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Cinnamon Sugar Banana Bread Donut Holes

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There’s just something magical about these cinnamon sugar banana bread donut holes — they’re warm, soft, fluffy little bites that taste like a cross between banana bread and a bakery-style donut, but without any of the fuss. Made with simple pantry ingredients and rolled in that dreamy cinnamon-sugar coating.
Course Dessert
Keyword bananas, donuts
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 19 donut holes

Equipment

  • Donut Hole Pan (or mini muffin tin) *see notes for the link!

Ingredients

  • 2 Ripe Bananas
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/4 cup Butter melted
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. Salt

For The Topping

  • 2 tbsp. Butter melted
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Instructions

  • Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until mostly smooth.
    2 Ripe Bananas
  • Whisk in the brown sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until the mixture is well combined.
    1/4 cup Brown Sugar, 1 large Egg, 1/4 cup Butter, 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
    1 cup Flour, 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda, 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder, 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. Salt
  • Then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until everything comes together.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill the wells of your greased donut hole pan, then bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden.
  • While they cool slightly, melt a little butter and pour it over the warm donut holes in a large bowl, tossing gently to coat.
    2 tbsp. Butter
  • In another small bowl, mix together cinnamon and coarse sugar, then roll each butter-coated donut hole in the mixture until covered.
    1/2 cup Sugar, 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Notes

Find the DONUT HOLE PAN Here <<<

Storage Tips For This Recipe

  • Room Temperature (Best for Freshness): Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days so they stay soft and fluffy.
  • Avoid Refrigerating: The fridge will dry them out and make them rubbery — not the vibe.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
  • Thawing: Let them sit at room temp for 30–45 minutes or warm for 10–15 seconds in the microwave.
  • Re-Coating Option: After thawing, roll them in a fresh little hit of cinnamon sugar to revive that sparkle.
  • Keep Moisture Out: Pop in a paper towel if storing at room temp to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Common FAQ's Related to This Recipe

• Can I use bananas that are really overripe?
Yep! The spottier the better. Super-ripe bananas make these donut holes extra sweet, soft, and flavorful.
• Do I have to use a donut hole pan?
Nope. You can spoon the batter into mini muffin tins instead — they’ll just look like little donut-muffin hybrids but taste exactly the same.
• Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! You can swap the egg for ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Texture will be slightly softer but still delish.
• Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
For sure. Scoop into silicone mini molds and air-fry at 330°F for about 8–10 minutes. Check early because air fryers vary.
• Why coat them in butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar?
The butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly and adds that warm bakery-style richness.
• How do I keep them from drying out?
Store them airtight and avoid the fridge. If reheating, just warm them for a few seconds — don’t overdo it.
• Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely. Mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans mix in beautifully without messing up the texture.
• What if my cinnamon sugar isn’t sticking well?
Make sure the donut holes are still warm and evenly coated in melted butter. Warm + butter = perfect stickiness.

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