Cinnamon Sugar Banana Donuts Soft Delightful Treat

Are you ready to make a sweet treat that’s soft and delightful? These Cinnamon Sugar Banana Donuts are the perfect way to use ripe bananas. You’ll love how simple they are to whip up and how tasty they turn out! In this article, I’ll share easy steps, clever tips, and fun variations. Let’s dive in and create some mouthwatering donuts that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 2 ripe bananas, mashed

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

- For coating: 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

To make cinnamon sugar banana donuts, you need ripe bananas. The ripeness adds sweetness and flavor. Granulated sugar and brown sugar create a nice balance of sweetness. Plain yogurt helps keep the donuts moist. Eggs give the donuts structure and help them rise.

You also need baking powder and baking soda for leavening. Salt enhances all the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. All-purpose flour provides the base for the donuts. Finally, unsalted butter adds richness and flavor.

For the coating, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon. This will give the donuts a sweet, crunchy exterior. Each ingredient has a role in making these treats soft and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Donut Batter

1. Preheat the oven and grease the pan: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the donuts bake evenly. Next, spray your donut pan with non-stick spray. This step ensures your donuts come out easily.

2. Mixing wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash two ripe bananas. Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Stir until well mixed. Then, add 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

3. Combining dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Make sure these dry ingredients are mixed well. This helps all flavors blend smoothly.

Baking the Donuts

1. Filling the batter in the donut pan: Gradually add the dry mix to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if small lumps remain. Next, fold in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter until mixed.

2. Baking times and tips for checking doneness: Use a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with a snipped corner to fill the donut pan cavities about 3/4 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready.

Coating the Donuts

1. Making the cinnamon-sugar mixture: While your donuts cool, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. Stir well to combine the flavors.

2. Proper coating technique: After about 5 minutes, remove the donuts from the pan. While they are still warm, roll each donut in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly. This adds a sweet and spicy touch to each bite.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To make the best cinnamon sugar banana donuts, avoid overmixing your batter. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. You want a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until the dry ingredients combine with the wet.

Using fresh ingredients also matters. Ripe bananas give a sweet flavor and moist texture. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for good rise.

Donut Pan Essentials

Choosing the right donut pan is key. Silicone pans work well because they release donuts easily. Metal pans are great too, but make sure they are non-stick.

When greasing your pan, use a non-stick spray. It coats evenly and prevents sticking. If you prefer, you can also use melted butter. Just be sure to grease all the cavities well.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes donuts turn out too dense. This can happen if you overmix the batter or use old ingredients. Keep your mixing to a minimum and check your baking supplies.

For even baking, fill each cavity with the same amount of batter. Use a piping bag for neat filling. This helps them bake uniformly, giving you perfect donuts every time.

Variations

Flavor Enhancements

To make your cinnamon sugar banana donuts even better, you can add special touches. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. Chocolate chips add sweetness and a rich taste. Nuts give a nice crunch and extra nutrition. You can use walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just make sure to chop them small.

You can also try different spices. Along with cinnamon, add nutmeg or allspice for warmth. A pinch of cardamom can add a unique twist. Experimenting with spices can create new flavors that excite your taste buds.

Dietary Adjustments

Making these donuts vegan is easy. You can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use a dairy-free yogurt to replace regular yogurt. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats.

If you need gluten-free options, switch out the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Just make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. This will help the donuts stay together and taste great.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair perfectly with coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink balances the sweetness of the donuts. Serve them fresh for breakfast or as a snack. You can also add toppings like a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.

For a fun twist, consider fillings. Try adding jam or cream cheese in the center. This adds a surprise and makes each bite more exciting. Enjoy your delicious creations!

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

To keep your donuts fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They taste best in the first few days. Avoid stacking them to keep their shape intact. If you have extra donuts, consider sharing with friends or family!

Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts. Allow them to cool completely first. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the donuts for the best taste. Use an oven to warm them up. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method brings back their soft texture. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but they may not be as fluffy. Enjoy your delightful treats warm!

FAQs

How do you know when the donuts are done?

You can tell when the donuts are done by checking a few signs. First, the tops will look golden brown. You can also poke a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. Another sign is that the donuts will spring back when you gently press them. This means they are light and fluffy, not dense.

Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ripe bananas. In fact, ripe bananas work best for this recipe. They add natural sweetness and a soft texture. Ripe bananas are easier to mash, which helps combine with the other ingredients. This gives the donuts a rich, banana flavor that makes them extra tasty.

How long do these donuts last?

These donuts stay fresh for about three days when stored at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their softness. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They will stay good for about two months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying them again.

You learned how to make tasty banana donuts from scratch. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. With simple changes, you can make them vegan or gluten-free. Remember to store them properly for the best taste. Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these donuts are a treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas! Happy baking!