2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes

Hi, I’m Laura. I’m 40 years old and living in the United States, and my journey with cooking has been a mix of curiosity, trial and error, and a lot of laughter with a close friend. I found this 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes recipe on a Reddit cooking thread filled with funny comments and kitchen fails. My friend and I couldn’t resist trying it, laughing the whole time as our dough looked nothing like the pictures—but tasted amazing anyway. Try it yourself and come back to tell me — maybe yours will look closer to the photo than ours did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with baking again. It’s quick, forgiving, and gives instant gratification — no yeast, no waiting, no stress.

• Just 2 ingredients! Perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking moods.
• Naturally sweet and wholesome — ripe bananas add all the flavor and moisture you need.
• Kid-friendly and fun — great for family cooking or snack time.
• Budget-friendly — simple, pantry-staple ingredients you already have on hand.

These donut holes taste like a warm hug — tender inside, slightly crisp outside, and filled with the cozy sweetness only bananas can bring.

Ingredients Detailed

• 2 ripe bananas – the riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and a smooth texture.
• 1 cup self-rising flour – gives your donut holes a light, fluffy lift without extra ingredients.

That’s it! Just two ingredients that come together like magic.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

Step 1: Mash the bananas
Peel and mash your ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. A few small lumps are fine — they’ll add extra banana flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Add the flour
Gradually mix in the self-rising flour using a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough should come together easily — soft, slightly sticky, and fragrant with that banana sweetness.

Step 3: Shape the donut holes
Scoop small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them gently into round balls. Lightly flour your hands if the dough feels sticky — that’s completely normal!

Step 4: Cook the donut holes
You can fry them in hot oil until golden brown or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes until puffed and lightly golden. Either way, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Let them rest
Place cooked donut holes on a wire rack or paper towel to cool slightly. The aroma will be irresistible — try not to eat them all right away!

Step 6: Optional finishing touch
If you’d like, roll them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with honey, or dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style treat.

The Heart Behind the Recipe

These 2-Ingredient Banana Donut Holes are a celebration of simplicity. They reflect the heart of home cooking — transforming something humble (a few overripe bananas) into a moment of joy. It’s a recipe inspired by old-fashioned kitchen wisdom: waste nothing, savor everything.

Serving Suggestions

These little banana donut holes are such a treat — soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for snacking any time of day. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• With a drizzle of maple syrup or honey – it adds just the right touch of extra sweetness.
• Alongside a cup of coffee or tea – a cozy pairing for slow mornings or afternoon breaks.
• Dipped in melted chocolate or caramel sauce – a dessert-worthy twist that feels indulgent but simple.
• Packed in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise – they travel beautifully and stay soft for hours.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas. The darker the peel, the sweeter and softer your donut holes will be — that’s where the magic happens.
• Don’t overmix. Stir gently just until the dough comes together to keep them tender and fluffy.
• Even sizing helps. Scoop uniform portions so every donut hole cooks evenly and looks picture-perfect.
• Oil temperature matters. If you’re frying, keep the oil medium-hot — too high and they’ll brown before the centers are done.
• Add-ins are optional. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of mini chocolate chips can make them extra special without complicating the recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Using unripe bananas: They’ll make your dough dense and not sweet enough. Always go for spotty, overripe ones.
⚠️ Adding too much flour: Stick with about 1 cup — too much and you’ll lose that soft, tender texture.
⚠️ Overmixing the dough: It can make the donut holes tough instead of light and airy.
⚠️ Crowding the pan: Give each donut hole enough space to cook evenly on all sides.
⚠️ Skipping cooling time: Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking; it helps the texture settle and the flavor deepen.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or air fryer on low heat for a few minutes to bring back their soft, fresh-baked feel.

These donut holes are best enjoyed warm, but even at room temperature, they stay moist and delicious — perfect for make-ahead snacking!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour?
: You can! Just note the texture will be a little denser. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help them rise properly.

Q2: Can I air fry these donut holes?
Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and puffy — they’ll taste just as good as fried, with less oil.

Q3: Do I need to add sugar?
Nope! Ripe bananas bring all the natural sweetness you need, making these a healthier treat.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the dough right after mixing. Bananas darken quickly, which can change the texture and flavor.

Q5: How do I make them extra fluffy?
: Avoid overmixing and make sure your flour is fresh — that’s the secret to a soft, pillowy bite every time.

Closing Paragraph

With just two ingredients, these banana donut holes prove that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. They’re soft, cozy, and full of nostalgic flavor — perfect for using up overripe bananas in the sweetest way possible. Serve them warm, share them with loved ones, and enjoy every bite of this simple homemade treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about recipes that come together from almost nothing — a couple of ripe bananas, a little flour, and a whole lot of heart. Every time I make these donut holes, I’m reminded that joy can live in the simplest moments, like the smell of bananas and the warmth of a golden bite.