Name: Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 large egg (Acts as a binder and adds richness.); ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed, adds sweetness and moisture.); ½ cup granulated sugar (balances the flavor profile.); ½ cup canola or vegetable oil (keeps the donuts moist.); ½ cup sour cream (adds moisture and a slight tang.); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor.); 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas, provide natural sweetness and moisture.); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (the base for the donuts.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the donuts rise.); ½ teaspoon baking soda (works with the acidic ingredients to create lift.); ½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor, optional and to taste.); ½ cup unsalted butter (browned, adds a nutty flavor to the glaze.); ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed, for sweetness in the glaze.); 3 tablespoons half-and-half or cream (for the right consistency in the glaze, plus more as necessary.); 2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted, ensures a smooth glaze.); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor in the glaze.); ½ teaspoon salt (optional and to taste for the glaze.)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of banana bread and donuts. Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze take this classic treat and elevate it into something truly special. These baked donuts are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious glaze that brings everything together in a sweet, buttery hug. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

These Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to make. The recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The combination of ripe bananas and the richness of the browned butter caramel glaze creates an irresistible flavor profile. Plus, who can resist a donut that tastes like banana bread? They are a delightful twist that’s perfect for serving to guests or enjoying with a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.

Ingredient Rundown

To whip up these delightful donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds sweetness and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavor profile.
½ cup canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist. You can also use liquid-state coconut oil.
½ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang. Greek yogurt can be substituted.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup mashed ripe bananas: About 2 large bananas, they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the donuts.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to create lift.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor, optional and to taste.
½ cup unsalted butter, browned: Adds a nutty flavor to the glaze.
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed: For sweetness in the glaze.
3 tablespoons half-and-half or cream: For the right consistency in the glaze, plus more as necessary.
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Ensures a smooth glaze.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor in the glaze.
½ teaspoon salt: Optional and to taste for the glaze.

Cook’s Kit

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth batter.
Donut pan: Essential for shaping your donuts.
Piping bag or zip-top bag: For easy filling of the donut pan.
Small saucepan: For browning the butter and making the glaze.
Cooling rack: To let the donuts cool properly.

Build Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, canola oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Browned Butter Caramel Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to foam and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the light brown sugar, half-and-half, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth, adjusting the consistency with additional half-and-half if necessary.

Step 7: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over them. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

If you find yourself lacking certain ingredients, consider these swaps:

Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Substitute canola oil with melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Use almond milk instead of half-and-half for a lighter glaze.
For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Avoid These Traps

When making your Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to dense donuts.
Ensure your bananas are ripe to maximize sweetness and moisture.
Be careful not to burn the butter when browning; keep an eye on it!
Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing for the best texture.

Shelf Life & Storage

For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze fresh. However, if you need to store them:

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
If freezing, glaze before serving to maintain the best texture.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They work great in banana bread and donuts.

What should I do if my glaze is too thick?

If your glaze is too thick, simply add a little more half-and-half or cream until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can also use a muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the donuts are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are done baking!

What to Make After This

If you love these Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze, you might also enjoy:

Chocolate Banana Bread – A rich and decadent twist on the classic.
Whole Wheat Banana Bread – A healthier alternative packed with fiber.
Caramel Cheesecake Bites – A sweet treat for your dessert cravings.

Bring It Home

There you have it! These Banana Bread Donuts with Browned Butter Caramel Glaze are sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these donuts are a delightful way to bring a little joy to your day. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a deliciously sweet treat that combines two of your favorites: banana bread and donuts!