Soft, sweet, and full of cozy banana flavor, these Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze are the kind of homemade treat that feels special without being difficult. The mashed bananas keep the doughnuts tender and moist, while the glossy chocolate topping adds just the right amount of richness to every bite.
They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee. Whether you bake them for a weekend treat or to use up ripe bananas on the counter, this recipe brings together classic comfort and a bakery-style finish in one delicious batch.
Why Are Banana Doughnuts So Good with Chocolate Glaze?
Banana and chocolate are one of those flavor pairings that always work. The natural sweetness and mellow fruitiness of banana balance the deep cocoa flavor beautifully, giving these doughnuts a soft interior and a dessert-like finish. The glaze also helps seal in moisture, so each doughnut stays tender and satisfying.
Another reason this combination works so well is texture. The banana keeps the crumb soft, while the chocolate glaze sets into a smooth topping that adds a little contrast. You get a bakery-style doughnut that feels homemade in the best way.
Ingredients for the Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional for topping
How To Make the Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a doughnut pan so the doughnuts release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl and mash them until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and add extra banana character to the finished doughnuts.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly through the batter.
Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir gently just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix, or the doughnuts may turn dense instead of soft.
Step 6: Fill the doughnut pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake until set
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched. Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the chocolate glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with the heavy cream and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 9: Glaze the doughnuts
Dip the cooled doughnuts into the chocolate glaze or spoon the glaze over the tops. Set them on a wire rack and let the glaze firm up before serving.
Serving and Storing Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze
These doughnuts are especially good the day they are made, when the glaze is fresh and the crumb is at its softest. Serve them with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
To store, keep the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If chilled, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving so the texture softens again. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed doughnuts and add the glaze after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use very ripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, very ripe bananas are ideal because they mash easily and bring more natural sweetness and flavor to the doughnuts.
Can I make these without a doughnut pan?
Yes. You can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead, though the baking time may need to be increased slightly.
Can I use dark chocolate for the glaze?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate gives the topping a deeper flavor and a less sweet finish.
How do I keep the doughnuts soft?
Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake them. The mashed banana also helps keep them moist.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or a small handful of chocolate chips work well in this recipe.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can, but it is easiest to use while still warm and pourable. If it thickens, gently rewarm it before glazing.
Want More Doughnut and Sweet Breakfast Ideas?
If these Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze hit the spot, you may want to try a few more cozy treats from Nina Dishes:
- Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for that classic cinnamon-sugar doughnut flavor in sliceable form.
- Glazed Sourdough Donuts if you love a traditional doughnut with a tender, airy bite.
- Bombolini Italian Donuts for a soft and pillowy doughnut with a bakery feel.
- Banana Pudding Recipe when you want another banana dessert that is creamy and comforting.
- The Ultimate Homemade McGriddle Recipe for Busy Mornings for another fun breakfast idea with homemade charm.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or dessert board so you can come back to it anytime.
And if you make these Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Did you keep the glaze classic, add chopped nuts on top, or sneak a little cinnamon into the chocolate?
Sharing your results helps other readers too, especially when you include your own little twist. For even more daily recipe inspiration, visit Nina Dishes on Pinterest.
Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze are soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor with a rich chocolate finish. They are easy to make, perfect for using ripe bananas, and delicious for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a doughnut pan.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and stir until combined.
5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix just until no dry streaks remain.
6. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back lightly when touched.
8. Let the doughnuts cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack.
9. Melt the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon butter together, stirring until smooth.
10. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the chocolate glaze or spoon it over the tops.
11. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
Do not overmix the batter or the doughnuts can turn heavy.
Let the doughnuts cool before glazing so the chocolate sets nicely on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
Keywords: banana doughnuts, banana donuts, chocolate glaze doughnuts, baked banana doughnuts, breakfast doughnuts
