Banana Donut Holes Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweet treats that feel like a warm hug in every bite, then this Banana Donut Holes Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These little golden spheres pack the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with just the right hint of cinnamon sugar sweetness, all wrapped up in a tender, airy texture that’s not too heavy and never dry. They’re quick to whip up, use simple pantry ingredients, and deliver pure joy with every bite—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a fun dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Banana Donut Holes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these donut holes so delightfully irresistible.

• Banana (1/2 cup mashed, about 1 large banana): Provides natural sweetness and moisture, creating a soft and tender base.
• Self-Rising Flour (3/4 cup): Adds structure and helps the donut holes rise without extra leavening agents.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
• Unrefined Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens naturally while keeping the flavor rich and complex.
• Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons melted, plus extra for rolling and brushing): Boosts moistness and adds a subtle tropical note, while helping to crisp up the outside when air fried.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Banana Puree

Start by mashing your ripe banana until smooth, making sure you end up with a full half cup. This is crucial because the moisture in the banana helps create a soft, dough-like consistency that holds everything together perfectly. Ripe bananas bring out the best flavor and natural sweetness, so don’t be shy about using an especially spotty one!

Step 2: Combine with Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Next, stir in the self-rising flour, cinnamon, and sugar. Initially, use a rubber spatula to mix until lumps start forming. Then grease your hands lightly with coconut oil and knead the mixture gently. The dough will be sticky and moist—this is exactly what you want. Resist the urge to add too much flour to avoid drying out your donut holes. If the dough feels too wet, just incorporate up to 2 or 3 extra tablespoons of flour while continuing to knead, keeping the dough elastic and soft rather than stiff.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Holes

With your hands still greased, pinch off about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined plate as you go. Once all the dough is shaped, lightly spray or brush the dough balls with avocado or coconut oil to help the exterior crisp up beautifully when cooked.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer basket with a quick spritz of oil. Arrange the donut holes about an inch apart to allow space for expansion. Air fry them at 350°F (180°C) for 6 to 7 minutes. They’ll puff up and develop a golden-brown, slightly uneven exterior—that rustic, homemade look is part of their charm!

Step 5: Add the Classic Donut Finish

While the donut holes are still warm, brush each one with melted coconut oil using a pastry brush. This step not only adds moisture but also acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar coating. Roll each coated ball in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until every bit is dusted evenly. This finishing touch truly transforms these banana bread balls into donut-like delights.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

The best way to enjoy your Banana Donut Holes Recipe is fresh and warm. These little treasures are a perfect bite-sized way to satisfy a sweet craving without the heaviness of traditional donuts. Grab one (or a handful) and experience that wonderful mix of soft, sweet, and slightly crisp all at once!

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic, you can also get creative with garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can add exciting textures and flavors. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side elevate these simple treats into an elegant dessert.

Side Dishes

These donut holes pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea is an obvious choice, but they also complement smoothie bowls or yogurt parfaits wonderfully for a complete breakfast. For a fun twist, serve with a side of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, transforming these bites into a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these banana donut holes into a party hit by skewering them on sticks for easy grab-and-go treats or placing them in mini paper cupcake liners for a polished look. You can also pile them high on a tiered serving platter dusted with cinnamon sugar for a striking centerpiece. They’re versatile enough to be casual or fancy depending on how you plate them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain their delightful texture, avoid refrigerating them as this can dry them out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen, they keep well for up to one month without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat the frozen or room temperature banana donut holes in your air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. You can also use a conventional oven if you prefer. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

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

Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and a pinch of salt to replicate the rising action in self-rising flour. For every 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, add about 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt to get the same effect.

Are these banana donut holes vegan?

Absolutely! As long as you use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly, this recipe is naturally vegan and deliciously moist.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Definitely. Bake the donut holes at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Just make sure to space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking.

How ripe should my banana be?

For maximum sweetness and best texture, use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots or even fully brown skin. The softer the banana, the easier it mashes smoothly and adds natural sweetness.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough before shaping. Just be mindful of adding too much extra moisture or dryness to keep the perfect texture of your donut holes.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Donut Holes Recipe is truly a gem for anyone looking for an easy, wholesome treat that brings a smile with every bite. They come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and offer that delightful combination of banana sweetness with a cinnamon sugar finish. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, these donut holes are sure to become a go-to favorite you’ll keep coming back to.

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