Banana Pancake Donuts with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

Banana Pancake Donuts with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting are a delightful twist on traditional breakfast favorites. These baked donuts are made with a fluffy banana pancake batter and topped with a rich, smooth chocolate peanut butter frosting that turns them into a satisfying treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these donuts combine comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pancake donuts offer the nostalgic flavor of banana pancakes in a fun and portable donut shape. Baked instead of fried, they’re lighter yet still incredibly moist thanks to the mashed bananas. The chocolate peanut butter frosting adds a decadent finishing touch, making them irresistible to kids and adults alike. Whether you’re meal-prepping a special breakfast or looking for a unique baked good to share, this recipe delivers both taste and charm.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe bananas

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Eggs

• Milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• Vanilla extract

• Maple syrup or honey (for natural sweetness)

• Unsalted butter or oil

• Peanut butter (smooth)

• Cocoa powder

• Powdered sugar

• Chocolate chips or melted chocolate

• A donut pan (for baking)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.

2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

3. Whisk in the eggs, milk, melted butter or oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

6. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. While donuts cool, prepare the frosting by mixing peanut butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or melted chocolate until smooth.

10. Once the donuts are cooled, frost the tops and garnish with chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 donuts.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Vegan version: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and coconut oil.

• Nut-free alternative: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.

• Add-ins: Stir chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon into the batter.

• Mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats and adjust baking time to 8–10 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Frosted donuts are best stored in a single layer to avoid smudging. If you plan to freeze, do so before frosting; wrap each donut individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin and shape the center with a small piece of foil or use a donut mold insert.

Are these donuts healthy?

They are baked instead of fried and use bananas and natural sweeteners, making them a healthier option compared to traditional donuts.

Can I use pancake mix for the batter?

Yes, using a banana pancake mix can simplify the recipe, just adjust the liquid ingredients as needed.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely. The donuts are delicious on their own or topped with a simple glaze or powdered sugar.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.

What kind of peanut butter is best for the frosting?

Smooth, creamy peanut butter works best for a silky consistency in the frosting.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter are excellent alternatives.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make more donuts for a crowd or freezing.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Grease the donut pan well or use a non-stick spray, and allow the donuts to cool slightly before removing.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Definitely. Kids can mash bananas, mix ingredients, and help with frosting once the donuts are cooled.

Conclusion

Banana Pancake Donuts with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting are the perfect fusion of breakfast and dessert. With a moist banana-infused base and a luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and fun to eat, these donuts are a delicious way to elevate your breakfast or snack time with minimal effort.