If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these Glazed Baked Banana Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the warm, nostalgic flavor of banana bread, but in a tender baked donut form, crowned with a silky cinnamon-vanilla glaze that sets up with just the right amount of crackle. They strike the perfect balance between comforting and special, proving that you don’t need a fryer or any tricky techniques to enjoy utterly irresistible donuts at home.

Glazed Baked Banana Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Glazed Baked Banana Donuts truly shine is their short, accessible ingredient list. Each component has a key job, whether it’s adding moisture, richness, or a touch of spice, resulting in donuts bursting with flavor and a gorgeous golden color.

All-purpose flour: The backbone for tender, airy donuts.
Baking powder: Gives that lovely lift for a pillowy texture.
Baking soda: Works with the banana to add even more lightness.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: A cozy spice that deepens the banana flavor beautifully.
Ripe banana, mashed: The star of the show, lending moisture and natural sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses richness and keeps the crumb soft.
Egg: Binds everything together and enhances the structure.
Milk: Loosens the batter for a fluffy result.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps every bite moist and luscious.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and ties everything together.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): The base for a smooth, sweet topping.
More milk (for the glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency for that perfect drizzle.
Extra cinnamon (for the glaze): Echoes the warmth inside the donut.
Additional vanilla extract (for the glaze): Makes the glaze aromatic and extra special.

How to Make Glazed Baked Banana Donuts

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot by the time your donuts are ready to bake. Lightly grease your donut pan with a bit of oil or nonstick spray. This ensures an easy release and those beautiful donut shapes you can’t wait to glaze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This quick step is key because evenly distributing the leaveners and spice ensures every single donut is fluffy and flavorful, no dry pockets here!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and mash that perfectly ripe banana until creamy. Add in the brown sugar, egg, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy — this is where all the moisture and flavor magic happens for your Glazed Baked Banana Donuts.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. This is where restraint pays off! Stop mixing as soon as you can’t see dry flour. Overmixing will make the donuts tough instead of soft and delicate.

Step 5: Bake

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared pan, filling each donut cavity about three-quarters full. If you need a trick for perfect piping, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off! Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean, and the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so they don’t overbake.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl. You want a thick yet pourable glaze. Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops right in, allowing the excess to drip off for that picture-perfect finish. Place on a rack for a few minutes so the glaze can set — if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Glazed Baked Banana Donuts

Garnishes

To make these Glazed Baked Banana Donuts even more irresistible, try sprinkling the tops with finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just after you glaze. A dusting of extra cinnamon or a light drizzle of melted chocolate never hurts either. If you’re serving for a special occasion, a few banana slices on the side bring out their fruity charm.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine alongside a hot mug of coffee, a frothy chai latte, or a cup of rich hot chocolate. For brunch, pile them on a platter with some Greek yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh berries. They’re equally good with a simple glass of cold milk, letting their flavors truly shine without distraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make a donut “tower” with tiers of Glazed Baked Banana Donuts for birthdays or showers? You can also stick wooden skewers into each donut and serve them at a brunch buffet. If you want to get fancy, set out an array of glazes and toppings so everyone can customize their own creation — donut decorating party, anyone?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, store your Glazed Baked Banana Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep the glaze intact and the texture soft. They do best out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source that could melt the glaze.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can absolutely freeze the unglazed donuts. Let them cool completely, wrap each one individually in plastic, and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before eating for maximum freshness and that perfect texture.

Reheating

Warm up a donut in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just enough to take the chill off and make it taste freshly baked. If you’ve frozen them, let them defrost fully at room temperature before reheating and glazing. The gentle heat wakes up the banana flavor and makes the glaze extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I make these Glazed Baked Banana Donuts without a donut pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. They’ll come out more like banana donut “muffins” but will still be delicious and easy to glaze.

What type of banana works best?

Super ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are your best friend here. They’re naturally sweeter and mash up silky smooth, infusing every bite with deep banana goodness.

Is it possible to make these donuts vegan?

You can swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk. Use a vegan butter or coconut oil for that tender crumb, and you’ll still get lovely Glazed Baked Banana Donuts.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?

Definitely! Stir in about a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans after combining the wet and dry ingredients. It adds extra texture and even more flavor to every donut.

Why are my donuts dense instead of light?

This usually happens from overmixing the batter. Fold the dry into the wet ingredients just until everything is incorporated, and don’t worry about a few lumps. That’s the secret to soft, fluffy Glazed Baked Banana Donuts every time.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend these Glazed Baked Banana Donuts enough — they’re a joyful, fuss-free way to satisfy any donut craving at home. Trust me, once you’ve tried them, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation. Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip up a batch and share them with someone you love (or keep them all to yourself!). Happy baking!

Glazed Baked Banana Donuts Recipe