2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes is a small, baked or fried bite made from just mashed banana and flour that yields tender, naturally sweet mini-donuts for a quick snack or breakfast. 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes is perfect when you want an easy, wholesome treat that comes together in minutes and pleases kids and adults alike.
2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes makes for a simple weekend project or an after-school snack that uses pantry staples and ripe bananas. 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are forgiving, adaptable, and a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying something comforting.
Check out this recipe if you are a Strawberry cookies lover.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe So Special
This recipe shines because it turns two humble ingredients into a fun, handheld treat without complicated steps or hard-to-find supplies. Ripe banana brings sweetness and moisture while the flour gives structure – that balance is everything.
You get a baked donut hole with a tender crumb and gentle caramel notes from the banana, plus the freedom to finish them however you like. Minimal time, minimal cleanup, and a baker-friendly result make these perfect for busy mornings or last-minute hosting.
Why This Recipe Works
- Ripe bananas act as both the sweetener and binder, keeping things moist and tender.
- Using self-rising flour or a blend with baking powder gives lift without needing eggs or many other ingredients.
- Small size means fast bake time – you get crisp edges and soft centers in under 15 minutes.
- The simplicity helps the banana flavor shine, while optional toppings add variety without complexity.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1 cup self-rising flour
Notes:
- If you only have all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt to mimic self-rising flour.
- Use bananas that are heavily freckled for best sweetness and natural caramelization.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or mini muffin tin
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or small masher
- Small cookie scoop or teaspoon
- Oven thermometer (optional, but helpful)
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease a mini muffin tin. Let the bananas sit at room temperature if they came from the fridge so they mash easily.
Step 1 – Mash the Bananas
Action: In a medium bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
Goal: Aim for about 1 cup mashed banana.
Step 2 – Fold in the Flour
Action: Add 1 cup self-rising flour to the mashed banana. Fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Goal: A sticky, scoopable batter that holds shape.
Step 3 – Shape the Donut Holes
Action: Using a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons, portion batter into 1-inch mounds on the prepared baking sheet or into a greased mini muffin tin. Leave space between each piece.
Goal: Uniform sizes so they bake evenly.
Step 4 – Bake and Cool
Action: Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Goal: Crisp edges and a tender center.
Helpful Tips and Troubleshooting
- If batter seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it firms up. If too dry, mash in a touch more banana or a teaspoon of milk.
- For even rising, avoid overworking the batter. Mix only until ingredients disappear.
- If your oven runs hot, rotate the pan halfway through and check at 10 minutes.
- To get rounder donut holes, chill the scooped batter on the tray for 10 minutes before baking.
- Personal anecdote – I once doubled the batch for a brunch and swapped half the tray with cinnamon topping – friends thought they were store-bought.
Variations and Regional Twists
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry mix for warm notes.
- Fold in 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture.
- For a tropical twist, press a small piece of toasted coconut on top right after baking.
- To keep it strictly 2-ingredient, you can roll warm donut holes in a little granulated sugar or powdered sugar instead of adding mix-ins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for best texture. Try one of these ideas:
- Plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar
- Drizzled with melted chocolate or nut butter
- With a side of Greek yogurt or maple syrup for dipping
- Add the phrase in context: If you want an easy packed snack, pack a few 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes in a small container for lunchboxes or road trips.
Storage
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours to preserve the soft crumb.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 3 days – bring to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 6-8 minutes.
Nutrition (per donut hole, approx.)
- Calories: 40-60 depending on size and type of flour
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbs: 10-12 g
- Protein: 1 g
Note: Nutrition will vary with add-ins like chocolate or nuts.
Food Safety
- Use ripe but not spoiled bananas. If bananas smell off or show signs of fermentation, discard.
- If using all-purpose flour, consider heat treatment if concerned about raw flour bacteria – baking fully cooks the flour in this recipe.
- Cool baked donut holes completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, small donut holes can be pan-fried in a neutral oil at medium heat for about 2 minutes per side. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum. Texture will vary.
How many donut holes does this yield?
About 18-24 small donut holes depending on scoop size. Adjust baking time if you make larger pieces.
Can I add sweeteners?
Usually the ripe banana provides enough sweetness. If you prefer sweeter, a tablespoon of maple syrup can be mixed in.
Conclusion
These little bites are proof that simple can be sensational – 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes deliver a quick, wholesome treat with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. They offer the benefits of using ripe fruit to cut added sugar, require only two pantry items, and bake in about 12 minutes for a fast fix any time of day.
If you enjoyed this technique and want a plant-focused inspiration, check out this recipe resource: 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below so others can find it – and share your favorite topping on Pinterest or Facebook. What variations did you try? Let us know below!
2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
- Add 1 cup self-rising flour to the mashed banana and fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Using a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons, portion the batter into 1-inch mounds on the prepared baking sheet or into a greased mini muffin tin. Leave space between each piece.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
