As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the cozy warmth of fall in your kitchen. Enter my Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts—a delightful fusion of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of the season. This recipe not only satisfies that sweet tooth but also embraces healthy ingredients, making it a wonderful alternative to store-bought treats. With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll be rewarded with fluffy, spiced donuts that are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Plus, they’re so easy to customize with your favorite glazes or toppings! Curious how these delightful donuts can brighten up your fall? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These Donuts a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavors blend ripe bananas and pumpkin puree, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for fall. Quick and easy to make, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, ideal for busy mornings. Healthier alternative with wholesome ingredients means you can indulge without guilt. Versatile toppings let you customize each donut according to your taste, making them perfect for every occasion. From breakfast to dessert, everyone will love this delightful spin on traditional donuts!
Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create your own batch of delicious Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts!
For the Donut Batter
- Ripe Bananas – 2 medium, mash them well for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Pumpkin Puree – 1 cup, use pure pumpkin for a rich, comforting flavor.
- Brown Sugar – ¾ cup, adds a deep sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Maple Syrup – ¼ cup, enhances the natural flavors while adding a bit of extra sweetness.
- Large Egg – 1, binds the ingredients together and contributes to the fluffiness.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon, brings a warm, aromatic note that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Melted Butter – ¼ cup, adds richness; you can substitute with coconut oil for a non-dairy option.
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 ½ cups, the base of the batter; be gentle when folding in to avoid toughness.
- Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon, ensures your donuts rise beautifully.
- Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon, combined with baking soda for extra fluffiness.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger) – 1 teaspoon, a delightful blend that adds warmth and comfort.
- Pinch of Salt – ¼ teaspoon, balances out the sweetness wonderfully.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – 1 cup, creates a sweet topping that’s irresistible.
- Milk – 2 tablespoons, thin the glaze to your desired consistency; almond milk works too!
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon, gives the glaze an extra flavor boost.
Get excited to whip up these Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts, a treat that’s sure to warm your heart and home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 6-cavity donut pan and generously grease it with non-stick cooking spray or melted butter. This will ensure your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts slide out effortlessly after baking, preventing any breakage or sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the two ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. This process should take just a couple of minutes, and the ripeness will contribute to the natural sweetness of your donuts. Set the mashed banana aside as you prepare the rest of the ingredients, letting its lovely aroma fill the air.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the bowl with the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. This step is crucial for creating the deliciously moist and flavorful base of your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and your chosen spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Once blended, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want your batter to be just combined for fluffy donuts.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag for easy handling. Carefully pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling each about ¾ full. This will allow room for the donuts to rise as they bake. The batter should be thick and smooth, creating perfect shapes for your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan in your preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check for doneness by gently pressing the tops; they should spring back, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The warm, spiced scent will spread through your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes on a wire rack. Then, gently take the donuts out of the pan and transfer them to the cooling rack to cool completely. This step is essential to prevent sogginess, allowing your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts to maintain their delightful texture.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the donuts cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired consistency, whether you want a thicker drizzle or a more liquid glaze for dipping. This finishing touch will elevate your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 9: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cooled, dunk the tops into the glaze or use a spoon to drizzle it over them. Let the excess glaze drip back into the bowl. This step transforms your baked donuts into an irresistible treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the lovely results of your hard work!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts?
Elevate your delightful donuts into a full meal experience with these complementary dishes and drinks.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery smoothness contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced donuts, creating a satisfying meal with comforting textures.
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Maple Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon drizzled with maple syrup adds a luscious sweetness that mirrors the flavors of the donuts, making them an irresistible team.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and citrus lightens the meal while adding a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
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Warm Apple Cider: Sipping on spiced apple cider echoes the warm spices in your donuts, turning your kitchen into a cozy autumn haven.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream on the side is a delightful addition that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavors of the donuts.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over your donuts creates a rich contrast that enhances their sweetness while adding an indulgent touch.
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Chai Tea: The fragrant spices of chai tea complement the warm flavors of your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts, making for a heartwarming pairing.
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Caramel Sauce: A sweet layer of caramel provides a decadent touch, making each bite of the donuts even more delightful and luxurious.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts
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Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
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Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep the Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
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Freezer: Freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
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Reheating: For best results, reheat the frozen donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This revives their fluffy texture and comforting flavors, ready to be glazed or enjoyed plain!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts
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Banana Ripeness Matters: Use overripe bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture in your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts; the darker the peel, the better!
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Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.
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Check for Doneness: To avoid undercooking, do the toothpick test; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the donuts.
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Cool Completely: Allow the donuts to cool fully before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting away and ensures they maintain their delightful texture.
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Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the glaze's thickness by adding more or less milk—make it a thick drizzle or a dip for your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts!
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to enjoy your donuts, simply combine the mixtures, pipe them into the donut pan, and bake as directed. For the glaze, prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before using. This not only saves time on busy mornings but ensures your treats remain just as delicious and fresh!
Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Variations
Feel free to get creative with these flavorful spins on the classic Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously tender alternative. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free: Swap melted butter for coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze. This keeps the flavors intact while catering to dairy-free diets.
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Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch. The nuts complement the soft donuts with a lovely texture.
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Chocolate Lover: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, decadent twist. You’ll have a sweet treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) to your liking or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick. The warmth will make your taste buds dance!
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate ½ cup of diced apples or shredded carrots into the batter. This adds moisture, flavor, and additional nutrition to your donuts.
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Maple Glaze: Instead of the standard glaze, use maple syrup mixed with powdered sugar for a richer, more autumnal flavor profile. It’s a sweet and sticky delight!
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Fun Toppings: Top the glazed donuts with shredded coconut, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for a festive finish. This makes them perfect for parties or special occasions!
Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe bananas for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; these indicate they’re overripe and sweet—perfect for your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts! The more brown, the sweeter and moister they will be in your donuts.
What’s the best way to store Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts?
Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, wrap them well and place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts?
Yes! You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their fluffy texture.
What if my donuts come out dense or dry?
Don’t worry; it happens! Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter when combining the dry and wet ingredients, as this can lead to dense donuts. Additionally, check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer to confirm it’s accurate; an oven that’s too hot can dry them out.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
You can certainly make your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for added structure. The results will still be delicious!
Can my pets enjoy Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts too?
While your furry friends may love the smell of these donuts, it is best not to share them with your pets. Ingredients like sugar and chocolate are harmful to dogs and cats. Instead, consider making some dog-friendly treats just for them!
Irresistibly Easy Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 6-cavity donut pan by greasing it.
- Mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter with the mashed bananas until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Gently fold into the wet ingredients.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full.
- Bake the donuts for 14-16 minutes until they spring back when pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze.
- Once cooled, dunk the tops of the donuts in the glaze or drizzle it over them before serving.
