Banana Donut Holes Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s a little bit whimsical, a little bit nostalgic, and completely irresistible, you need to try these Banana Donut Holes! Fluffy, naturally sweet, and tossed in a sparkling cinnamon sugar coating, these cute little donut bites bring all the fun of a bakery donut—without any frying or fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Banana Donut Holes earns its place—each one works a little magic, whether it’s for sweet banana flavor, a perfectly bouncy texture, or that dreamy cinnamon sugar finish. Here’s how they all come together to transform humble pantry staples into pure joy.

• Ripe Banana: For the best flavor and moisture, use one large, spotty banana—this brings natural sweetness and that signature tenderness you love in banana bread.
• Self-Rising Flour: The secret to sky-high donut holes with hardly any effort. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil keeps the dough moist, helps with shaping, and gives a subtle richness. You can swap for melted vegan butter if you prefer.
• Cinnamon & Sugar: For the finishing touch, a classic cinnamon-sugar combo brings donut shop flavor—and a sparkly crunch in every bite.
• Avocado Oil Spray: Just a quick mist for the air fryer basket and the donut holes helps everything brown without sticking or excess oil.

Variations

Banana Donut Holes are like a blank canvas—perfect for a little personalization! Whether you want to go gluten-free, add a pop of chocolate, or experiment with spices, you have plenty of delicious options to make this treat truly your own.

• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Gently press a few mini chocolate chips into each dough ball for melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with a bit of baking powder and a dash of salt to replace self-rising flour.
• Spiced Sugar Coating: Swap the cinnamon for cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a whole new flavor twist.
• Stuffed Banana Donut Holes: Hide a little chunk of banana, nut butter, or your favorite jam in the center of each ball for an extra treat.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes

Step 1: Mash the Banana

Start by peeling your banana and mashing it in a bowl until it’s completely smooth and pureed—this is key for the perfect texture. Make sure to measure out ½ cup; if you use less or more, the dough won’t come together quite right.

Step 2: Mix & Knead the Dough

Add the self-rising flour to the mashed banana and give it an initial stir with a rubber spatula. When it starts looking lumpy and shaggy, it’s time to get a little hands-on! Oil your hands with a bit of melted coconut oil, then knead the dough gently—using more oil as necessary—until it forms a moist, elastic ball. Don’t worry about the stickiness; resist the temptation to add too much flour or your donut holes will turn out bready instead of tender.

Step 3: Shape the Donut Holes

With freshly oiled hands, scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. They don’t need to be perfectly round! Place each ball on a plate lined with parchment and repeat the process until you’ve used up all the dough. Give the tops a quick spritz of avocado oil for even browning.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Mist your air fryer basket with oil and arrange the donut holes about an inch apart—they’ll expand and puff as they cook. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 6–7 minutes, until they’re dry to the touch and deeply golden. A little rocky shape is totally normal and super cute!

Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Magic

While the donut holes are still warm, use a pastry brush to coat them with melted coconut oil. Quickly roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mix to coat completely. They’re best served warm for ultimate softness and sparkle!

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes

Garnishes

The cinnamon sugar coating is already dreamy, but you can make these donut holes even more delightful with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dip into warm, maple-infused glaze. Fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts add a little elegance for brunch spreads.

Side Dishes

Pair your Banana Donut Holes with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon chai for a cozy breakfast treat. For dessert platters, offer bowls of vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vegan ice cream alongside for dipping and swirling.

Creative Ways to Present

Thread the Banana Donut Holes onto skewers for a fun brunch kabob or stack them on a cake stand for a playful centerpiece at holiday gatherings. You can also serve them in paper cones as a sweet snack for movie night or picnic strolls—no utensils required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Banana Donut Holes into an airtight container once completely cool—they’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for up to three days. The texture stays soft and lovely, especially if you give them a quick warm-up before serving again.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Banana Donut Holes! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months; just thaw at room temp or gently rewarm before rolling in more cinnamon sugar, if needed.

Reheating

To revive that just-cooked magic, pop the donut holes in the air fryer or oven at 300°F (150°C) for a couple of minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but a gentle bake keeps the outside crisp and the inside fluffy. Recoat in cinnamon sugar if you like a fresh sparkle!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave the flavors of donuts but want a recipe that’s easy, fun, and on the lighter side, these Banana Donut Holes are ready to become your new obsession. Whisk up a batch for breakfast, dessert, or snacking—then savor the smiles as everyone reaches for seconds!

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