Oh, how I adore those moments when I need a quick, comforting snack that feels like a treat but takes absolutely no time. We all have those days, right? When the kids are bouncing off the walls after school, or you just need a sweet bite with your afternoon coffee. That’s exactly where these incredible **Banana Peanut Butter Mini Donuts** save the day! They are my go-to for speedy, satisfying baked goods.
These little donuts whisk me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She used to make the simplest toast—smashed banana topped with a thick layer of peanut butter. It was our fuel! I always wanted to keep that warm, familiar feeling but turn it into something fun and modern. So, I engineered these mini treats to be tender, packed with banana flavor, and topped with a chocolate drizzle. They embody my core baking philosophy: simple recipes bringing genuine moments of sweetness to our busy lives.
Emma Laurent – Founder & Creative Director
Why You Will Love These Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Honestly, why wouldn’t you love these? They are the definition of ‘maximum flavor, minimal effort.’ They really hit all the right spots when you need a home-baked solution in a pinch.
- They come together so quickly—we’re talking 15 minutes prep and 10 minutes in the oven!
- The flavor pairing of ripe banana and creamy peanut butter is just pure comfort food magic.
- Because they are baked, not fried, they feel just a little bit better than the store-bought kind.
- They are the perfect size for little hands, making them a huge hit in lunchboxes or as a simple afternoon snack. If you love quick banana treats, you must also check out my recipe for easy banana chocolate chip muffins!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Getting the right ingredients ready is half the battle won, especially when you are rushing! This list is short, sweet, and relies on basic pantry staples we usually have on hand. Trust me, the beauty of these **Banana Peanut Butter Donuts** is their simplicity.
You’ll need the following for the donut dough itself:
- 1 banana, nicely mashed (a heavy 1/2 cup is what we aim for)
- 3/4 cup dairy-free milk (oat or soy works beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons of your go-to peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, melted down first
- 1 teaspoon of good vanilla paste or extract
- 3/4 cup cane sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (these are non-negotiable for that little burst of meltiness!)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Listen, ripe bananas are your best friends here. The browner the peel, the sweeter and easier they mash. If you only have crunchy peanut butter lying around, go for it! It just gives you a fun little textural surprise inside.
Since we are keeping the recipe flexible, feel free to use any non-dairy milk you prefer. Soy milk adds a little heft, but almond milk works fine too. For the oil, if you don’t want coconut oil, melted butter is a wonderful substitute if you aren’t sticking strictly to a dairy-free base.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Okay, let’s get baking! This is the part that surprises people—it’s so fast you barely have time to put on your apron. First things first, crank that oven up to 375F. Don’t forget to generously grease your donut pan; I use a solid spray of non-stick or a swipe of coconut oil around every single mold. We don’t want these cute little guys sticking!
Now for the wet team: mash that banana until it’s practically liquid mush. Whisk in your dairy-free milk, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, just combined so the peanut butter dissolves a bit.
In a separate bowl, whisk your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Then, dump the dry into the wet. Mix it until you just see the flour disappear. Seriously, stop mixing! Fold in those mini chocolate chips gently. Remember, it’s easier to deal with the batter when spooning it out, so don’t worry if it looks thick.
Scoop the dough right into your prepared pan molds. They bake fast—only about 10 minutes! You’ll know they are done when they look slightly golden and give a little push-back when you touch them lightly. Once they’re out, let them cool completely before you even think about dipping them into the chocolate glaze. If you’re looking for another great chocolate coating idea, check out my guide for a perfect chocolate-glazed donut recipe!
Expert Baking Tips for Fluffy Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Here’s where we turn good donuts into amazing donuts. The #1 rule: do not overmix the batter once the flour goes in! Overmixing means tough donuts, and we want tender pillows of banana goodness. Mix until it’s *just* barely combined.
When testing for doneness, remember we are aiming for a slight spring when touched. If you see them pulling away from the edges of the donut mold, they are ready to come out. Patience is key before glazing; if you dip them warm, the glaze will just melt right off into a chocolate puddle.
Glazing Your Banana Peanut Butter Donuts for Extra Flavor
While these little gems are fantastic plain, a little glaze makes them a true showstopper! This is where we elevate that simple banana peanut butter base into something truly special. For the chocolate glaze, you only need 1 cup of chocolate chips and just 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil.
Pop those together in a microwave-safe bowl and zap it in 20-second bursts, stirring well between each one, until it’s a smooth, gorgeous liquid. Be patient—no frantic stirring!
Once the donuts are totally cool, just hold one by the bottom and gently dunk the top right into that melted chocolate mix. Stand them up on parchment paper so the chocolate can set up nice and firm. If you’re looking for contrasting color, remember you can melt some extra peanut butter and use a piping bag to drizzle stripes over the chocolate. It looks so professional, but it took zero extra effort! For more fun topping ideas, check out my guide on making a beautiful pink donut sweet treat!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Your Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
I know we want to eat these donuts the second they are cool enough to handle, but sometimes life gets in the way! The good news is these little guys travel well, making them perfect for those pre-planned quick snacks you are prepping for the week.
Because they contain fresh banana and dairy-free milk, I always recommend storing them in an airtight container right in the refrigerator. They should stay wonderfully moist for up to three days. Don’t even think about leaving them on the counter overnight!
