Irresistible Banana Bread Donuts – A Healthier Donut Recipe Everyone Loves

Healthier Donut Recipes don’t usually make people stop mid-bite and ask, “Wait… these are healthy?” But these banana bread donuts? They absolutely do. They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweet, and taste like a thick slice of homemade banana bread disguised as a donut. Honestly, it feels a little unfair—in the best way possible.

If you love banana bread but also love the idea of a donut that won’t send you into a sugar crash by 10 a.m., you’re in the right place. These baked banana bread donuts were created for cozy mornings, snack attacks, and those moments when you want something comforting without going full bakery indulgence. IMO, this is exactly how a “healthy donut” should taste—warm, nostalgic, and borderline addictive.

And yes, they’re baked. No frying. No greasy fingers. No oil splatter drama. Just simple ingredients, one bowl, and a donut pan doing the heavy lifting. Sound good? Let’s get into it.

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Why These Banana Bread Donuts Are So Irresistible

What makes these donuts special isn’t just that they’re healthier—it’s that they don’t taste like they’re trying to be healthy. You know the type. Dry. Sad. Suspiciously beige. These are none of that.

These donuts are:

• Moist and tender, thanks to ripe bananas doing their thing
• Lightly sweet, not overpowering
• Soft like banana bread, not cakey or dense
• Baked, not fried, which keeps them lighter
• Easy to customize, depending on your mood or pantry

They hit that sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome, which is why they’re often compared to Banana Donuts Baked Healthy or even a donut-shaped version of Low Calorie Banana Bread Muffins. Same vibe. Better shape.

And let’s be real—donuts are just more fun than muffins.

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A Quick Backstory (Because Every Good Recipe Has One)

This recipe came to life the same way most banana recipes do: overripe bananas staring back at me like, “So… what now?” Banana bread felt predictable. Muffins felt boring. Donuts? That felt like a glow-up.

The goal was simple: create an Easy Healthy Donut Recipe that tastes like banana bread, works for breakfast or snacks, and doesn’t require fancy ingredients or a food processor meltdown. After a few test batches (and a lot of taste-testing—tough job), these baked banana bread donuts became a regular.

Now they’re the recipe I make when:

• Guests stay overnight
• I want something cozy but lighter
• Bananas are past their prime
• Someone says, “We’re trying to eat better”

FYI: they disappear fast. Like… suspiciously fast.

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Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Work)

You don’t need anything wild here. This is very much a Food To Make With Ingredients At Home situation, and that’s part of the charm.

The Core Ingredients

• Ripe bananas – The star of the show. They provide sweetness, moisture, and structure. The riper, the better.
• Flour – White flour, spelt, oat flour, or a gluten-free blend all work well.
• Baking powder – Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances banana flavor.
• Sweetener – Maple syrup, agave, honey, or granulated sweetener.
• Oil or water – Keeps things tender without heaviness.

Optional Flavor Boosters

• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Mini chocolate chips

These add personality without complicating the recipe. Use what you love. Skip what you don’t.

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How to Make Banana Bread Donuts (Simple Version)

No complicated steps. No mixers required. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a donut pan.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease your donut pan well. This matters. Donuts hate sticking.
3. In a large bowl, whisk mashed banana, sweetener, oil or water, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined. Don’t overmix.
5. Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
6. Bake for about 8 minutes, until risen and lightly golden.
7. Cool slightly, then gently remove from the pan.

That’s it. No drama. No waiting an hour. Very weekday-friendly.

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Banana Donut Frosting & Topping Ideas (The Fun Part)

These donuts are great plain. But toppings? That’s where things get fun.

Cinnamon Sugar

Roll warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar—or a sugar-free alternative. Classic. Cozy. Never fails.

Nut Butter Spread

Peanut butter or almond butter turns these into a protein-packed breakfast donut. Yes, that’s a thing.

Simple Glaze

Powdered sugar + milk or water + optional melted butter. Whisk and drizzle. Add more liquid for a thinner glaze.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, tangy, and perfect with banana. Add cinnamon for extra cozy vibes.

Other ideas?

• Chocolate glaze
• Browned butter icing
• Coconut butter drizzle
• Vanilla frosting

You’re not limited here. These donuts are basically a blank canvas.

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Making Them Vegan or Oil-Free (Easy Swaps)

Good news: this recipe is naturally egg-free and dairy-free. Bananas do all the binding work.

To keep it vegan:

• Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey

To make it oil-free:

• Swap oil for water or extra mashed banana

Just know this: oil-free donuts will be slightly denser. Still tasty. Just different.

You can also replace oil with nut butter for added protein and richness.

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Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread Donuts

Let’s avoid rookie mistakes.

Use very ripe bananas. If they smell sweet, they’re ready.
Don’t overmix. Stir until just combined. Lumpy batter is fine.
Grease the pan generously. Seriously.
Bake on the center rack. Even heat = even donuts.
Let them cool before frosting. Unless you want frosting soup.

These small details make the difference between “good” and “why did these vanish already?”

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Variations to Try (Because Options Are Everything)

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun spins:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Donuts – Add mini chips to the batter.
• Nutty Banana Bread Donuts – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Cinnamon Banana Donuts – Add cinnamon to the batter and topping.
• Donut Holes – Use a mini muffin pan for Healthy Banana Donut Holes.

You can even turn this batter into muffins if you don’t have a donut pan. Think Low Calorie Banana Muffin Recipe, just reborn.

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Best Ways to Serve These Donuts

These donuts shine in a lot of situations:

• Warm for breakfast with coffee
• As an afternoon snack
• On a brunch spread
• For overnight guests
• As a healthier dessert option

They’re especially great if you’re looking for a Low Calorie Donut Option that still feels indulgent.

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Storage & Leftovers (If You Have Any)

At room temperature:

• Store unfrosted donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

In the fridge:

• Frosted donuts should be refrigerated and enjoyed within 4–5 days.

Freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted donuts and thaw as needed. Quick breakfast win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. A good all-purpose gluten-free flour works well.

Can I use oat flour?
Absolutely. The texture will be slightly heartier, but still great.

Do I need a donut pan?
It helps, but you can use a muffin pan if needed.

Can I air fry them?
Some readers have tried it successfully. Results may vary—report back if you do!

How many donuts does this make?
Six large donuts. Double or triple the batch for a crowd.

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Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Make It Again)

These banana bread donuts hit that rare balance. They’re comforting without being heavy. Sweet without being overwhelming. Familiar but still exciting. They fall right into the category of Low Calorie Doughnut Recipes that don’t feel like a compromise.

They’re the kind of donuts you make once… and then suddenly everyone asks for them again. And again. And again.

If you’re looking for a Low Calorie Donut Recipe that feels cozy, flexible, and genuinely delicious, this one’s a keeper.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, these banana bread donuts prove one thing: healthier baking doesn’t have to be boring. With simple ingredients, smart swaps, and a little creativity, you get donuts that feel indulgent without the guilt spiral.

Bake them for yourself. Bake them for guests. Bake them because your bananas are judging you from the counter.

Either way, don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to Easy Healthy Donut Recipe. Because once you try them, going back to store-bought just feels… unnecessary. 🍌🍩 Print