Vegan Banana Bread Donuts

If there’s a dessert that feels like a hug in donut form, it’s these Vegan Banana Bread Donuts. Soft, tender, and bursting with natural banana sweetness, they’re like your favorite banana bread got a fun, handheld upgrade. Imagine the smell of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and vanilla wafting through your kitchen as these little beauties bake to golden perfection — it’s the kind of aroma that makes it impossible not to sneak a taste while they’re still warm.

And here’s the best part: they’re entirely vegan, meaning you can enjoy them guilt-free, share them with friends, or even serve them at a brunch without worrying about eggs or dairy. Trust me, once you bite into the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll wonder why all donuts aren’t banana bread flavored.

Recipe Origin:

Banana bread is a classic American staple, beloved for its comforting, moist texture and natural sweetness from overripe bananas. By turning it into donuts, we’re giving a playful twist to a familiar favorite. Vegan baking has come a long way, and with simple swaps like flax eggs and non-dairy butter, you can get a tender, flavorful result that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Donut pan
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for icing

Why You’ll Love Vegan Banana Bread Donuts

This recipe is more than just a tasty treat — it’s a moment of joy you can create in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or dessert, these donuts hit all the right notes. Here’s why they’re worth making:

Versatile

Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a kid-friendly snack, or a dessert at a vegan dinner party. They’re easy to grab and serve individually, which makes them ideal for sharing.

Budget-Friendly

With pantry staples like flour, sugar, and bananas, this recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something extraordinary. Overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste suddenly become the star of the show.

Quick and Easy

Even if you’re new to vegan baking, these donuts are straightforward. Flax eggs replace traditional eggs, and melted vegan butter keeps the batter rich and moist. Minimal prep, simple mixing, and a quick bake mean you can enjoy them in less than an hour.

Customizable

Love extra spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Want a chocolate twist? Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips. Prefer a glaze or cinnamon sugar topping? Go for it! These donuts are a blank canvas for your creativity.

Crowd-Pleasing

Vegan or not, these donuts disappear fast. Kids love them, adults love them, and everyone will be asking for seconds. Their naturally sweet banana flavor and soft, tender crumb make them universally loved.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better — they’re sweeter and more flavorful.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the donuts dense. Fold ingredients until just combined.
• Grease your donut pan well: Even with non-stick pans, a little vegan butter or oil ensures easy removal.
• Cool before icing: Give the donuts a few minutes to cool so the icing doesn’t melt right off.
• Adjust sweetness: Coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor, but feel free to swap for brown sugar or maple syrup.

Ingredients in Vegan Banana Bread Donuts

Here’s the magic — just a few simple ingredients come together to create these tender, flavorful donuts. (Note: full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card.)

Ripe Banana

Naturally sweet and soft, the banana is the star. It keeps the donuts moist and adds that unmistakable flavor.

Flax Egg

A simple vegan substitute for eggs. Flax meal mixed with water provides structure while keeping the donuts tender.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the bananas.

Vegan Butter

Melted for richness, it contributes to a soft crumb and buttery flavor.

Coconut Sugar

Sweet but slightly caramel-like, it balances the banana and enhances the overall flavor.

All-Purpose Flour

Provides structure and helps create that classic donut texture.

Baking Powder

Gives the donuts a light, airy rise without weighing them down.

Cinnamon and Salt

Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly.

Icing Ingredients

A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, vanilla, salt, and a splash of non-dairy milk takes these donuts from delicious to irresistible.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these irresistible donuts:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a perfect rise.

Prepare the Flax Egg

In a small bowl, mix flax meal with water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it thickens and forms a gel-like consistency.

Mash the Banana

In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the flax egg, vanilla extract, melted vegan butter, and coconut sugar to the mashed banana. Stir until combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Fill the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan generously. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into each cavity, filling about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The tops should be golden and spring back when lightly pressed.

Cool

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Prepare the Icing

In a small bowl, mix melted vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and a splash of non-dairy milk until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.

Ice the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top. For extra flair, you can sprinkle cinnamon, crushed nuts, or even a few vegan chocolate chips.

Serve and Enjoy

These donuts are best served fresh, though they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of non-dairy milk for the ultimate treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8 donuts
Calories per serving: ~180–200
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Vegan Banana Bread Donuts

These donuts are versatile and can fit into many meal occasions:

Breakfast or Brunch

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or non-dairy latte for a cozy morning treat.

Snack

Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, packed in lunchboxes, or enjoyed with tea.

Dessert

Top with icing, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate for a dessert worthy of a crowd.

Party or Gathering

Their playful shape makes them ideal for baby showers, birthday brunches, or casual get-togethers.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
• Storage: Store baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individually in parchment and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw and lightly warm before serving.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Banana Donuts: Fold in 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips.
• Nutty Banana Donuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Maple Glaze: Replace part of the non-dairy milk in the icing with pure maple syrup.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Skip the icing and roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic twist.
• Berry Banana Donuts: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation.

Additional Tips

• Ripen Bananas Quickly: Place bananas in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to speed up ripening.
• Avoid Overmixing: This keeps donuts light and tender.
• Greasing the Pan: Even with non-stick pans, a little vegan butter ensures easy removal.
• Make Them Mini: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats — perfect for parties or kids.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a chia egg instead of a flax egg?
A1: Yes! Mix 1 tbsp chia seeds with 3 tbsp water and let it thicken for the same effect.

Q2: Can I use almond or oat flour?
A2: Absolutely, but the texture may be slightly denser. Consider adding 1 tsp extra baking powder.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Q4: How do I store these donuts?
A4: Airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Q5: Can I skip the icing?
A5: Definitely! The donuts are delicious plain or you can sprinkle cinnamon sugar instead.

Q6: Can I use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar?
A6: Yes, brown sugar works well and gives a rich, caramel flavor.

Q7: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
A7: Yes! Fold in about 1/4 cup for extra texture and flavor.

Q8: Can I make mini donuts?
A8: Absolutely — just reduce the baking time to 8–10 minutes.

Q9: Can these be made in a muffin pan?
A9: Yes! They won’t be ring-shaped, but the flavor and texture will be the same.

Q10: How do I keep them moist?
A10: Don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container. Adding the icing helps lock in moisture too.

Conclusion

These Vegan Banana Bread Donuts are proof that you don’t need eggs, dairy, or complicated ingredients to create something extraordinary. With a few simple swaps, you get tender, flavorful donuts that everyone will love. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or even dessert. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, each bite delivers cozy banana sweetness, warm cinnamon, and a touch of indulgence.

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