Can you freeze them? Yes, absolutely! If you plan ahead, pop the cooled, unglazed donuts (or glazed, if you don’t mind the chocolate softening when thawed) into a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for about a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before enjoying your next easy snack.
Variations on the Classic Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Sometimes we need a little wardrobe change for our favorite recipes, don’t we? Since these **Banana Peanut Butter Donuts** are so reliable, they are perfect for experimenting with fun, kid-friendly ingredient swaps. This keeps the snacking fresh all week long!
If cinnamon and nutmeg feel a little too standard for your crowd, try swapping in a tiny pinch of cardamom—wow, it adds such a warm, sophisticated depth that balances the peanut butter beautifully. For texture lovers, or if you are looking for other fun additions for the lunchbox, swap out the mini chocolate chips.
Try using chopped pecans or even some dried cranberries. It gives the donuts a lovely chew. If you are looking to make a totally different but equally fun twist on classic desserts, you have to check out my recipe for apple pie egg rolls. It’s unexpected joy in a wrapper!
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
It’s funny how often we get asked the same things when a recipe becomes a family favorite! I’ve gathered the most common questions I receive about whipping up these **Banana Peanut Butter Donuts** so you can get started without hesitation. These quick baking projects are perfect for busy days!
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Oh, yes, you absolutely can! If a donut pan isn’t in your arsenal, don’t panic. Since this is one of my favorite **easy recipes**, we can adapt. Carefully spoon the batter into muffin tins—just fill them about two-thirds full. They won’t have the classic donut hole, of course, but they will bake up into wonderful little mini banana peanut butter muffins. Just add about 5 more minutes to the baking time!
Are these considered healthy kid-friendly snacks?
I wouldn’t call them “health food,” because they have sugar and chocolate, but they are definitely a better option than store-bought fried donuts! We are using real fruit for sweetness and moisture, along with peanut butter for a little protein boost. They’re a great way to sneak some goodness into a treat that kids will actually beg for. For another great way to use up ripe bananas, check out my banana bread recipe with two bananas!
What if I don’t have peanut butter? Can I use almond butter?
You totally can swap it out! Almond butter works wonderfully and brings a slightly different nutty profile. If you have sunflower seed butter, that is another delicious alternative, especially if you have nut allergies in the house. The flavor will change slightly, of course, but the structure and moisture hold up perfectly.
Do I need to chill the batter before baking?
Nope! And this is why they are such a fantastic option for quick treats. Everything gets mixed together right before baking, which means you can go from fridge to oven in about 15 minutes of prep time. No chilling necessary!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Banana Peanut Butter Donuts
Now, I always tell people not to stress too much about the numbers when you’re whipping up something homemade and comforting like these **Banana Peanut Butter Donuts**. But just so you know what you’re working with, here is the estimated breakdown per donut, based on the ingredients listed above.
Keep in mind, since these are mini donuts, the serving size is small, but they are still mighty tasty!
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: About 12g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 18g
This is just an estimate, of course—if you use richer peanut butter or different chocolate chips, the numbers shift a tiny bit. But generally speaking, these are a comforting treat that uses real fruit!
Share Your Banana Peanut Butter Donuts Creations
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these cozy, comforting **Banana Peanut Butter Donuts**, I truly hope they brought a moment of sweetness into your busy day. They absolutely make my kitchen smell like happiness!
I would be thrilled if you took a moment to come back here and share how they turned out for you. Did you stick to the chocolate glaze, or did you try drizzling them with melted peanut butter? Rate the recipe below to let me know your thoughts—your feedback truly helps other home cooks feel confident trying them out.
And please, snap a picture! Tag me on social media when you share your mini donuts. I adore seeing your versions of these easy recipes and how you fit treats like this into your family routines. It’s so inspiring to see our Sena Recipes community enjoy food that tastes like home. If you want to learn more about the journey behind making food that feels this good, I invite you to check out my philosophy over on the About Us page!
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Banana Peanut Butter Mini Donuts
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: Varies by pan size
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make quick, easy banana peanut butter donuts perfect for snacks or breakfast. This recipe uses simple ingredients for tender, comforting mini treats.
Ingredients
- 1 banana mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 3/4 cup dairy-free milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste/extract
- 3/4 cup cane sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F.
- Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or coconut oil.
- Mash the banana. Add milk, peanut butter, coconut oil, and vanilla paste. Stir to combine the wet ingredients.
- Add sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and finally the chocolate chips. Mix until just combined.
- Use a piping bag or a scoop to place the donut dough into the prepared donut pan.
- Bake for about 10 minutes. Donuts are done when they look golden and spring back lightly when touched.
- Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool.
- For the glaze, melt the 1 cup of chocolate chips with the 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Dunk the top of each cooled donut into the melted chocolate. Set them aside so the chocolate sets firm.
- You can also melt some peanut butter and drizzle it over the donuts using a piping bag.
- Keep the finished donuts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- These donuts are great for lunchboxes or quick morning treats.
- For an alternate glaze, melt peanut butter and pipe it over the cooled donuts.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Banana Peanut Butter Donuts, Mini Donuts, Easy Snack, Kid-friendly recipe, Baked Donuts, Peanut Butter Treats, Quick Dessert