Ripe Bananas: Amazing 3-Ingredient Donut Holes

October 7, 2025

Ripe bananas have this magical ability to transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special. I remember staring at a bunch of brown bananas on my counter, wondering what to do with them before they went bad. Instead of tossing them, I decided to experiment, and that’s how these incredible 3-ingredient donut holes were born! The smell of sweet, warm banana filling my kitchen was just heavenly. These aren’t just any donut holes; they’re a delightful way to use up those overripe bananas, turning them into a guilt-free treat. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with very ripe bananas, this recipe is your answer. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

You’re going to adore these little bites of happiness for so many reasons:

Incredible Taste: They’re wonderfully sweet and chewy, tasting like a comforting dessert.
Super Speedy Prep: With only 15 minutes of prep time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Treat: Made with natural fruit sweetness, they’re a much better option than traditional donuts.
Budget-Friendly: Seriously, who doesn’t love a recipe that uses pantry staples and those brown bananas for banana bread (or donut holes!)?
Family Favorite: Kids absolutely adore these, and they’re a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or cool for a satisfying breakfast on the go.
Minimal Cleanup: Fewer ingredients mean less mess and more enjoyment.
Uses Up Overripe Bananas: It’s the perfect solution for those soft ripe bananas that are just begging for a delicious purpose.

Ingredients for Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

Gathering your ingredients is the first sweet step toward these delightful donut holes. The magic truly lies in how simple this recipe is, especially when you use those perfectly ripe bananas. Using yellow bananas with brown spots ensures they’re soft and naturally sweet, which is key to their amazing flavor and texture.

Essential Ingredients

3 very ripe bananas, mashed – These are the stars! Make sure they are soft and sweet, almost mushy, for the best flavor and moisture.
1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for our donut holes.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps them puff up beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting spice note.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – For that classic donut sweetness.
1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors.

Optional Glaze Ingredients

For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, you can whip up a simple glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar – The base for a smooth glaze.
2-3 tablespoons milk – To reach the desired drizzling consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor in the glaze.

How to Make Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

Turning those soft, sweet bananas into delightful donut holes is surprisingly simple! You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma. It’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas that are just too good to waste.

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to grease a mini donut hole pan or a standard muffin tin to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mash your very ripe bananas until they are smooth. I like to use a fork for this; it’s satisfying to see them turn into a lovely puree.
Step 3: Add the granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks smooth. The batter will start to smell wonderfully sweet.
Step 4: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a thick batter is what you’re aiming for. Overmixing can lead to tougher donut holes.

Ripe Bananas: Amazing 3-Ingredient Donut Holes - Ripe Bananas - additional detail

Baking the Donut Holes

Step 6: Carefully spoon the batter into your prepared donut hole pan or muffin cups, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This leaves room for them to puff up as they bake.
Step 7: Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut hole comes out clean. The house will smell amazing!
Step 8: Once baked, let the donut holes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before you remove them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy bottoms.

Glazing (Optional)

Step 9: If you’re opting for the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you have a smooth, drizzly consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a little more powdered sugar.
Step 10: Once the donut holes are completely cool, you can either dip them into the glaze or use a spoon to drizzle it artfully over the tops. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

Want to make these donut holes absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that make all the difference. Following these simple tips will ensure your donut holes are moist, flavorful, and wonderfully sweet, just like those made with sweet ripe bananas.

Always use the ripest bananas you can find – the ones with lots of brown spots are your best friends here!
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; this is the key to a tender texture, not a tough one.
For an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or even some mini chocolate chips to the batter.

What’s the secret to perfect ripe banana donut holes?

The secret is truly in the ripeness of the bananas. Using yellow bananas with brown spots provides natural sweetness and moisture, acting like a binder and sweetener all in one. This makes the donut holes incredibly tender. For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient substitution guide.

Can I make ripe banana donut holes ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the batter for these donut holes a day in advance. Simply cover the bowl tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before spooning into the pan. For best results, bake them fresh. You can find more make-ahead tips on our recipes page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with ripe banana donut holes?

