Sweet Potato Banana Donuts
Naturally Sweet, Spiced, and So Easy to Bake
If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome donut that still feels like a treat, these Sweet Potato Banana Donuts are a must-bake. Made with real mashed sweet potato and ripe banana, this recipe delivers on flavor, moisture, and that perfectly spiced bite—without the need to deep-fry.
These baked donuts are soft, subtly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
It’s everything I want in a homemade donut: tender, flavorful, and not overly sweet. The banana adds natural moisture, while the sweet potato brings richness and a gorgeous golden hue. They’re baked, not fried, so they’re lighter than traditional donuts but just as satisfying.
Pair them with a cup of coffee, or set them on a fall brunch table alongside Pumpkin Spice Muffins or Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
🔄 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Sweet Potato: Roast or steam fresh sweet potatoes, or use canned (just avoid candied/yam varieties with syrup).
- Banana: The riper, the better! Brown-spotted bananas are perfect.
- Oil: Swap with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter for different flavor notes.
- Add-ins: Mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries make fun twists.
👨🍳 How to Make Sweet Potato Banana Donuts
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a donut pan lightly with oil or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, banana, brown and white sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Combine and Stir
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps your donuts soft and tender.
5. Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.
Bake for 15–16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
✨ Topping Ideas
Once cool, you can finish your donuts with:
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup + milk)
- Cream cheese drizzle
- Or simply eat them as-is—they’re naturally delicious
You could also frost them like Cake Mix Cookies or keep it minimal like Easy Coconut Macaroons.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip snipped off to easily fill the donut pan.
- Let the sweet potato cool before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Use silicone pans if possible for easier release.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Hot coffee or chai
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a snack tray
- Pair with Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a cozy fall brunch
- Or enjoy them as a naturally sweet dessert after dinner
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: wrap individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10 seconds.
🔗 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Cake Mix Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Easy Coconut Macaroons
✨ Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Banana Donuts are fluffy, flavorful, and baked—not fried—for a treat that tastes indulgent but feels nourishing. They’re a perfect way to use up leftovers like mashed sweet potato or overripe bananas, and they come together in under 30 minutes.
👉 Want more sweet, simple bakes like this? Join the ChefManiac email crew for cozy treats, seasonal ideas, and fresh recipes every week. And if you try this recipe, tag @ChefManiac—we can’t wait to see your donut delights!
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