As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, I find myself craving the comforting flavors of fall. That’s when I decided to give my mornings a cozy twist with these Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts. Imagine the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as these delightful treats bake to perfection. The combination of ripe bananas and pumpkin puree creates a naturally sweet and moist donut that’s perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert. Best of all, they’re baked—never fried—so you can indulge without the guilt. With easy gluten-free and vegan options, these donuts are a versatile crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy! Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a cheerful brunch gathering, these Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts will be an absolute hit.

Why are Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts irresistible?

Heavenly Aroma: Your kitchen will fill with the warm scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, instantly making it feel like fall.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: With only 150 calories each, you can savor these without worrying about your waistline!
Diverse Options: Easily customize them gluten-free or vegan to cater to all dietary needs—no one will miss out.
Simple Preparation: A quick mix and bake method make these donuts an effortless addition to your recipe rotation.
Delicious Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or dessert, these donuts adapt to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Treat your loved ones with these delightful treats and watch their faces light up! Don’t forget to check out our other healthy dessert recipes for more guilt-free options.

Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Ingredients

Get ready to make the most comforting Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts you’ve ever tasted!

For the Donuts

Ripe Banana – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; use super ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Pumpkin Puree – Provides warmth and moisture; it’s crucial to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Brown Sugar – Sweetens the donuts and enhances moisture; can substitute with coconut sugar for different sweetness.
Maple Syrup – Adds depth of flavor and extra sweetness; think of it as a hug in liquid form!
Egg – Acts as a binder; can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor, adding richness to the donuts.
Melted Butter (Unsalted) – Supplies richness and flavor; swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour using a 1:1 ratio for a gluten-free version.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents for light, fluffy donuts.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger) – Infuse warmth and depth into the flavor, making the cozy experience even better.
Pinch of Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates overall flavor.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and coats the donuts for an attractive finish; it’s like icing on the cake!
Milk – Thins the glaze; almond or oat milk work well as dairy-free substitutes.
Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor, completing the glaze profile for a delicious finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-cavity donut pan. This step is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust and ensuring easy release later on.
Mash the ripe banana in a large mixing bowl until smooth, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The more mashed it is, the more natural sweetness and moisture your donuts will have!
Combine the mashed banana, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter in the bowl. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until everything is well incorporated and you have a beautiful mixture.
Fold in the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices—until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough donuts!
Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about ¾ full. This helps create that perfect donut shape and avoids overflow as they bake.
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You want that soft, fluffy texture that feels oh-so-good!
Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step is crucial to set their structure without becoming soggy.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle or dip the cooled donuts, making them even more irresistible and sweet!

Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Variations

Feel free to get creative with these donuts and make them your own—each twist adds a unique touch!

Dairy-Free: Swap melted butter with coconut oil for a rich, nutty flavor that’s still comforting.
A simple, warm alternative that allows everyone to indulge guilt-free!
Chocolate Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Adding chocolate elevates the sweetness and makes them even more irresistible!
Simple Sweetness: Skip the glaze and dust the donuts with powdered sugar instead for a classic touch.
Sometimes simple is best—this quick finish still provides a delightful sweetness!
Spice Lovers: Introduce additional spices like cloves or allspice for added warmth and complexity.
A little extra spice can take these autumn favorites to a whole new level!
Fruity Twist: Replace half of the ripe banana with applesauce for a delightful fruity variation.
This swap keeps the donuts moist while adding a deliciously unexpected flavor profile!
Zesty Kick: Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright and zesty contrast to the warm spices.
A hint of citrus can really freshen up the flavors and add vibrancy!
Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely texture and extra nutty flavor.
Nuts not only provide a satisfying crunch but also elevate the wholesome goodness!
Extra Moisture: Incorporate a dollop of yogurt into the batter for additional moisture and tang.
Yogurt offers a wonderful creaminess that enhances the cake-like texture of the donuts!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts?

Imagine a gathering where warm, baked delights mingle with cozy beverages and satisfying sides—creating the ultimate fall experience.

Hot Coffee: There’s nothing like a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee to enhance the flavors of your donuts, balancing their sweetness with a rich, aromatic experience.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra layer of decadence to your donuts, making every bite taste like a bite of autumn.
Spiced Applesauce: Serve your donuts alongside spiced applesauce for a delightful contrast; the warm, fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and banana notes.
Chai Latte: This aromatic drink complementing the cozy spicing of the donuts creates a warming treat that’s perfect for those crisp mornings.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the donuts adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, enhancing their comforting appeal.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the donuts, offering a vibrant contrast in textures and flavors.
Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy vanilla yogurt provides a tangy dip for your donuts, balancing sweetness while adding a touch of creaminess everyone will love.
Nutty Granola: Serve with a handful of nutty granola on the side for a satisfying crunch that complements the soft texture of the donuts beautifully.

Indulging in these brilliant pairings will elevate your home-baked Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts to a cozy, unforgettable feast!

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts

Room Temperature: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their delightful softness.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, keep the donuts in the fridge for up to 4 days; just remember they’ll be best enjoyed at room temperature!
Freezer: Unglazed donuts freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: For a warm, freshly baked taste, reheat glazed donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying these cozy Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts

Choose Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. They make all the difference in creating moist, flavorful donuts.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts. Gentle folding is key!
Piping for Precision: Using a piping bag to transfer the batter can help fill each donut cavity evenly and prevent overflow during baking.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing. This ensures the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t slide off.
Adapt for All Diets: Remember, these Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts can easily be made gluten-free or vegan without sacrificing flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts are an absolute gift for busy home cooks seeking to streamline their mornings! You can prepare the wet and dry ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, which helps maintain freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to bake, mix the two together and follow the final baking steps as outlined in the recipe. To keep the donuts delightful, avoid glazing them until just before serving—this ensures they remain perfectly moist. With these simple tips, you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly baked donuts with minimal effort!

Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts Recipe FAQs

How can I tell if my bananas are ripe enough for the donuts?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even completely brown. They should be very soft to the touch and easy to mash. The riper the banana, the higher the natural sweetness and moisture, which is essential for your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts.

What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Glazed donuts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, if you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just know that they’re best enjoyed at room temperature, so consider letting them sit out for a bit before diving in!

Can I freeze my Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts?
Yes, you can! Unglazed donuts freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. To do this, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature, or you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

What should I do if my donuts turn out dense or tough?
Very good question! If your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts are dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no flour streaks remain. The key to achieving that light and fluffy texture is to fold carefully, avoiding excessive mixing—so be gentle!

Can I make these donuts gluten-free or vegan?
Yes indeed! For a gluten-free variation, simply replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter. Enjoy a cozy treat that caters to everyone’s needs!

Is there a way to adapt the recipe for dietary allergies (like nuts or dairy)?
Absolutely! To make your Pumpkin Banana Baked Donuts nut-free, ensure you use dairy-free substitutes like coconut oil instead of butter and almond or oat milk for the glaze. Always check your powdered sugar and other ingredients for any hidden allergens, ensuring a safe and enjoyable treat for all!