Desserts

Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup melted butter; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for frosting)

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Two ripe bananas make these donuts tender, sweet, and fragrant, while a cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish that smells like warm spice. This easy bake is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy dessert. If you enjoy banana-based treats, you might also like this take on banana bars with cream cheese frosting for another quick option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 8 donuts
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 150 mg

Why Make This Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

These banana donuts come together quickly and deliver warm banana flavor with a soft, cake-like texture. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a silky tang and warm spice that balances the sweetness. They bake fast, smell amazing as they come out of the oven, and are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

How to Make Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a standard donut pan. Mash the bananas for moisture and flavor, mix dry and wet ingredients gently so the donuts stay tender, and finish with an easy cream cheese frosting that’s lightly spiced. Baking is quick, so watch closely to keep them soft, not dry.

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup melted butter
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for frosting)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.

Step 2: Mixing

In the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the sugar, milk, egg, and melted butter and stir to combine. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3: Baking

Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Finishing

For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Once the donuts are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over each donut.

How to Serve Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve these donuts slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, add fresh berries and a pot of tea. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts for texture.

How to Store Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep the frosting-covered donuts refrigerated if your kitchen is warm.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Use very ripe bananas (lots of brown specks) for the best sweetness and flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until combined to keep the donuts tender.
Fill the donut cavities to about 2/3 full to avoid overflow while still getting a nice donut shape.
Cool donuts completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until spreadable. If too thin, add a tablespoon more powdered sugar.
For even baking, rotate the donut pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

Delicious Variations

Nutty Banana: Stir 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch.
Chocolate Swirl: Fold 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed with a splash of milk into half the batter and swirl into the pan.
Maple Cinnamon Frosting: Replace vanilla with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and reduce powdered sugar slightly for a maple-flavored glaze.
Banana-Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon ginger for a warmer spice profile.
Light Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for half the butter and reduce powdered sugar in the frosting for a tangier, lighter finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas with brown spots or fully yellow to black skins. Very ripe bananas are sweeter, mash easily, and give the best flavor and moisture.

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes. Pour the batter into a muffin tin for banana muffins and bake for 14–16 minutes, or pour into a small cake pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely. These donuts are tasty plain or dusted with a little powdered sugar. The frosting adds sweetness and creaminess but is optional.

How do I avoid soggy donuts when storing?

Let donuts cool completely before storing. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container. If frosted, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but allow it to come to room temperature and give a gentle stir before baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free mix?

Yes. Substitute whole wheat flour cup-for-cup for a denser texture, or use a 1:1 gluten-free blend designed for baking; you may need a touch more liquid.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup and add a little extra vanilla or a pinch of salt to keep balance. You can also use less frosting per donut.

Conclusion

These banana donuts with cinnamon cream cheese frosting are an easy, comforting bake with soft, tender crumb and a creamy, spiced topping—perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. For another version and inspiration, check out Banana Donuts with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – Grab A Plate for ideas and photos to guide you. Give them a try—you’ll love the warm banana aroma and the creamy cinnamon finish.