Looking for a fun, sweet breakfast treat that combines two of your favorite things? Say hello to Banana Pancake Donuts! These little golden rings of joy are a delightful twist on your classic pancake, with the added bonus of being shaped like donuts. Picture fluffy, soft pancakes infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, then lightly fried to crispy perfection on the outside. They’re the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to make your mornings brighter and a bit more exciting.

The best part? You can dip them in maple syrup, drizzle on some chocolate sauce, or even enjoy them as is for a fun and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pancake Donuts

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a delightful experience with every bite. Here’s why you’ll love these banana pancake donuts:

Versatile: Enjoy them as breakfast, brunch, or even a fun snack during the day. You can top them with anything from fresh fruit to whipped cream!

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients like bananas, flour, and milk come together to make a treat that’s easy on your wallet.

Quick and Easy: They’re ready in about 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for busy mornings or whenever you want something quick but delicious.

Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a little cinnamon to the batter for a personalized twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will love these. They’re perfect for family gatherings, playdates, or just a weekend breakfast that feels a little special.

Ingredients in Banana Pancake Donuts

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these deliciously fun pancake donuts:

Bananas: The key ingredient for that natural sweetness and moisture that makes these donuts so soft and flavorful.

Flour: All-purpose flour to give the donuts structure and fluff.

Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become nice and fluffy.

Eggs: They provide structure and help hold everything together.

Milk: To create a smooth batter and give the donuts their light texture.

Sugar: For a touch of sweetness that complements the bananas.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor that brings all the ingredients together.

Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness.

Butter: Melted, for richness and a golden exterior.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful pancake donuts:

Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling the bananas and mashing them in a large bowl until smooth. You want them to be well mashed so they blend seamlessly into the batter.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Then, stir in the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the batter.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, gradually add them to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. You don’t want to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Heat the Oil

In a medium pan or skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but not so much that the donuts are swimming in it.

Form the Donuts

Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop the batter into the pan, shaping them into donut shapes. You can also use a piping bag or squeeze bottle if you prefer a more uniform shape. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Drain and Serve

Once the pancake donuts are cooked, remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with syrup or chocolate sauce.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
(Note: approximate values)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Banana Pancake Donuts

These banana pancake donuts are perfect as-is, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few serving suggestions:

– Drizzle with maple syrup for that classic pancake flavor.
– Top with whipped cream, sliced bananas, or berries for a fresh twist.
– Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
– Serve with a side of bacon or sausage for the ultimate breakfast combo.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter. If it’s too cold, the donuts will soak up too much oil and become greasy.
– If you want to make these ahead of time, they reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
– Feel free to experiment with different flavor additions, like cinnamon, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.
– If you’re looking to make these healthier, you can use whole wheat flour or add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
– These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ripe bananas?
Yes! In fact, ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they’re extra sweet and easy to mash.

2. Can I make these without eggs?
You can use an egg substitute, like flax eggs or applesauce, to make these egg-free.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
While they’re best fresh, you can store leftover pancake donuts in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

4. Can I use a donut pan for this recipe?
This recipe is meant for pan-frying, but if you prefer, you can try baking the batter in a donut pan at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

5. Can I freeze these pancake donuts?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked pancake donuts for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy them.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Fold some chocolate chips into the batter for a fun and indulgent twist.

7. Can I make these banana pancake donuts vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk and egg substitute to make these vegan-friendly.

8. Can I make these without oil?
If you prefer not to use oil, you can bake them in the oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. How can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these gluten-free.

10. Can I make these in a mini size?
Yes! You can make mini pancake donuts by using a smaller spoon or cookie scoop and adjusting the cooking time.

Conclusion

Banana Pancake Donuts are the perfect combination of fluffy, flavorful pancakes and the fun, crispy bite of a donut. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Whether you top them with syrup, whipped cream, or just enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. So grab your bananas and get cooking these little treats are calling your name!

Print