warm them slightly for easier distribution.
Why did my Nutella leak out during baking?
This usually happens when the Nutella is too hot or the top layer of batter is too thin. Ensure the Nutella is just warm enough to pour, and completely cover it with batter, pressing gently to seal the edges.
How do I prevent the donuts from being too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour – this develops the gluten and creates tough donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and don’t worry if the batter looks slightly lumpy.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. However, remember that the bananas and Nutella provide additional sweetness, so taste-test as you go.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 15 donuts (or 12 donuts + 3 donut holes)
Nutrition per serving: 229 calories | 34g carbohydrates | 3g protein | 9g fat | 2g fiber | 22g sugar