Name: Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup (107 g) packed light brown sugar; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed banana (from about 2 ripe bananas); 2 tbsp sour cream; 1 1/4 cup (141 g) confectioners’ sugar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp milk, plus more as needed; Finely chopped toasted walnuts, for serving (optional)

I absolutely love sharing this Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe because it combines two of my favorite treats into one irresistible bite. Soft, tender banana bread flavors meet the fun shape and convenient size of donuts, all finished with a sweet maple glaze and crunchy toasted walnuts. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the cozy warmth of banana bread any time, and I find it especially comforting on a lazy weekend morning or as a sweet snack that feels just a bit indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

What makes this recipe truly stand out for me is the lush flavor combination. The natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas blend beautifully with the warm spices like cinnamon, and the maple glaze adds that perfect touch of sugary, silky smoothness. Then, the toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft donut, making every bite exciting and satisfying. I appreciate how the sweetness is balanced, so it never feels overwhelming but instead feels like a cozy hug in pastry form.

Besides the delicious flavors, I am a big fan of how approachable this recipe is. It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, and you can whip up a batch in less than an hour. The donut pans make shaping so easy, and the glaze is quick to mix with just a few staple ingredients. This recipe is excellent for breakfast gatherings, afternoon tea with friends, or even a holiday brunch centerpiece. Its charm and simplicity make it a staple I often come back to whenever I want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of a thick, creamy batter being poured by a silver spoon into a round mold on a dark non-stick cooking surface. The batter is light brown and smooth, filling the circular mold with its soft texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, everyday ingredients come together in this recipe to pack big flavor and great texture. Each component plays a key role, from the all-purpose flour that builds structure, to the ripe bananas that bring natural moisture and sweetness, and the maple syrup that ties the glaze together with its rich, amber notes.

Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the donut pans so the donuts come out perfectly every time.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the base and structure for these soft, tender donuts.

Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the donuts rise lightly and stay fluffy.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Baking soda (¼ tsp): Works with the acidic sour cream to give a tender crumb.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds deep sweetness with caramel notes that complement banana perfectly.

Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, melted and cooled): Keeps the donuts moist and adds a lovely buttery flavor.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lifts the flavors with its fragrant warmth.
Mashed banana (1 cup, about 2 ripe bananas): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture.

Sour cream (2 tbsp): Adds acidity that brightens flavors and tenderizes the crumb.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 ¼ cups): Forms the base of the sweet, smooth maple glaze.
Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Adds signature flavor and sweetness to the glaze.

Milk (2 tbsp, plus more as needed): Used to thin the glaze to just the right consistency.
Toasted walnuts (finely chopped, optional): Adds crunchy texture and a nutty finish when sprinkled on top.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds. Grease two 6-cavity donut pans generously with cooking spray to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of the leaveners and spices for a consistent flavor and rise.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg with the light brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. Then add the mashed banana and sour cream, whisking until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly thick but smooth, which will make your donuts tender and soft.

Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut wells, filling each one just below the center ring. This gives the donuts room to rise without spilling over.

Step 6: Bake on the center racks for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts are firm to the touch and the edges turn a lovely golden color.

Step 7: Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before carefully removing them onto wire racks. Let the donuts cool for an additional 5 minutes while you prepare the glaze.

Step 8: For the maple glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a medium bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick for dipping, add additional milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a perfect, dippable consistency.

Step 9: Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire racks and quickly sprinkle with finely chopped toasted walnuts, if using, to add crunch and flavor.

Servings and Timing

This delicious batch makes 10 donuts, which is perfect for sharing with your close family or friends. The total time from start to finish is about 50 minutes. Preparing the batter takes around 15 minutes, then baking the donuts requires 12 to 14 minutes. Cooling and glazing add another 10 to 15 minutes to the process. This makes it an ideal recipe for a leisurely weekend morning or an afternoon treat that doesn't keep you tethered to the kitchen all day.

How to Serve This Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

A close-up of four light brown donuts stacked on a white marbled surface with a plain gray wall behind. Each donut has a smooth layer of off-white icing on top that drips slightly down the sides. Small pieces of chopped nuts with yellowish-brown tones are sprinkled over the icing, adding texture and contrast. The donuts look soft and moist with a slightly rough surface underneath the icing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these donuts warm so the glaze is still glossy and the aroma of banana and maple fills the room. They pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea; I find the spiced notes in tea complement the cinnamon perfectly. For something different, try them alongside a glass of cold milk or even a lightly sweetened iced latte for a refreshing contrast.

If I’m bringing these to a brunch or holiday gathering, I like to arrange the donuts on a pretty platter sprinkled with extra toasted walnuts and a few banana slices for a touch of elegance. For a kid-friendly snack, I sometimes serve them with a side of fresh fruit like berries or apple slices to balance the sweetness. Don’t be shy about offering extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for the ultimate treat experience.

These donuts also make a wonderful breakfast on-the-go or as a luscious dessert served at room temperature. When plated individually, one or two donuts per person feel just right. Adding a small sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon on top can elevate the presentation if you want to impress your guests without much effort.

Variations

One of the best things about this Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe is how versatile it can be. I’ve experimented with swapping the walnuts for pecans or chopped pistachios, which give a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor. For a fun twist, adding a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter turns these into a chocolaty treat that everyone enjoys.

If you want to make these donuts gluten-free, I’ve had great success using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture is just as tender, and you won’t miss the gluten at all. For vegan versions, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg, use plant-based butter, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The glaze can also be made with maple syrup and non-dairy milk to keep it vegan-friendly.

For those who want to keep it simple but different, I like the idea of a cinnamon sugar coating instead of the maple glaze. After baking, I toss the warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a quick and easy finish. Alternatively, baking these in a muffin tin instead of donut pans works well if you don’t have a donut pan handy, though the shape will be classic muffins instead of rings.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe fresh, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay moist and delicious for up to 2 days this way. If you want to extend their life a bit, storing them in the fridge will keep them good for about 4 days, but I do find the texture slightly firmer when chilled.

Freezing

If you want to make these donuts ahead of time or save leftovers, freezing is a great option. I wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm them to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these banana bread donuts is in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds if thawed, which softly warms them without drying them out. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute stint in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil restores a bit of the original texture and keeps the glaze intact. I avoid reheating in the toaster because it can dry the donuts out too much. A gentle warming method always works best to keep the donuts tender and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen bananas are a great option when fresh ripe ones aren’t available. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure your batter has the right consistency and the donuts turn out perfectly moist.

Do I have to use a donut pan, or can I bake these as muffins?

You can definitely use a muffin tin if you don’t have a donut pan. The texture and flavor will be the same, though the shape won’t be the classic donut ring. Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake for slightly longer, around 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I make the glaze without maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can substitute honey or agave syrup instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Just mix it with confectioners’ sugar and milk in the same ratios until you get that smooth, dippable glaze consistency.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

I find using bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots, gives the best flavor and sweetness. The softer and sweeter the bananas, the more deliciously moist and flavorful your donuts will be. Avoid underripe bananas as they’re less sweet and can make the texture denser.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before spooning into the donut pans. You can also bake the donuts ahead and glaze them just before serving for a freshly finished treat.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Banana Bread Donuts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Walnuts Recipe because it’s truly one of those delicious, feel-good treats that never disappoints. Whether you’re making them for a casual breakfast, special occasion, or cozy snack time, these donuts bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness that makes every bite memorable. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!