There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, a scent that instantly wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. These 4-Ingredient Vegan Banana Donut Holes offer that very feeling with minimal effort. Using just four pantry staples, you can whip up a delightful batch that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt of fast food. Not only are these donut holes wonderfully fluffy and light, but they’re also a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser—ideal for a cozy brunch, an afternoon snack, or a lovely dessert. Curious about how such simplicity can lead to a divine treat? Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some joy to your kitchen!
Why Are These Donut Holes Irresistible?
Simplicity, with just four ingredients, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made these sooner!
Fluffy Texture brings a light and airy bite, reminiscent of your favorite baked treats.
Delightful Aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere everyone will love.
Versatile Options mean you can switch up flavors easily; try adding chocolate chips or a chocolate glaze!
Perfect for a quick snack or brunch with friends, they’re sure to impress. If you’re looking for more ways to use bananas, you might also enjoy our Banana Oatmeal Bars. Enjoy these delightful donut holes, and watch them disappear in no time!
Banana Donut Holes Ingredients
For the Donut Holes
• Bananas – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Flour – Provides structure; all-purpose works great, but gluten-free flour can substitute for a gluten-free treat.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for fluffiness; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with sweet and aromatic notes; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
For the Coating
• Sugar – Adds a sweet finish when coating the donut holes; coconut sugar or brown sugar are healthier options.
• Cinnamon – Infuses the coating with a warm, spicy flavor; adjust to taste or try nutmeg for a twist.
Whip up these delightful banana donut holes in no time!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for 4-Ingredient Vegan Banana Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the donut holes don’t stick. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior and making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, take 2-3 overripe bananas and mash them well with a fork until smooth. This should only take a few minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly mixed. The bananas should be creamy and fragrant, setting a sweet base for your banana donut holes.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, add 1 cup of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the banana mixture. Gently mix with a spatula until a cohesive batter forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. The batter should be slightly thick but easily scoopable, ready to be shaped into donut holes.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly knead the dough for about 1 minute to combine it thoroughly, ensuring it’s slightly firm yet still soft. Divide the dough into 9-12 equal portions, rolling each portion into golf-sized balls. This step creates the iconic round shape of the donut holes.
Step 5: Arrange and Prepare for Baking
Place the rolled donut holes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each. Lightly spray them with oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. This will enhance the golden brown color and give the donut holes a delightful crunch on the outside.
Step 6: Bake the Donut Holes
Bake your banana donut holes in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them; they should look fluffy and spring back when gently touched. This is the moment of transformation where they will rise and get that great texture.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the donut holes are baking, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Stir well to combine. The sweet and aromatic mixture will coat the donut holes, giving them a delicious finishing touch that enhances the overall flavor profile of your banana donut holes.
Step 8: Coat the Baked Donut Holes
Once the donut holes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Then, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated. The heat will help the sugar adhere perfectly, creating a mouthwatering, sweet exterior for your delightful banana donut holes.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your 4-ingredient vegan banana donut holes warm or allow them to cool slightly. They are perfect on their own or paired with coffee, tea, or a non-dairy milk alternative. Whether it’s a quick afternoon treat or a wholesome breakfast item, these donut holes will be a hit with everyone.
Make Ahead Options
These 4-Ingredient Vegan Banana Donut Holes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the mashed bananas, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract, and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, form the dough into balls (step 4) before refrigerating to save time later. The cinnamon sugar coating can also be pre-mixed and stored in a separate container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them (step 6) until fluffy and golden, and toss in the cinnamon sugar (step 8) for that just-made taste. These donut holes will be just as delicious, saving you precious time during busy weeknights!
What to Serve with 4-Ingredient Vegan Banana Donut Holes
Indulge in a delightful spread that turns your vegan banana donut holes into a complete culinary experience perfect for any occasion.
- Creamy Non-Dairy Yogurt: Serve alongside a bowl of tangy, plant-based yogurt to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing edge to your snack.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits enhances the cheerful visual appeal and flavor, providing a refreshing contrast to the donut holes.
- Chai or Herbal Tea: The warm spices in chai or soothing herbal tea create a comforting pairing, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat with friends.
