2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes

2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes — Hi, I’m Asmaa. I’m 29 years old, and some of my happiest memories are from the kitchen, standing beside my mom as she showed me how to stir, season, and taste with care. Today, I finally tried a recipe I pinned long ago — these 2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes looked so much like Mom’s old favorite that I couldn’t resist. As they baked, the sweet banana scent filled my kitchen, wrapping me in warmth and memory. One bite, and it felt like home again. If you’ve saved this one too, make it today and let me know how it feels to taste a little nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana donut holes check all the boxes — easy, quick, budget-friendly, and irresistibly soft. You only need two main ingredients for the dough and a simple cinnamon sugar finish that turns them into bakery-style bites.

They’re also beginner-friendly and fun to make with kids. Plus, they cost far less than a coffee shop treat — and you can enjoy them warm from your own kitchen.

Ingredients Detailed

2 ripe bananas – Naturally sweet, soft, and the secret to keeping these donut holes moist.
1½ cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure and that tender, fluffy bite.
2 tsp baking powder – Helps the donut holes puff up beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor.

For the coating:
½ cup sugar – Brings that classic donut sweetness.
2 tbsp cinnamon – Adds warmth, spice, and that bakery-style aroma.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

Step 1: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the donut holes from sticking and ensures even browning.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until completely smooth — they should look creamy with no lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract and inhale that sweet, cozy scent.

Step 3: Add the flour and baking powder, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. The dough will be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Step 4: Lightly oil your hands and transfer the dough onto a clean surface. Give it a quick, gentle knead until it feels just firm enough to shape.

Step 5: Divide the dough into 9–12 equal pieces and roll each one into a smooth, round ball — about golf-ball size. Spray lightly with oil so they bake up golden.

Step 6: Place the balls on your baking sheet or air fryer tray, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 6–8 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with the scent of banana bread and cinnamon — pure joy.

Step 7: While they bake, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. If you prefer, melt some chocolate or prepare a vegan glaze for coating instead.

Step 8: Once the donut holes are done, remove them and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps the sugar stick perfectly. Serve warm and enjoy the soft, sweet magic in every bite.

Cultural or Technique Note

These donut holes are a beautiful twist on classic American comfort baking — the kind of treat that bridges the gap between donuts and banana bread. By skipping eggs and dairy, they fit right into a modern plant-based kitchen without losing any of that nostalgic, cozy sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea: These 2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are at their best when fresh from the oven — soft, fragrant, and lightly crisp on the outside. A hot drink makes every bite feel even cozier.

• Serve on skewers like cake pops for parties: Thread a few donut holes onto small sticks for a playful, mess-free dessert that guests will love. They look adorable and taste even better.

• Pair with vegan chocolate sauce for dipping: The warmth of cinnamon sugar against smooth, melted chocolate is pure comfort — a little indulgence that feels special without being heavy.

• Stack on a dessert platter dusted with powdered sugar: Perfect for brunch tables or afternoon gatherings, these golden bites bring a nostalgic, homemade charm to any spread.

• Add a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup: A touch of syrup takes these donut holes to dessert heaven, giving them a sweet glaze that enhances the banana flavor.

• Serve with fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or apple slices pair beautifully with the warm spice of cinnamon sugar.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas — the spottier, the better. They’re naturally sweeter and add the perfect amount of moisture to the dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough. A gentle stir keeps the texture soft and cake-like rather than dense.
• Coat while still warm. The cinnamon sugar clings best when the banana donut holes are fresh from the oven.
• Oil your hands before rolling. This simple trick prevents sticking and helps you shape smoother, rounder dough balls.
• Try oat or gluten-free flour if you’d like a heartier or wheat-free version — just expect a slightly different texture.
• Bake in small batches if using an air fryer for even browning.
• Serve immediately. These are meant to be enjoyed warm, when the coating is crisp and the center tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Using underripe bananas: Without enough natural sweetness, the flavor falls flat and the texture can turn dry. Wait until your bananas are soft and freckled.

⚠️ Overbaking: These bake quickly! Remove them as soon as they turn golden — they’ll continue to set slightly as they cool.

⚠️ Skipping the oil spray: A light mist ensures that your 2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes bake up evenly browned with a soft crust.

⚠️ Coating too late: Once cooled, the sugar won’t stick well. Roll them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm and fragrant.

⚠️ Over-kneading the dough: Gentle handling keeps the donut holes light and fluffy; too much kneading makes them tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake these without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Use a standard oven set to 350°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake until golden. They’ll come out just as fluffy and delicious.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
: Yes. Swap in a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour. The texture might be slightly denser, but the flavor remains perfectly sweet and comforting.

Q: What can I use instead of cinnamon sugar?
: Try dipping the donut holes in melted chocolate, shredded coconut, or a simple vegan glaze for a fun twist.

Q: How long do these stay fresh?
: They taste best the day they’re baked, when the sugar coating is crisp. However, you can store them in the fridge for up to four days — just reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
: Yes! Mix and shape the dough, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to serve fresh donut holes whenever you’re ready.

Closing Paragraph

Whether you bake them for a weekend breakfast, a sweet snack, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, these 2 Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are the kind of treat that disappears fast. They’re wholesome, simple, and satisfying — proof that the best desserts don’t need a dozen ingredients. Enjoy them warm, share them with loved ones, and make them your own with your favorite toppings or glazes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about turning a couple of ripe bananas into golden, sugary bites of joy. These donut holes remind me that homemade comfort doesn’t have to be complicated — just made with love and a little creativity. I hope they bring sweetness to your day, one bite at a time.