These Banana Donut Holes are a delightful, plant-based treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and simple flours, they offer a naturally sweet and tender bite-sized donut option. They’re easy to make, oil-free, and perfect for those looking for a healthier twist on classic donuts.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini donut pan.

2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

3. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract to the bananas and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

6. Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 90 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 0.5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 6g

The Magic of Ripe Bananas

The heart of this recipe lies in the ripe bananas, which are much more than just a flavoring agent—they provide natural sweetness, moisture, and nutritional benefits. As bananas ripen, their starch converts into sugars, intensifying their sweetness and softening their texture, which in turn helps produce a moist and tender crumb in the donut holes. This natural sweetness reduces the need for additional sugar, contributing to a more balanced, wholesome treat.

Bananas also bring a host of nutrients to the table. Rich in potassium, they help support heart health and muscle function. They contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, and offer vitamin C and B6, supporting immunity and metabolism. Incorporating bananas into baked goods is a clever way to enhance flavor while boosting nutritional value.

Simple, Plant-Based Ingredients for Clean Eating

This recipe embraces simplicity and whole-food principles, relying on straightforward, recognizable ingredients that anyone can find at their local grocery store. The use of all-purpose flour provides structure, while a gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture or taste.

Maple syrup is chosen as the natural sweetener, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the bananas beautifully. Unlike refined sugars, maple syrup contains trace minerals and antioxidants, making it a slightly more nutritious alternative. The warm, comforting aroma of ground cinnamon adds depth and complexity, tying the flavors together in a cozy embrace.

Baking powder and baking soda are the leavening agents that give these donut holes their lightness and rise, while salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Vanilla extract rounds out the profile with a subtle, fragrant sweetness that ties everything together harmoniously.

Oil-Free and Health-Conscious Baking

One of the standout qualities of these Banana Donut Holes is that they’re completely oil-free. Traditional donuts are typically fried, soaking up oil and resulting in a high-fat, calorie-dense treat. These baked donut holes eliminate that excess fat, relying instead on the moisture from bananas and the natural syrupy sweetness to keep the texture soft and tender.

This makes them a fantastic option for health-conscious individuals or families seeking to reduce fat intake without compromising on flavor or texture. Baking also means less mess and cleanup, making it easier to enjoy homemade treats regularly.

Quick, Easy, and Kid-Friendly

The recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, ideal for busy mornings or impromptu snack cravings. Mashing ripe bananas and mixing wet and dry ingredients takes only minutes, and the baking time is a mere 10 to 12 minutes—perfect for when time is tight but you still want something homemade and wholesome.

The mini donut pan helps produce uniform, perfectly shaped donut holes that are fun and approachable, especially for children. Kids are more likely to enjoy these plant-based treats because of their familiar shape and natural sweetness, making them a great way to sneak in some extra fruit and fiber.

Versatility and Serving Ideas

Banana Donut Holes are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them fresh and warm right out of the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, melt some dark chocolate and dip or drizzle over the donut holes, adding richness and complexity.

Pairing them with fresh fruit, nut butters, or yogurt can turn them into a balanced breakfast or snack, combining protein, healthy fats, and fiber for sustained energy. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread or a party platter, offering a plant-based, bite-sized dessert option that everyone can enjoy.

Nutritional Benefits

Each bite-sized donut hole contains approximately 90 calories, making it a light and satisfying treat that fits well into a balanced diet. The carbohydrate content, around 20 grams, comes primarily from natural sources—bananas and maple syrup—providing a quick energy boost.

Protein content is modest, about 1 gram per serving, reflecting the plant-based nature of the recipe. Fat is minimal, around 0.5 grams, mostly from trace amounts in the flour or maple syrup, making it suitable for low-fat eating plans.

With approximately 1 gram of dietary fiber per donut hole, these treats also support digestive health and contribute to satiety, helping to curb cravings and prevent overeating.

Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Options

The recipe’s adaptability extends to dietary restrictions and preferences. Swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend ensures that those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can still enjoy these tasty treats without worry. Since the recipe contains no dairy or eggs, it’s naturally vegan and dairy-free, fitting well into plant-based lifestyles.

For nut allergies, simply avoid any optional nut toppings or pairings and enjoy the recipe as is.

Conclusion

Banana Donut Holes are a deliciously wholesome, naturally sweet treat that satisfies your donut cravings while providing nourishing ingredients. Made with ripe bananas, maple syrup, and simple spices, they offer a tender, moist texture and a cozy flavor profile without the guilt of frying or refined sugars.

Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bite-sized delights are quick and easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and versatile enough to suit a range of dietary needs. Whether served warm, drizzled with chocolate, or paired with fresh fruit and nut butter, Banana Donut Holes are sure to become a favorite healthy indulgence in your kitchen. Their simplicity, nutritional benefits, and satisfying taste make them a perfect example of how wholesome ingredients can create truly enjoyable treats for every occasion.