- Rich Dark Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a rich, dairy-free chocolate sauce adds a luxurious touch; the bitter notes with the sweet donut holes create a heavenly blend.
- Maple Almond Butter: Smooth and nutty, a dollop of almond butter brings out the banana flavor beautifully while adding healthy fats and protein.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Oatmeal: For a cozy brunch, serve the donut holes with a warm bowl of cinnamon-spiced oatmeal, marrying those comforting flavors delightfully.
- Chilled Almond Milk: Pair with a glass of chilled almond milk for a refreshing, nutty contrast that complements the warm spices of the donut holes.
- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra indulgence, consider a light spread of vegan cream cheese frosting—its tangy sweetness makes every bite more exciting!
- Coffee or Espresso: A delightful cup of coffee enhances the snack experience, with its robust flavor harmonizing perfectly with the sweet donut holes.
How to Store and Freeze Banana Donut Holes
Fridge: Store leftover banana donut holes in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes for that freshly baked taste and texture.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature, then reheat for the best experience.
Expert Tips for Vegan Banana Donut Holes
- Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; they’ll make your donut holes irresistibly tasty.
- Sticky Dough Fix: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency without compromising the fluffy texture.
- Baking Time Watch: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can result in dry donut holes. Aim for that golden brown finish.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover banana donut holes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat for a few minutes for best results.
- Creative Coatings: Experiment with flavored sugar coatings; try adding cocoa powder to the sugar for a chocolate twist!
Banana Donut Holes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and personalize your banana donut holes with these fun variations!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delightful gluten-free treat. The texture remains fluffy and satisfying!
- No Sugar: Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce calories without sacrificing sweetness. These alternatives can bring a delightful sweetness without the extra guilt.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a rich, nutty crunch that beautifully complements the banana flavor. This twist will also provide extra nutrition and heartiness to each bite.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a unique heat that surprises the palate. This little kick can elevate your regular donut holes into something exciting!
- Cacao Flavor: Swap out the cinnamon coating for a rich chocolate glaze made with cocoa powder and a bit of melted coconut oil. It’s an irresistible twist for chocolate lovers!
- Fruit Infusion: Stir in 1/3 cup of blueberries or chopped strawberries into the dough for an extra burst of fruitiness in every bite. These berries will add an exciting tartness and lovely color to your donut holes!
- Different Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or coconut for a delightful flavor variation. A hint of almond can create a lovely depth, while coconut lends a tropical vibe.
- Baked Maple Donut Bars: For something different, why not try our Baked Maple Donut recipe for a sweet twist on traditional flavors?
These variations can make your banana donut holes even more delicious and uniquely yours! Happy baking!
Vegan Banana Donut Holes Recipe FAQs
What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using overripe bananas is key for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for bananas that are yellow with brown spots—this indicates maximum ripeness, which adds natural sweetness and moisture to your donut holes.
How should I store leftover banana donut holes?
To keep your delicious donut holes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to 4 days. Just remember to reheat them in the air fryer for a crispy texture that brings back that fresh-baked goodness!
Can I freeze the banana donut holes?
Yes, you can freeze banana donut holes! First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
What if my donut hole dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find that your dough is sticky, simply sprinkle in a little more flour—about a tablespoon at a time—until you achieve a manageable consistency. The dough should be soft yet slightly firm to ensure that your donut holes come out fluffy and light.
Are these donut holes suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Definitely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the baking powder as well, ensuring it’s also gluten-free. This way, everyone at your gathering can enjoy these delightful vegan banana donut holes!
Can I replace the sugar coating with something else?
Of course! If you want to switch things up, consider drizzling a chocolate glaze over the baked donut holes instead of the cinnamon sugar. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile. The more the merrier when it comes to experimenting!
Cinnamony Banana Donut Holes – Vegan & Irresistibly Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add flour and baking powder to the banana mixture and gently mix until a cohesive batter forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead lightly, and divide into 9-12 equal portions, rolling them into balls.
- Place the donut holes on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with oil.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl while the donut holes bake.
- Remove baked donut holes, let cool briefly, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
- Serve warm or cooled; perfect as a snack or dessert.
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