2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes

Sweet, fluffy, and unbelievably easy to make, these little donut holes are about to become your new favorite treat. With just two ingredients and zero fuss, they deliver that warm, nostalgic comfort of homemade baking with a twist of simplicity. Imagine the aroma of caramelized banana wafting through your kitchen as these golden bites puff up in the oven or sizzle to crisp perfection. It’s the kind of snack that makes you smile before even taking a bite.

How Two Ingredients Create a Treat Worth Craving

There’s something magical about transforming a couple of pantry staples into a dessert that feels like it took hours. This recipe captures that magic. The naturally sweet banana melds with flour into a tender, cake-like texture that’s light, slightly chewy, and wonderfully moist. Whether you coat them in sugar, dip them in chocolate, or enjoy them plain, each bite delivers big flavor with almost no effort.

A Little Backstory on Banana Treats

Bananas have been a beloved ingredient in quick-bakes for generations. During tough times like the Great Depression, creative home bakers found ways to turn overripe bananas into cakes, breads, and now even donut holes. This minimalist twist echoes that same resourcefulness, turning ripe bananas into something delightful with only one supporting player. It’s a nod to old-school kitchen wisdom, where simplicity reigns and nothing goes to waste.

Why You’ll Be Making These on Repeat

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. These banana donut holes check all the right boxes for a go-to favorite.

Versatile: Enjoy them plain, sugar-dusted, or dipped in chocolate. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Budget-Friendly: Just two ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Quick and Easy: From bowl to plate in about 15 minutes.

Customizable: Add-ins like cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla extract bring endless variation.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or after-school snacks.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Mix the dough and chill it until ready to cook.

Great for Leftovers: Store well and can be quickly reheated for another round of yum.

Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time

Getting these donut holes just right doesn’t take much, but a few insider tricks can really elevate your batch.

• Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and smoothest mash.
• Don’t overmix the dough or the texture might turn rubbery.
• A small cookie scoop helps make evenly sized rounds.
• If frying, keep the oil temperature steady for an even golden crust.
• Let them cool slightly before rolling in sugar so the coating sticks but doesn’t melt.

Tools You’ll Want Within Reach

No fancy equipment needed here. Just a few basics and you’re ready to roll.

Mixing Bowl: For mashing bananas and combining with flour.

Fork or Potato Masher: To break down the bananas until smooth.

Spoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps portion out the dough evenly.

Skillet or Air Fryer: Depending on how you choose to cook them.

Slotted Spoon: If frying, this helps remove them from oil safely.

Ingredients You Will Need For These Donut Holes

These two simple ingredients work like magic together. Here’s what you’ll need to create fluffy little bites of joy:

1. Ripe Bananas: 2 medium bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
   They bring natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor.
2. Self-Rising Flour: 1 cup
   Provides structure and lift, eliminating the need for additional leaveners.

Easy Swaps to Make It Your Own

Whether you’re missing an ingredient or want to try a twist, here’s how to keep the magic going.

Self-Rising Flour: All-purpose flour plus 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.

Bananas: Try mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree for a seasonal spin.

Star of the Show

Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better. Spotty bananas bring concentrated sweetness and a smooth texture that holds everything together without needing sugar or eggs.

Let’s Make Magic – Step-by-Step

Making these donut holes is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps and you’ll have warm, pillowy treats in no time.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F. If frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the self-rising flour and mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking. If frying, prepare a plate with paper towels for draining.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 10–12 minutes or fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

6. Finishing Touches:
Let them cool slightly, then roll in cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or enjoy as is.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

A Texture Lover’s Dream

These donut holes strike the perfect balance between tender and chewy. The outside turns crisp when fried or lightly golden when baked, while the inside stays soft and fluffy thanks to the moisture in the bananas. As they cool, the flavor deepens into a mellow sweetness that keeps you reaching for just one more.

Little Tricks That Go a Long Way

Even simple recipes benefit from a few thoughtful touches. Here’s how to make these even better:

• Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla to the dough for extra flavor.
• Use an ice cream scoop for bigger, bakery-style donut holes.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving for a polished look.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Here’s what to avoid and how to fix it:

• Overmixing the dough: Gently fold to keep them fluffy.
• Using underripe bananas: They won’t mash well or taste as sweet.
• Cooking too fast: Keep heat medium to avoid raw centers.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the dough sit 5 minutes helps it hold shape.

Nutrition Breakdown

Servings: 6–8

Calories per serving: 120

Note: These are approximate values.

Timing Breakdown

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Prep and Store Like a Pro

You can mix the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cooked donut holes can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or refrigerated for up to five. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F.

Fun Ways to Serve Them

Turn these simple treats into something special:

• Dust with cinnamon sugar for a churro-like finish.
• Dip in melted chocolate and let them set for a party platter.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a dessert twist.

Leftovers You’ll Actually Crave

If you manage to have any leftovers, here’s how to make the most of them:

• Slice and use as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
• Crush and sprinkle over vanilla pudding.
• Reheat and serve with warm caramel drizzle.

Extra Tips to Make Things Easier

• Line your tray or plate with parchment to avoid sticking.
• Don’t crowd the pan when frying to keep oil temperature steady.
• Store extras with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.

Make Them Look Like Bakery Bites

Visuals matter. Here’s how to give your donut holes a glow-up:

• Stack them pyramid-style on a pretty plate.
• Use a dusting wand for powdered sugar to get even coverage.
• Serve them in mini cupcake liners for a charming touch.

Tasty Twists You Can Try Next

Let your creativity run wild with these fun spins:

• Chocolate Chip Banana Holes: Add mini chocolate chips before rolling.
• Cinnamon Roll Style: Add a swirl of cinnamon and sugar inside.
• Peanut Butter Banana: Swirl in a spoon of peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Spiced Up: Mix in nutmeg, clove, or pumpkin spice for seasonal flair.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of self-rising?

Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and salt to help them rise.

Q2: Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze cooked donut holes in an airtight bag and reheat as needed.

Q3: Can I bake them instead of frying?

Absolutely. They bake up beautifully at 350°F in about 10–12 minutes.

Q4: How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe with lots of brown spots. They’ll mash easier and taste sweeter.

Q5: Can I add sugar to the dough?

You can, but bananas provide natural sweetness already.

Q6: What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work great.

Q7: Do they taste like bananas?

Yes, mildly sweet and banana-forward but not overpowering.

Q8: How do I keep them from sticking?

Use parchment paper or a non-stick spray when baking.

Q9: What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.

Q10: Can kids help make these?

Yes, it’s a fun and safe recipe for little hands to help mash and mix.

Conclusion

So there you have it. A humble banana and a bit of flour come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or looking to impress with minimal effort, these 2-ingredient donut holes bring the magic. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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