Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Nothing says comfort quite like homemade banana donuts, especially when they’re topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats are soft, fluffy, and bursting with the rich flavor of ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again. With simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, these banana donuts are not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. So, grab those overripe bananas and let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons to fall in love with banana donuts, but here are a few that stand out:

– **Flavorful and Moist**: The natural sweetness of bananas makes these donuts incredibly moist without the need for excessive sugar.
– **Perfect for Using Up Overripe Bananas**: Don’t let those brown bananas go to waste! This recipe is the perfect way to utilize them.
– **Cream Cheese Frosting**: The rich and creamy frosting on top adds indulgence that takes these banana donuts to the next level.
– **Simple Ingredients**: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these delightful treats in no time.

Ingredients

To make these delicious banana donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup agave nectar or honey
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons milk (2% or whole)
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups mashed banana (measured after mashing, about 3-4 bananas)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

How To Make Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your donuts cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan well with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure to mix well to evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, agave nectar or honey, vegetable oil, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; some lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full with the batter. This ensures that they bake up nicely without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well until combined. Add vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Step 10: Frost the Donuts

Once the donuts have completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each donut. You can even dip the tops into the frosting for a fun finish!

Expert Tips

• For best results, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots – they are sweeter and provide the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice! It adds a lovely brightness and enhances the banana flavor.
• If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake these in a muffin tin – just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.

Variations and Customizations

• For a chocolatey twist, substitute ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder.
• Add in a teaspoon of nutmeg for an extra layer of warm spice.
• Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the batter for added flavor.
• Top with a homemade glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.

How to Store Leftovers

These banana donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted donuts for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature and frost them when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use other sweeteners in place of agave nectar or honey?

Yes! You can substitute with maple syrup, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar. Keep in mind that each sweetener has a different level of sweetness and moisture, so you may need to adjust the amounts accordingly.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture.

What temperature should I bake these donuts at?

Bake your banana donuts at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. This temperature helps the donuts rise properly while ensuring they remain moist.

Can I make the donuts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the donut batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a good mix before filling the donut pan.

Conclusion

These banana donuts with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that combines the irresistible flavor of ripe bananas with the luxurious creaminess of frosting. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, serving them at a brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the deliciousness!

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