# Banana Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: A Sweet and Spiced Treat
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious baked treat, these **Banana Cinnamon Sugar Donuts** are the perfect choice. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these donuts are soft, moist, and full of flavor. They’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing any of the indulgence. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share tips for success, explore creative variations, and provide serving and storage suggestions. Let’s get started!
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## **The Recipe: Banana Cinnamon Sugar Donuts**
### **Ingredients**
#### **For the Donuts:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 tablespoons melted butter
#### **For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:**
– ¼ cup melted butter
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
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### **Directions**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients:** In another bowl, mash the banana and mix it with both sugars, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. **Fill the Donut Pan:** Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Coat the Donuts:** Let the donuts cool slightly, then dip each one in melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Enjoy the donuts warm!
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## **Why This Recipe Works**
These donuts are a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes them so special:
1. **Ripe Bananas:** Add natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle banana flavor.
2. **Warm Cinnamon:** Provides a cozy, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the banana.
3. **Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:** Adds a sweet, crunchy exterior that’s irresistible.
4. **Baked, Not Fried:** These donuts are lighter and easier to make than traditional fried donuts.
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## **Tips for Perfect Donuts**
To ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
1. **Use Overripe Bananas:** Overripe bananas are sweeter and easier to mash, adding more flavor and moisture to the donuts.
2. **Don’t Overmix:** Mix the batter until just combined to avoid dense donuts.
3. **Grease the Pan Well:** Use non-stick spray or butter to ensure the donuts release easily from the pan.
4. **Cool Slightly Before Coating:** Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before dipping them in butter and cinnamon sugar to prevent them from absorbing too much butter.
5. **Serve Warm:** These donuts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed slightly before serving.
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## **Creative Variations**
These donuts are highly customizable. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
1. **Chocolate Chips:** Add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
2. **Nutty Flavor:** Mix in ¼ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
3. **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the donuts suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
4. **Different Coatings:** Try rolling the donuts in powdered sugar, a glaze, or a mix of cocoa powder and sugar.
5. **Add a Glaze:** Drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
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## **Serving and Presentation Ideas**
These donuts are as fun to serve as they are to eat. Here are some creative ways to present them:
1. **Breakfast Platter:** Arrange the donuts on a platter with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee for a beautiful breakfast spread.
2. **Dessert Table:** Include the donuts on a dessert table with other sweet treats like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.
3. **Gift Boxes:** Package the donuts in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
4. **Pair with a Beverage:** Serve the donuts with a glass of milk, coffee, or a banana smoothie for the perfect treat.
5. **Holiday Display:** Use seasonal sprinkles or decorations to match the occasion (e.g., pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas).
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## **Storage and Freezing Tips**
– **Room Temperature:** Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat before serving.
– **Freezer:** Place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat before serving.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Quick and Easy:** With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers.
– **Healthy-ish:** Baked, not fried, these donuts are a lighter option.
– **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or the theme of your event.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these donuts are always a hit.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Banana Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a sweet, spiced, and indulgent treat that’s sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of banana and cinnamon in a fun, handheld treat. Plus, with so many ways to customize the recipe, you can make it your own.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible donuts. Happy baking! 🍌🍩✨
