Introduction
Imagine the cozy sweetness of banana bread meeting the creamy richness of sweet potato, baked into soft, spiced donuts. These Sweet Potato Banana Donuts are the perfect fall-to-winter treat—baked, not fried, with a tender crumb and warm spices that feel like a hug with every bite. Whether you glaze them or dust with powdered sugar, these donuts are a hit from breakfast to dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
These donuts are moist, flavorful, and naturally sweet thanks to ripe banana and mashed sweet potato. They’re baked instead of fried (hello, weeknight baking win!) and easy to customize with glaze, sugar, or frosting. Plus, they freeze well and make the kitchen smell amazing while baking. Perfect for meal prep, brunches, or just a treat-yourself moment.
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Swaps and Notes
- Sweet Potato Prep: Roast or steam your sweet potatoes until soft, then mash.
- Flour Options: Use white whole wheat flour for added fiber without sacrificing texture.
- Spice It Up: Add ginger or cloves for even more autumn warmth.
- Sugar Swap: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used for a refined sugar-free twist.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, banana, both sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Blend Batter: Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe batter into each cavity, filling halfway.
- Bake for 15–16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Let rest in the pan 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Finish: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or top with cream cheese frosting for indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the better—more sweetness and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing keeps the donuts light and tender.
- Use a Piping Bag: Makes filling the donut pan quick and mess-free.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These donuts are incredible warm with coffee or chai tea. Serve them at brunch with:
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a seasonal variety
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for banana lovers
- These Easy Coconut Macaroons for a gluten-free sweet snack
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Store: In an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled donuts in a zip bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore fresh-baked texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep On Hand
- These Easy Coconut Macaroons Are My Favorite 3-Ingredient Treat
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Banana Donuts are the ultimate mash-up of comfort and nutrition—naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and baked to perfection. Try them once, and they’ll become a seasonal staple or year-round favorite in your kitchen.
Baked them? Share your spin in the comments and follow for more wholesome sweet treats! 🍩🍠🍌
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