There’s something about the smell of bananas and cinnamon warming up in the oven that immediately rewinds me to those slow weekend mornings. I remember one Sunday in particular, when I was trying to multitask—juggling a half-read book and a phone call while the kitchen filled with that sweet, homey aroma. I glanced at the timer and realized I’d almost forgotten the donuts baking away. Pulling them out just in time, the golden edges were perfectly soft and fluffy, with just a hint of that cinnamon spice teasing the air. I didn’t even have to wait long before breaking one apart, the moist crumb still warm, melting in my mouth. It wasn’t perfect—the glaze I planned to add never made it on because I got distracted—but honestly, that simple bite was enough to make me want to make them again, soon.
- Moist and tender, these donuts are a gentle upgrade from your usual banana bread routine.
- The cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering; it’s subtle, like a little secret in every bite.
- Quick to prepare but still feels special—great when you want something homemade without fuss.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No crazy ingredients, just straightforward comfort.
If you’re a bit wary about baking donuts, don’t be. These aren’t fussy at all, and the pan you need isn’t anything too complicated. Plus, they’re just as nice served fresh or saved for a quick snack later.
PrintBanana Cake Donuts
Deliciously moist and fluffy banana cake donuts made with ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the mashed banana, buttermilk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the donuts from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Don’t worry if your donut pan isn’t fancy—any basic one will do just fine here. They come out soft and fluffy, so a wire rack is perfect for cooling without sogginess. I like to serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, especially when I’m craving something sweet but not too heavy. Sometimes, if I’m feeling a little adventurous, I’ll add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the batter before baking—though I haven’t tested those tweaks enough to swear they always work. You could also swap out the cinnamon for a dash of nutmeg or even a splash of orange zest if you want to experiment with flavors.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free? I haven’t tried it myself, but using a gluten-free flour blend might work; just expect a slightly different texture.
How do I store leftovers? They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for about a week.
Can I freeze them? Yes, freezing works great—just thaw at room temperature before eating.
Are these suitable for breakfast? Absolutely, they’re filling enough to start the day with a bit of sweetness and energy.
If you find yourself craving something both cozy and quick, these banana cake donuts might just become your new go-to. Give them a try and see how a little cinnamon and banana magic can brighten your morning.