Banana Bread Donuts with Nutella Glaze: A Sweet Baked Treat
A tender, cake-like breakfast pastry elevated by a luscious chocolate-hazelnut coating.
Banana Bread Donuts with Nutella Glaze: A Baking Adventure
There are few pairings as universally delightful as banana bread and Nutella. Merging the richness of banana bread into a donut form and finishing it with a creamy Nutella glaze creates a treat that’s comforting, indulgent, and easy to make. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to perfect banana bread donuts with Nutella glaze, from ingredients and preparation tips to serving suggestions and creative twists.
Why Baked Donuts?
Baked donuts are a fantastic alternative to traditional fried varieties. They are lower in oil, require less intensive preparation, and deliver a moist, cake-like texture that suits banana bread wonderfully. Using a donut pan streamlines the process and results in evenly shaped treats that are just as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Healthier: Baked donuts use less fat than fried ones.
- Easy cleanup: No splattering oil or tricky frying.
- Consistency: Uniform shapes and even baking.
Recipe Overview
These banana bread donuts are moist, tender, and topped with a decadent Nutella glaze. Below are all the essentials you need for a successful batch.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Cake flour (for extra tenderness)
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Wet Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas, mashed (about 1/2 cup or 1 banana)
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Butter, melted (or oil)
- Vanilla extract
- Nutella Glaze:
- Nutella
- Heavy cream
- Chocolate sprinkles (optional)
Equipment
- Donut pan (non-stick preferred)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
Step-By-Step Preparation
Follow the steps below for perfect banana bread donuts every time:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (or 400°F, depending on preferred recipe). Lightly grease the donut pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Mixing thoroughly ensures even distribution.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend mashed banana with eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix the Batter: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—do not overmix, or your donuts may be dense.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling about 3/4 full. This ensures beautifully domed donuts without overflow.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 11–15 minutes, until donuts are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely before glazing.
Nutella Glaze Instructions
The Nutella glaze elevates these donuts from tasty to transcendent:
- Combine Nutella with heavy cream in a bowl. Stir until silky and smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more cream one teaspoon at a time for perfect dipping consistency.
- Once donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze. Add sprinkles immediately for decorative flair.
Pro Tip:
Ensure donuts are fully cool before dipping, or the glaze may slide off. Sprinkles should be added right away so they stick to the fresh glaze.
What Makes These Donuts Stand Out?
- Mashup Magic: Classic banana bread flavor in a portable, bite-sized donut format.
- Nutella Glaze: Rich hazelnut and chocolate topping that perfectly matches banana’s flavor.
- Baked, Not Fried: Results in a tender cake texture—lighter, healthier, and just as satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly: Easy to decorate and fun to eat, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacking.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Donuts Every Time
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the banana, the stronger and sweeter the flavor. Brown, spotty bananas are best.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined for the fluffiest texture.
- Quick Cleanup: Use non-stick pans and grease them well for easy donut removal.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
What others are reading
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blends for traditional flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk and coconut cream in place of buttermilk and heavy cream.
- Frosting Fun: Try peanut butter frosting, vanilla glaze, or dark chocolate drizzle instead of Nutella.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a filling of Nutella for double indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are versatile and irresistible whether served fresh for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert centerpiece. They pair splendidly with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate—and make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads and holiday tables.
- Arrange donuts on a platter with a selection of sprinkles and toppings for a DIY donut bar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature—both are delicious!
- Wrap in festive boxes for homemade gifts.
Baked Banana Bread Donuts vs Traditional Donuts
| Feature | Baked Banana Bread Donuts | Traditional Fried Donuts |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Baked in oven | Fried in hot oil |
| Texture | Pillowy and moist, cake-like | Crispy outside, chewy inside |
| Health Factor | Lower in fat | Higher in fat due to oil |
| Flavor Flexibility | Easy to vary with add-ins | Classic yeast or cake flavors |
| Ease | Simple, fewer steps | Requires oil management |
Storing and Freezing
Banana bread donuts store well and even freeze beautifully, making them ideal for advance preparation or leftovers:
- Short-term: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
- Long-term: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw, then glaze just before serving.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and poke a hole in the center after baking, though a donut pan makes uniform shapes.
Are banana bread donuts healthier than regular donuts?
Baked donuts use less oil and can be enriched with fruit and whole grains, making them a more nutritious option.
Can I use other nut spreads instead of Nutella?
Absolutely. Almond, peanut, or cashew spreads can replace Nutella. Adjust cream to achieve desired glaze consistency.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
Bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave peeled bananas for 30 seconds to soften and sweeten them.
How do I prevent my donuts from sticking?
Grease the pan well and let donuts cool before unmolding. Non-stick pans make release easier.
Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
- Batter consistency: If your batter is too thick, add a splash of buttermilk. If too thin, fold in extra flour by teaspoons.
- Glaze troubles: For a runnier glaze, warm the Nutella briefly or add extra cream.
- Uniform donuts: Pipe batter into molds for perfectly shaped donuts.
Decorating Ideas
Make your donuts visually appealing and festive with creative toppings:
- Classic: Chocolate or rainbow sprinkles
- Elegant: Toasted chopped hazelnuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate
- Seasonal: Crushed freeze-dried strawberries, gold sugar pearls, or holiday-themed sprinkles
Creative Variations to Try
- Banana Nut Donuts: Add chopped walnuts to batter and top with a maple glaze.
- Double Chocolate Banana Donuts: Fold in chocolate chips and use a chocolate glaze.
- Vegan Option: Use flaxseed “egg” and plant-based milk to suit vegan diets.
Banana Bread Donuts in the Wider World of Baked Donuts
This recipe is part of a vibrant community of baked donut dishes—including pumpkin spiced, apple cider, chai, and classic glazed varieties. Try rotating flavors and glazes seasonally for year-round baked donut enjoyment.
Conclusion: Indulgence Made Easy
Banana bread donuts with Nutella glaze combine the nostalgia of homemade banana bread with the excitement of donuts—a winning recipe for children and adults alike. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for brunch, a special event, or a midday snack, this treat embodies the joy of baking and sharing. Explore variations, play with toppings, and enjoy the process as much as the result.
Banana Bread Donuts with Nutella Glaze FAQs
How ripe should my bananas be?
Very ripe, heavily speckled bananas give maximum flavor and sweetness. The riper, the better.
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Overripe bananas are ideal—they are sweeter and mash easier, blending perfectly into the cake-like batter.
Is it possible to make the glaze without Nutella?
Yes, you can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or substitute with peanut butter, chocolate syrup, or caramel for diverse flavors.
Can I freeze these donuts for later?
Absolutely, freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Glaze after thawing for best texture.
Ready to Bake?
Whether you’re a donut enthusiast, a banana bread devotee, or a curious home baker, this recipe is a stellar starting point for easy, satisfying breakfasts and snacks. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked banana bread donuts fill your kitchen!
References
- https://iamafoodblog.com/baked-banana-donuts-with-nutella-glaze-recipe/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/banana-bread-donuts-with-nutella-glaze/
- https://fr.pinterest.com/pin/320670435958546082/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g42710280/doughnut-recipes/
- https://fertilitychef.com/mealplanner/recipe/39725/banana-bread-donuts-with-nutella-glaze
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a85448/banana-bread-donuts-with-nutella-glaze/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/author/954979/jessica-merchant/
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