Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 12 · Technique: Frying · Storage: Airtight container for up to 2 days.
Quick Answer
To make delicious Banana Pudding Donuts, mash ripe bananas, mix with dry and wet ingredients, fry until golden brown, and enjoy with or without glaze.
As the exhilarating hustle and bustle of New York City transitions into the cozy embrace of fall, I find myself gravitating toward autumnal treats—especially when it comes to upcoming celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This time of year, my kitchen transforms into a haven for warm aromas and heartfelt flavors. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on Banana Pudding Donuts, a delightful twist on a classic that will surely bring joy to your holiday gatherings.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
These Banana Pudding Donuts are not just a recipe; they embody the warmth of the season and the joy of sharing delightful treats with family and friends. Perfect for holiday celebrations, they will add a touch of sweetness to your festivities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly soft and fluffy donuts infused with the delightful taste of banana pudding.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and warmth to any celebration.
- Customization options to suit your taste preferences with optional glazes and toppings.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- A fun and interactive cooking experience for both kids and adults!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our star ingredients for these decadent donuts:
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Frying
- Neutral oil
How to Make Banana Pudding Donuts (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your Banana Pudding Donuts, each bite bursting with flavor and joy.
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
Start by peeling the ripe bananas and mashing them in a bowl until smooth. The sweet, tropical aroma instantly fills my kitchen, reminding me of sunny days.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, organic cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for the lightest donuts possible.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the mashed bananas with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. The luscious texture at this stage is inviting!
Step 4: Mix Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. A few lumps here and there are okay—overmixing leads to dense donuts!
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat a couple of inches of neutral oil to 350°F. This is crucial for that perfect golden brown exterior.
Step 6: Fry the Donuts
Use a tablespoon to drop dollops of batter into the hot oil. Fry a few donuts at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Watch them closely and flip when they achieve a glossy, golden color, about 2-3 minutes per side. The thrill of frying brings an element of magic to the kitchen!
Step 7: Drain and Cool
Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and let them drain on paper towels. Be patient; let them cool slightly before glazing!
Step 8: Glaze (Optional)
If you’re feeling indulgent, whisk up a simple glaze of powdered sugar and a bit of milk (add a dash of vanilla for more flavor!) and dip each donut into the glaze while still warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This is a surefire way to end up with tough donuts. Mix until just combined!
- Incorrect Oil Temperature: Too hot, and the outside will burn while the inside remains raw; too cool, and your donuts will soak up oil.
- Skipping the Cooling Process: Glazing too soon can cause the glaze to melt off. Give them a moment!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Try using a donut cutter to shape your donuts if you want that classic look or simply drop spoonfuls for a more rustic feel.
- Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a warm spice that complements the banana beautifully.
- Serve your donuts with a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate them for your holiday events!
Variations
- Replace ripe bananas with mashed sweet potatoes for a fall twist.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
- Substitute buttermilk with yogurt for a tangy flavor.
How to Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Serve warm with a side of whipped cream.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The batter can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven for a crispy exterior.
- Freezing: Freeze donuts without glaze for longer storage. Defrost as needed and re-glaze before serving.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reminded me of the importance of patience; letting the donuts cool properly really makes a difference in texture and taste. I also found that these donuts are incredibly adaptable—feel free to play with flavors or add your favorite toppings!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 donuts · Serving Size: 1 donut
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~180 calories · 3g protein · 27g carbs · 7g fat
Delicious Banana Pudding Donuts for Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the mashed bananas with buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
- Drop dollops of batter into the hot oil, frying a few at a time for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
- If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for a glaze, then dip the donuts while still warm.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make your own buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A kitchen thermometer is best, but you can also drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
4. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as fried donuts.
5. How do I store leftover donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze without glaze for longer storage.
