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Banana Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze and Caramelized Banana Topping Recipe

4.5 from 61 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Donuts topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze and caramelized banana slices. This easy-to-make baked treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm spices, perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup mashed ripe banana
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tbsp sour cream (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Glaze

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 ½ tbsp milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramelized Bananas

  • ½ tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 12 medium fresh bananas (sliced into ½ inch pieces)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Donut Pan and Oven: Lightly butter or spray a nonstick donut pan and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, mashed ripe banana, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, sour cream, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender donut texture.
  5. Fill the Donut Pan: Pipe or spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity generously but not overflowing.
  6. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back gently when touched.
  7. Cool and Remove: Allow the donut pan to cool on a wire rack. Once cool enough to handle, carefully flip the pan over and gently push out the baked donuts to avoid breaking.
  8. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: Melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ½ cup brown sugar in a saucepan until smooth. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. Transfer the glaze to a bowl and let it cool for 10-12 minutes until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
  9. Caramelize the Bananas: In a saucepan, melt ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the butter, then add the banana slices. Cook for about 2 minutes, flip the bananas gently, and cook for an additional minute to caramelize.
  10. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the brown sugar glaze. If the glaze is too thin and runs off quickly, allow more cooling time; if it is too thick, gently warm it in short microwave bursts until it reaches the right consistency to adhere.
  11. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the caramelized banana slices into the center of each glazed donut, then serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • When measuring flour, avoid packing it to keep the donuts light; spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
  • Room temperature buttermilk and sour cream help in mixing smoothly and achieving the right batter consistency.
  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and banana flavor.
  • The glaze thickens as it cools; be patient before dipping the donuts for optimal coverage.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: banana donuts, baked donuts, brown sugar glaze, caramelized bananas, breakfast treats, easy donut recipe