Banana Cinnamon Donut Holes are soft, fluffy, and packed with the warm flavors of banana and cinnamon. These bite-sized treats are deep-fried until golden and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them a perfect snack or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great way to use ripe bananas – No need to waste overripe bananas.
- Irresistible texture – Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.
- Perfect for sharing – A fun and delicious treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for coating
Directions
- In a bowl, mix mashed banana, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, milk, egg, and vanilla extract into a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
- While still warm, roll the donut holes in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Baked version – Instead of frying, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
- Glazed option – Drizzle with a simple vanilla or chocolate glaze instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar.
- Nutty crunch – Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Chocolate twist – Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat.
- Spiced version – Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes or microwave briefly to restore freshness.
FAQs
Can I make these without frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes.
What is the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. A mix of both flours works well.
How do I know when the donut holes are fully cooked?
They should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they are ready.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the batter fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients ahead and add the wet ingredients just before frying.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, any milk alternative should work fine.
What if my batter is too thick?
Add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the consistency is thick but scoopable.
Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes, overripe bananas will add more natural sweetness and moisture.
How can I prevent the donut holes from absorbing too much oil?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying. If it’s too low, the donuts will absorb excess oil.
What can I serve these with?
Enjoy them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a side of whipped cream for dipping.
Conclusion
Banana Cinnamon Donut Holes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of banana and cinnamon in a fun, bite-sized treat. Whether fried or baked, these warm, fluffy delights are perfect for any occasion. Try them fresh and warm for the best experience!
