Baked Banana Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These baked banana donuts with brown butter glaze offer a moist, flavorful treat that feels indulgent without deep frying. The nutty brown butter glaze perfectly complements the sweet banana donuts, making them a delightful breakfast or snack option.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (hot)
- 2 overripe bananas (about 200g)
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a thick foam and smells nutty.
- Step 2: Pour the browned butter into a bowl, add the powdered sugar, and mix until combined. Place the mixture in the fridge to solidify while you prepare the donuts.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oil, egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold to combine, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the six donut cavities.
- Step 7: Bake for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Remove the brown butter mixture from the fridge. It will be solid.
- Step 10: Add the 3 tablespoons of hot heavy cream to the brown butter mixture and whisk until creamy and smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add hot cream 1/2 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Step 11: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then set aside to set. Optionally, decorate with caramelized banana slices before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture in your donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, use muffin tins and reduce baking time slightly.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar on the glaze before it sets.
- Caramelized banana slices add a lovely texture and enhance the banana flavor.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to warm before serving. The glaze may soften when refrigerated, so dip freshly before serving if preferred.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, freeze the baked donuts without glaze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then prepare the glaze fresh before serving.
PrintBaked Banana Donuts with Brown Butter Glaze Recipe
These baked banana donuts with a luscious brown butter glaze are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Made with overripe bananas for natural sweetness and a perfectly spiced batter, these donuts are moist and flavorful. The brown butter glaze adds a nutty, creamy finish without being overly sweet, making them an irresistible homemade indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 large donuts 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Brown Butter Glaze
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (hot)
Banana Donuts
- 2 overripe bananas (about 200g)
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the brown butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat for about 7-8 minutes. Watch closely for a thick foam and a nutty aroma indicating the butter is browned but not burnt.
- Prepare the glaze base: Pour the browned butter into a bowl, add powdered sugar, and mix until combined. Refrigerate this mixture to solidify while preparing the donuts.
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with cooking spray and set aside. This recipe yields large, bakery-style donuts.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas and combine them with oil, egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Gently fold in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture to form a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
- Fill donut pan: Divide the batter evenly into the six donut cavities, filling each nearly full.
- Bake the donuts: Bake for 17-19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the pan and let donuts cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: Remove the chilled brown butter mixture from the fridge. Add 3 tablespoons of hot heavy cream and whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add 1/2 tablespoon increments of hot cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Glaze the donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the brown butter glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Optionally, decorate with caramelized banana slices or serve as is.
Notes
- Use a large donut pan to achieve bakery-style donut size.
- Watch the brown butter closely to prevent burning; it should be nutty and aromatic.
- Add hot cream gradually to control glaze consistency and sweetness.
- Overripe bananas ensure the donuts are moist and naturally sweet.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts soft and tender.
Keywords: banana donuts, baked donuts, brown butter glaze, homemade donuts, banana dessert, easy baked donuts

