Baked Banana Donuts: Cinnamon Sugar or Chocolate Glaze!
Introduction:
Banana donuts are a delightful treat that combines the moist texture of ripe bananas with the warm flavors of cinnamon sugar or the rich indulgence of chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack, these baked donuts are healthier than their fried counterparts, yet they still offer that irresistible donut flavor and texture. This recipe will guide you through creating these delicious donuts with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations. Whether you prefer the comforting spice of cinnamon sugar or the decadence of chocolate glaze, these banana donuts will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the better for flavor and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or additional toppings (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter. This recipe makes about 12 standard-sized donuts, so if you have only one pan, you may need to bake in batches.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. The bananas should be smooth with few lumps. The natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas will provide the perfect base for these donuts.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick, with the sugars fully dissolved.
Step 4: Incorporate the Greek Yogurt
Next, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet mixture. The yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang to the donuts, helping them stay soft and fluffy. Stir until the yogurt is fully integrated.
Step 5: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, which results in a tender donut crumb.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. The batter should be thick and smooth, with no streaks of flour remaining.
Step 7: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise while baking.
Step 8: Bake the Donuts
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when touched.
Step 9: Cool the Donuts
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle when adding the toppings.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
Step 10: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. The ratio of sugar to cinnamon can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor.
Step 11: Coat the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, dip each one into the melted butter, making sure it is fully coated. Then, roll the buttered donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until completely covered. Set aside on the wire rack to allow the coating to set.
Chocolate Glaze:
Step 12: Melt the Chocolate
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. The glaze should be glossy and thick.
Step 13: Glaze the Donuts
Dip the top half of each cooled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the saucepan. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack. If desired, add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other toppings while the glaze is still wet.
Tips and Variations:
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your donuts will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
- Flavor Variations: For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate glaze for a mocha flavor or a pinch of nutmeg to the donut batter for extra warmth.
- Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions:
These baked banana donuts are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert at your next gathering. The combination of moist banana donuts with either a cinnamon sugar coating or a rich chocolate glaze will satisfy any craving.
Conclusion:
Baked Banana Donuts are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of banana bread in a fun, donut shape. Whether you choose to roll them in cinnamon sugar or dip them in a luscious chocolate glaze, these donuts are sure to impress. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe will become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the warmth, sweetness, and comfort of these homemade donuts, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!
This comprehensive recipe offers everything you need to create delicious Baked Banana Donuts with options for two different toppings, ensuring a versatile and satisfying baking experience.