Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Sweet Treat

My Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting Discovery Story

If you’d told me a year ago that Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting would become my new favorite dessert, I would’ve raised an eyebrow. Bananas in donuts? And with frosting? It sounded like too much. But let me tell you — something magical happened when I baked my first batch. The donuts came out moist, fluffy, and full of banana bread flavor, and the tangy cream cheese frosting made them irresistible.

The first time I made these was on a Sunday afternoon when I had three overripe bananas on the counter. I didn’t want to make banana bread again, so I thought, why not try donuts? I baked them in a donut pan, whipped up a quick cream cheese frosting, and when I took that first bite, I couldn’t believe how good they were. My kids called them “banana cupcakes with holes,” and my husband went back for seconds.

It reminded me of my grandmother. She didn’t make donuts, but she made the fluffiest banana cakes topped with tangy cream cheese glaze. I can still see myself sitting on her little wooden stool, watching her mash bananas with a fork, her hands never measuring, just knowing. She’d say, “Ripe bananas never go to waste.” These donuts are my way of carrying her wisdom into a fun, modern treat.

Welcome to DianaRecipes.com, where I share recipes that make everyday moments feel special. These Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to turn overripe bananas into a bakery-worthy dessert.

What Makes These Banana Donuts So Special

Here’s what you’ll need for these moist, tangy, and sweet donuts:

The Donut Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk (dairy or almond)

The Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)

Optional Toppings:

Chopped walnuts
Banana chips
Cinnamon sugar dusting

Substitutions I’ve Actually Tested:

Instead of flour: whole wheat flour works but makes denser donuts.
Instead of sugar: coconut sugar or maple syrup.
For dairy-free: almond milk + vegan cream cheese.

Time Investment That’s Actually Worth It

Here’s the breakdown for Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s bakery-style donuts in half an hour!

My Time-Saving Trick: Mash bananas and prep frosting the night before.

Step 1: Make the Donut Batter

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, mash bananas and mix with sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, and milk. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.

Diana’s Tip: Don’t overmix — batter should be lumpy.

What to Watch For: Overmixing = dense donuts.

Step 2: Bake the Donuts

Spoon batter into a greased donut pan, filling each mold ¾ full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

Diana’s Tip: Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner cut to fill molds neatly.

What to Watch For: Donuts should spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Thin with milk if needed.

Diana’s Tip: Frosting should be thick but spreadable.

What to Watch For: Don’t over-thin — you want frosting to stick.

Step 4: The Final Touch That Changes Everything

Once donuts are completely cooled, spread or pipe cream cheese frosting on top. Add toppings if desired.

Diana’s Tip: Let kids decorate their own — it’s messy but fun.

What to Watch For: Don’t frost warm donuts, or frosting will melt.

Why I Feel Good About Serving These

Here’s the nutrition breakdown per donut (without toppings):

Calories: ~220
Carbs: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g

These donuts sneak in fruit (bananas!) and are baked, not fried.

For lighter version: Skip frosting or use a yogurt glaze.

Making These Even Better for You

I’ve tested variations of these donuts:

For Lower Sugar: Use maple syrup in batter and reduce powdered sugar in frosting.

For Extra Protein: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + splash of milk.

For Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How I Love to Serve These

Here’s how I enjoy Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting:

For Breakfast Treats: With coffee or tea.

For Kids’ Snacks: Without frosting or with light glaze.

For Dessert: With cream cheese frosting, banana chips, and walnuts.

Seasonal Twist: In fall, add pumpkin spice. In spring, add shredded coconut.

Learn from My Kitchen Disasters

I’ve had some donut fails, so here’s what not to do:

Mistake #1: Dry donuts.

Why it happens: Overbaked.
My fix: Check at 12 minutes.

Mistake #2: Dense donuts.

The lesson: Overmixed batter.
Prevention tip: Mix until just combined.

Mistake #3: Frosting sliding off.

The lesson: Frosted while warm.
Prevention tip: Cool completely before frosting.

Meal Prep Magic with These Donuts

Here’s how I prep Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Short-Term Storage: Store unfrosted donuts in airtight container for 3 days. Frost just before serving.

Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unfrosted donuts. Thaw overnight, then frost.

My Sunday Prep Routine: Bake a double batch. Keep half plain for breakfast, frost the rest for dessert.

Reheating Like a Pro: Warm plain donuts in microwave 10 seconds before frosting.

Why This Recipe Earned a Permanent Spot in My Kitchen

Here’s why Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are a keeper:

Baked, not fried
Use up ripe bananas
Kid and husband approved
Freezer-friendly

Every time I bake these, I think of my grandmother’s banana cake and how she taught me that ripe bananas are treasures. These donuts are my playful twist on her tradition.

I’m telling you, once you try Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting, they’ll be your new go-to treat.

Ready to give them a try? Share your photos on Facebook (Cooking with Diana) or tag me on Pinterest (@DianaRecipes). And if you love these, don’t miss my Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Egg Cups — another family favorite!

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make banana donuts without a donut pan?
A: Yes, bake in muffin tins — they’ll be like donut muffins.

Q: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Yes, they’re delicious plain or with powdered sugar.

Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A: Yes, use vegan butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Yes, store unfrosted donuts and frost before serving.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips?
A: Definitely — banana + chocolate is always a win.

Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a GF flour blend.

Q: How do I keep them moist?
A: Don’t overbake, and store in airtight container.