Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze: 5 Comforting Steps

banana donuts with salted caramel glaze

By:

Julia marin

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana donuts wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to my grandmother’s home, where the sweet scent would fill the air as she baked her famous treats. These delightful banana donuts, topped with a rich salted caramel glaze, are a hug in dessert form! They’re incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out. I love how these donuts bring smiles to faces of all ages—young ones can’t resist the sweet, comforting flavor, and they remind us older folks of cherished memories. Trust me, once you bite into these soft, fluffy donuts with that luscious glaze, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking—these treats are waiting to be made, and I promise they’ll bring joy to your table!

banana donuts with salted caramel glaze - detail 1

Ingredients List

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed – The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar – This sweetens up the donuts beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup melted butter – You can use unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or substitute with melted coconut oil if you prefer.
  • 1 egg – This helps bind everything together and gives the donuts a nice texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – It gives the donuts that perfect structure. If you need gluten-free, just swap with your favorite gluten-free blend!
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – This is our leavening agent, helping the donuts rise and become fluffy.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder for that extra lift.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness of the bananas and sugar.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar – This adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the bananas.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream – For the glaze, making it rich and luscious. You can use almond milk for a lighter version if you’d like!
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt – This little sprinkle in the glaze gives it that delightful salted caramel touch.

How to Prepare Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Making these banana donuts is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Let’s take it step by step, shall we? First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty by the time we’re ready to bake. This ensures our donuts will rise perfectly!

Preparing the Donut Batter

Start by mashing those ripe bananas in a bowl until they’re smooth and creamy—this is where the magic begins! I like to use a fork for this; it’s simple and effective. Once your bananas are ready, add in the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well, but don’t overdo it! Just stir until combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. You want to be careful here; overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Just until you see no more flour, and you’re good to go!

Baking the Donuts

Next up, grease your donut pan with a little butter or cooking spray—this step is key to ensuring your donuts pop out easily! Fill each mold about two-thirds full with the batter. I find using a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off makes this part super easy and mess-free! Now, pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Salted Caramel Glaze

While the donuts cool, let’s whip up that luscious salted caramel glaze! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Stir gently as it heats to dissolve the sugar and bring everything together. You’ll want to cook this mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and don’t let it boil over! Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Glazing the Donuts

Once your donuts have cooled and the glaze has thickened a bit, it’s time for the fun part! Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, ensuring it’s well-coated. If you prefer a lighter glaze, you can let it drip a bit before setting it down on the wire rack. Give them a moment to let the glaze set. The aroma will be irresistible, and I promise they will look just as delicious as they taste!

Tips for Success

To make sure your banana donuts turn out absolutely perfect, start with really ripe bananas—those with lots of brown spots are ideal. They add the best sweetness and flavor! If you find yourself out of an ingredient, don’t worry. You can easily swap the melted butter for coconut oil, or use almond milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter glaze. Just remember to keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is a bit different, so check those donuts a minute or two early to avoid overbaking.

Once your donuts are cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying again. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!

Variations on Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

These banana donuts are a delightful canvas for creativity! For an added crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. If you’re a chocolate lover, chocolate chips make a fantastic addition—just sprinkle them in right before you mix in the dry ingredients. Feeling adventurous? You can switch up the glaze by using a chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla glaze instead of salted caramel. There’s no limit to the delicious possibilities, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for these delicious banana donuts with salted caramel glaze. Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:

  • Calories: 180 per donut
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Protein: 2g

These delightful treats are not only comforting but also offer a nice balance of sweetness and flavor. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and don’t hesitate to share them with loved ones!

FAQ Section

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a good quality gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check the packaging for any specific instructions, as some blends may require additional ingredients.

How can I store leftover donuts?
If you happen to have any leftover donuts (which is rare, trust me!), just place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! These banana donuts freeze wonderfully. Just wrap each one in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat; they’re delicious chilled, but you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s easy to make, even for beginners—perfect for a fun afternoon in the kitchen!
  • Uses ripe bananas, which not only adds sweetness but also helps reduce food waste.
  • The rich and flavorful salted caramel glaze takes these donuts to the next level—it’s simply irresistible!
  • Great for sharing with family and friends, making them ideal for gatherings or cozy get-togethers.

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the delightful world of banana donuts, let’s gather our tools! Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Donut Pan: This is essential for shaping our donuts. A non-stick pan works best to ensure they pop out easily!
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium-sized bowls—one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry. It makes mixing so much easier!
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success. Make sure you have these handy to measure your ingredients precisely.
  • Fork or Potato Masher: Perfect for mashing those bananas until they’re smooth and creamy. A fork does the job wonderfully!
  • Rubber Spatula: Great for folding in the dry ingredients without overmixing. It helps keep the donuts light and fluffy!
  • Toothpick: This handy tool will help you check if your donuts are baked perfectly. Just a quick poke in the center, and you’ll know if they’re ready.
  • Wire Rack: Once your donuts are baked, a wire rack is perfect for cooling them down and letting that glaze set beautifully.

Gather these items before you start, and you’ll be all set for a lovely baking adventure! Trust me, preparing ahead makes everything feel more organized and enjoyable.

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banana donuts with salted caramel glaze

Banana Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze: 5 Comforting Steps


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious banana donuts topped with a rich salted caramel glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  3. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined.
  6. Grease a donut pan and fill each mold about 2/3 full with batter.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  9. For the glaze, in a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat until it thickens.
  10. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let them set on the wire rack.

Notes

  • You can substitute melted coconut oil for butter.
  • Use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter glaze.
  • Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: banana donuts, salted caramel glaze, dessert recipe, easy baking

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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