If you have a soft spot for all things banana bread but want to enjoy it in a fun, bite-sized form, then this Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These little gems pack all the warm, cozy flavors of classic banana bread into perfectly portable, sweet, and tender donut bites that are just begging to be shared (or secretly hoarded). With a rich blend of bananas, cinnamon, and a slight hint of nutmeg, each bite melts in your mouth like a mini hug. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these donut bites bring happiness in every single morsel.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the secret to making this Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe a total breeze while ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor, moisture, and a perfect crumb. Each component plays a starring role in creating that balance of sweetness, spice, and tenderness.
- Ripe bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and moist texture, the riper the better.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so the bites hold their shape without being dense.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that give you those light, fluffy donut bites.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that iconic banana bread spice kick.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Brown sugar: Brings a rich molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning for a lovely golden crust.
- Melted butter: Vital for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: A tiny amount makes all the flavors pop beautifully.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the donut bites delightfully moist and adds slight tang.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for a dusting or light coating that adds a hint of sweetness and pretty presentation.
How to Make Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a mini muffin pan to ensure your banana bread donut bites come out clean and perfectly shaped. This simple prep step sets you up for success right from the start.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Then whisk in the melted butter, both sugars, egg, vanilla extract, and yogurt or sour cream. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your batter, combining creaminess and sweetness with just the right texture.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Tossing together your dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout your batter, which means consistent flavor and rise in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your donut bites tender and light, not tough or rubbery.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops spring back when lightly touched, signaling that these banana bread donut bites are perfectly cooked and ready to cool.
Step 6: Cool and Coat
Let the banana bread donut bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently removing them. If you like, roll them in powdered sugar or drizzle a light glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. They also taste amazing tossed in cinnamon sugar while warm, if you want to mix it up.
How to Serve Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar elevate the appearance and add a lovely touch of sweetness to your Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or a vanilla glaze to make them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These donut bites pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them ideal for breakfast or afternoon snack time. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to bring balance and freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering these delicious donut bites and serving them as fun party snacks or dipping them in chocolate or caramel sauces for a decadent twist. They also make charming additions to brunch spreads or dessert platters, where their miniature size is perfect for sampling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and scrumptious. For longer storage, the fridge can help keep them fresh but may slightly dry them out.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these donut bites well into the future? Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving for best results.
Reheating
To bring your Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe back to life, gently warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This helps recapture that fresh-baked softness and aroma we all love.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Substituting whole wheat pastry flour will add a nuttier flavor and make the donut bites a bit healthier, but stick to the same quantity for best texture.
Do I need to use yogurt or sour cream in the recipe?
Including yogurt or sour cream ensures the donut bites stay moist and tender. If you’re out of these, you can try using buttermilk or even milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice as a substitute.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans are fantastic additions that add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently before baking.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skin for the sweetest, most flavorful results.
Is it okay to toss the donut bites in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Definitely! Rolling them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm gives a delightful, slightly crunchy sweet coating that’s a wonderful alternative to powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of banana bread in a fun, bite-sized package. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and utterly delicious, these donut bites are sure to become a cherished recipe for cozy mornings, lively gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Go ahead, dive in and share the joy – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Banana Bread Donut Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 donut bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Banana Bread Donut Bites that combine the classic flavors of banana bread with the fun, bite-sized format of donuts. Perfect for snacks, breakfasts, or a sweet treat any time of day, these mini baked delights are moist, flavorful, and can be dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt or sour cream
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional for Coating
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan to ensure easy removal of the donut bites after baking.
- Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Whisk in the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and plain yogurt or sour cream until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir these ingredients together to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until all ingredients are combined — do not overmix to keep the batter light and tender.
- Fill the Mini Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the donut bites for 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when the tops spring back when lightly touched, indicating they are fully cooked but still moist inside.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing. While still warm, optionally roll them in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with a light glaze as desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, reduce the sugar slightly or substitute whole wheat pastry flour.
- These bites can also be tossed in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar while still warm for extra flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
