Desserts

Banana Donut Holes

Start with warm, ripe bananas and end with small, pillowy bites that smell sweet and buttery. These banana donut holes crisp gently on the outside and stay tender and banana-forward inside. They take little time to make and bring a soft, fragrant banana aroma to your kitchen as they fry. If you’d like a hands-off crisping option, try an air-fryer version from this air-fryer Christmas donut holes guide for a lower-oil alternative.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: about 12 donut holes
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1 donut hole), based on 12 servings total:

Calories per serving: 105 kcal
Protein: 2.0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 3.0 g
Fiber: 0.8 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 60 mg

Why Make This Banana Donut Holes

These banana donut holes are quick, comforting, and a great way to use ripe bananas. They taste lightly sweet with a strong banana flavor and a soft, cake-like interior. The outside browns to a gentle golden color and gives a slight crisp when you bite in. They work as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a small dessert. The recipe is simple, uses pantry basics, and comes together fast — ideal for busy cooks or for using up overripe fruit.

How to Make Banana Donut Holes

You make these donut holes by mixing mashed bananas with wet ingredients, folding in dry ingredients, and frying small scoops until golden. The batter is thick but scoopable; frying creates a crisp outer shell and a moist center. Follow the step-by-step directions below for best results.

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Add the sugar, beaten egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. This creates a sweet, fragrant wet base that will flavor the donut holes.

Step 2: Mixing

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Stir just until combined; do not overmix. The batter should be thick but scoopable. Overmixing makes the dough dense.

Step 3: Cooking

Heat about 1 to 1.5 inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or a piece of batter sizzles and rises slowly. Use a spoon or small scoop to drop tablespoon-sized balls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches so pieces do not crowd. Turn the donut holes as they brown, about 2–3 minutes total, until golden all over.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let them cool slightly so they firm up inside. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if you like. Serve warm for the best texture and aroma.

How to Serve Banana Donut Holes

Serve them warm so the centers stay tender. They pair well with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a dessert plate, serve with a small bowl of chocolate sauce, caramel, or a yogurt-honey dip. Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder over the powdered sugar for extra flavor. They also work well in a brunch spread alongside fruit and pancakes.

How to Store Banana Donut Holes

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. They are best eaten the same day for crisp edges.
In the refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven (325°F/160°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh the exterior.
To freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a tray. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Donut Holes

Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe fruit gives strong banana aroma and moist texture.
Keep oil temperature steady at around 350°F (175°C). Too hot browns the outside before the inside cooks; too cool makes them greasy.
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
Do not overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the centers light.
If batter is too thin, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until scoopable. If too thick, stir in a teaspoon of milk.
Use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to shape uniform donut holes for even frying.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Banana: Fold 2 tablespoons cocoa powder into the dry mix for a chocolate twist.
Cinnamon Sugar: Toss hot donut holes in a mix of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon instead of powdered sugar.
Nutty Crunch: Mix 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for texture.
Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a quick glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a bright finish.
Baked Option: For less oil, pipe or spoon batter into a mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Spoon batter into a greased mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. The texture will be more cake-like and less crisp on the outside.
What bananas work best?
Use ripe bananas with brown spots. They are sweeter and mash easily. Under-ripe bananas lack sweetness and will make the batter less flavorful.
How do I keep the donut holes from being greasy?
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches. Drain well on paper towels and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the batter and refrigerate it up to 2 hours. Bring it back to room temperature and stir gently before frying. Batter may thicken slightly in the fridge; add a splash of milk if needed.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore some crispness. Microwaving makes them soft and can make the exterior soggy.
Are there gluten-free substitutions?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Texture may vary slightly; check doneness as they may brown faster.
How many donut holes does this recipe yield?
About 12 donut holes, depending on how large you scoop the batter. Use a tablespoon scoop for consistent size.

Conclusion

These banana donut holes are a simple, comforting treat that highlights ripe banana flavor with a soft interior and a warm, golden crust. They come together quickly and suit breakfasts, snacks, and casual desserts. Try them plain or use one of the variations to match your mood. Enjoy the sweet banana aroma as they fry, and share a warm batch with friends or family — you’ll likely get requests for more.