Name: Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose baking flour; 2 tablespoons all-purpose baking flour; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup very ripe bananas (mashed); 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 3 ounces cream cheese (VERY soft); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (VERY soft); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted); 1-2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency); 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, for decorating)

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There’s something magical about the combination of bananas and donuts. When you transform your favorite banana bread recipe into delightful donuts, you elevate breakfast to a whole new level. Add a luscious cream cheese frosting on top, and you’ve got a treat that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet. These Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana bread, you’re going to adore these donuts. They’re:

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these donuts come together in no time.
Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas ensure that each bite is bursting with rich flavor.
Versatile: You can enjoy them as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert.
Beautifully Frosted: The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the banana flavor.
Customizable: Top them with your favorite nuts or sprinkles for extra flair!

Ingredient Notes

To make these delightful Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose baking flour: This forms the base of your donuts, providing structure and texture.
1/2 cup dark brown sugar: For a rich sweetness and moisture that enhances the banana flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy aroma to the donuts.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg complements the bananas beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
1/2 cup very ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show, ensuring the donuts are moist and flavorful.
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor to the donuts.
1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the rise.
3 ounces cream cheese, VERY soft: Essential for the creamy frosting that tops the donuts.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, VERY soft: Works with the cream cheese to create a smooth frosting.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of both the donuts and frosting.
1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted: For sweetness and texture in the frosting.
1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting for easy spreading.
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped, for decorating: Optional but adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

Toolbox for This Recipe

To whip up these delightful donuts, gather the following tools:

Donut Pan: Essential for shaping your donuts perfectly.
Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: To mix ingredients thoroughly and aerate the batter.
Spatula: For folding in ingredients gently.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for best results.
Cooling Rack: Allows the donuts to cool properly after baking.
Electric Mixer: Optional, but helpful for achieving a smooth frosting.

From Start to Finish: Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose baking flour, dark brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and baking powder. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the banana mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 7: Cool

Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the very soft cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and mix well. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired frosting consistency, and mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Frost the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled completely, generously frost each donut with the cream cheese frosting. Use a spatula or a piping bag for a decorative touch.

Step 10: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the frosted donuts for added flavor and crunch.

Substitutions by Diet

If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, consider these substitutes:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and cream cheese.
Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Mistakes That Ruin Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

Using Unripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Let the donuts cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Not Sifting the Sugar: Sifting the confectioners’ sugar helps create a smooth frosting without lumps.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Frost them when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How can I tell when the donuts are done baking?

The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen bananas. Just make sure to mash them well and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple vanilla glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Just mix until smooth!

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Let’s Eat

Indulging in these Banana Bread Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just having a treat; it’s about bringing joy to your mornings or sweetening up your afternoons. As you dive into these fluffy delights topped with creamy goodness, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself, these donuts are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every delicious bite!