If you’re craving a bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor, banana donut holes are about to become your new obsession. These golden, fluffy morsels combine the comfort of ripe bananas with the irresistible charm of classic donuts—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime your sweet tooth strikes. Ready to discover your next favorite indulgence? Keep reading!
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Description
Golden brown and bite-sized, these banana donut holes are the perfect fusion of cozy comfort and sweet indulgence. With each tender bite, you get the rich flavor of ripe bananas wrapped in a soft, cakey interior and finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a quick glaze. Imagine banana bread and classic cake donuts having a sweet little baby that just so happens to fit perfectly into the palm of your hand. These donut holes are crispy on the outside and moist and fluffy on the inside, making them ridiculously poppable and impossible to resist.
They bring back the warmth of weekend breakfasts at your favorite diner, the kind where the coffee is strong and the donuts are made fresh in the back. These banana donut holes are homemade happiness. Whether made as a sweet morning treat or passed around at brunch with friends and family, they evoke a kind of joy that sticks with you—like powdered sugar on fingertips and laughter echoing from the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These banana donut holes are quick to whip up with simple pantry staples and no yeast required. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of warm and fresh donut holes ready without the need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Their flavor is flexible enough to serve straight from the fryer with just a dusting of sugar or drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
These donut holes are also a great way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. They freeze well, can be reheated in minutes, and are easier to share than a full loaf of banana bread. Perfect for gatherings, brunch spreads, or simply as a comforting weekend treat.
Serving and Storage Tips
Banana donut holes are best enjoyed warm and fresh, right after frying, for that ideal crispy exterior. However, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you plan on keeping them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or give them a short microwave blast to restore some warmth and softness.
To freeze, let donut holes cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as needed. These also work well for make-ahead brunches—prepare the batter a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. Give the batter a quick stir before frying.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Breakfast, Dessert, Snack, American, banana, donut holes, fried, brunch, easy recipe
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
Servings: 24 donut holes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 3 donut holes
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
For cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher
- Whisk
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the more flavor they bring.
- Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mashed banana and whisk until fully combined and creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 4: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir just until the batter comes together. It will be thick and sticky—that’s what makes them extra soft inside.
- Step 5: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 350°F. A thermometer helps, but a small drop of batter should sizzle as a quick test.
- Step 6: Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to gently drop rounded portions of batter into the oil. Work in batches so they cook evenly and don’t crowd the pot.
- Step 7: Fry each donut hole for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning as needed, until evenly golden. Keep a close eye—they cook fast.
- Step 8: Use a slotted spoon to remove donut holes and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 9: While still warm, roll each donut hole in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Step 10: Let cool just enough not to burn your fingers, then enjoy warm with coffee or cocoa.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Feel free to swap the cinnamon sugar coating with powdered sugar or a quick vanilla glaze. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a touch of warmth, or fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can, though it will make the texture slightly denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a middle ground.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are best for frying. They hold up well at high temperatures and won’t overpower the flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure to keep the oil temperature consistent between batches and avoid overcrowding the pot.
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Banana Donut Holes
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bananas and whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a thick, sticky batter forms.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each donut hole for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donut holes and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- While still warm, roll the donut holes in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to coat.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