A common pitfall is using underripe bananas, which leads to a less sweet and denser donut hole. Another mistake is overmixing the batter after adding flour. Finally, don’t overbake; check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time. For more baking advice, consider resources on baking techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

These delightful donut holes are incredibly versatile and delicious served in so many ways! They’re perfect on their own, especially when still slightly warm from the oven. For a simple yet satisfying breakfast, pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee. If you’re looking for a healthier snack, enjoy them plain or with a side of fresh berries – the tartness of the berries beautifully complements the sweetness of the soft ripe bananas. They also make a wonderful light dessert after dinner, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra glaze. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our Chinese-style Mango Chicken Stir-Fry.

Nutrition Facts for Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

These sweet little treats are a delicious way to enjoy ripe bananas, and they come with a surprisingly modest nutritional profile per serving. Knowing the breakdown can help you fit them into your balanced diet. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 3 donut holes):

Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 75 mg
Protein: 2 g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used, especially if you add the optional glaze. For more healthy recipes, explore our recipe collection.

Ripe Bananas: Amazing 3-Ingredient Donut Holes - Ripe Bananas - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

Keeping these delightful donut holes fresh means you can enjoy their sweet, comforting flavor for days! Once they’ve completely cooled on the wire rack, it’s time to think about storage. For immediate enjoyment over the next few days, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy these treats even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual donut holes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This is a great way to ensure you always have a sweet snack on hand when using up those overripe bananas.

When you’re ready to reheat your frozen donut holes, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also gently warm them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes until they’re just warmed through. This brings back that lovely soft texture and comforting aroma, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked! For other delicious baked goods, check out our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ripe Bananas Donut Holes

Can I use underripe bananas instead of ripe ones?

While you can technically use less ripe bananas, I strongly recommend against it for this recipe. The magic of these donut holes comes from the natural sweetness and moisture that only very ripe bananas can provide. Underripe bananas won’t mash as easily, won’t be as sweet, and will result in a denser, less flavorful donut hole. Stick to those yellow bananas with brown spots for the best outcome!

What are the best uses for soft ripe bananas if I don’t make donut holes?

If you happen to have an abundance of soft ripe bananas and aren’t craving donut holes, there are tons of other delicious options! They are perfect for smoothies, adding natural sweetness and creaminess. You can also mash them into pancake or waffle batter, use them in muffins, quick breads (like classic banana bread!), or even blend them into a dairy-free ice cream. Basically, any recipe that calls for mashed banana will benefit from the intense flavor of an overripe fruit. For more ideas, see our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.

How do I know when bananas are ripe enough for baking these donut holes?

You’re looking for bananas that have turned mostly yellow with plenty of brown spots developing all over the peel. They should feel soft to the touch and yield easily when pressed. This is the point where their starches have converted to sugars, making them incredibly sweet and easy to mash. If they’re still mostly yellow with just a few tiny spots, they might not be sweet enough yet. Don’t be afraid of a banana that looks a bit ‘ugly’ – those are the ones that bake up beautifully!

Variations of Ripe Bananas Donut Holes You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not get a little creative? These donut holes are so forgiving, making them perfect for experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. Using sweet ripe bananas as your base means you’re already starting with a delicious foundation for all sorts of tasty twists!

Gluten-Free Ripe Banana Donut Holes

To make these donut holes gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add about 1/2 teaspoon if it doesn’t. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be wonderfully moist thanks to the ripe bananas.

Vegan Ripe Banana Donut Holes

Going vegan is easy! The primary substitution is the egg. Use a flax egg: whisk together 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Also, ensure you use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil instead of butter. You can also use a dairy-free milk for the optional glaze. For another vegan-friendly recipe, try our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

Flavor Variations

Kick up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note. A tablespoon of cocoa powder can transform these into chocolate banana donut holes. You could also fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. These additions are fantastic ways to use up those overripe bananas in new ways.