If you are craving a twist on a classic favorite, this Banana Bread Donuts with cashew frosting Recipe is here to brighten your day with moist, fluffy donuts packed with rich banana flavor and a luscious, creamy cashew frosting on top. These treats offer a perfect harmony of warm spices and natural sweetness, making them an irresistible snack or breakfast delight that’s a joy to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This banana bread donuts recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create a beautifully textured and flavorful result. Each component plays a vital role, from the moistness of ripe bananas to the delicate spices that bring warmth to every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) all-purpose flour: This forms the tender donut base without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the donuts a lovely rise for that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and warming flavors.
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed: Naturally sweet and moist, bananas are the heart of these donuts.
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness for balance.
- 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar (or brown sugar): Brings a deeper, caramel-like note to the donuts.
- 3 Tablespoons melted coconut oil: Replaces butter for a subtle tropical richness.
- 3 Tablespoons (45ml) water: Keeps the batter light and easy to pipe.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Intensifies the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice that perfectly complements banana.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth.
- 2 cups (75g) raw cashews: Essential for the creamy, dreamy cashew frosting topping.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil: Ensures the frosting is smooth and luscious.
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup: Natural sweetness that blends beautifully into the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds spice continuity from donuts to frosting.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom: Gives the frosting an exotic, fragrant twist.
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) almond milk: Lightens the frosting for easy spreading and piping.
How to Make Banana Bread Donuts with cashew frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a donut pan to ensure your donuts release easily. Then whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate dish, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and mix in both sugars, melted coconut oil, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly combine this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just blended, being careful not to overmix to keep your donuts tender.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Transfer your donut batter to a piping bag, which makes filling the donut molds a breeze and ensures even, neat donuts. Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full, then pop the pan into the oven. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until the donuts are golden and spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool in the pan briefly before moving to a cooling rack to finish cooling entirely.
Step 3: Toast the Cashews
While the donuts bake and cool, prepare your cashews for the frosting. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking tray, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, and toast in the oven until they turn slightly golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally for even toasting. This roasting step elevates the flavor of the cashews, giving your frosting a beautifully rich and nutty profile.
Step 4: Blend the Cashew Frosting
Once toasted, transfer the cashews to a high-speed blender. Add the coconut oil and blend on low, scraping the sides as needed, for about 8 to 10 minutes until silky smooth and creamy. Then blend in the maple syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom for an aromatic spice boost. Gently fold in the almond milk to reach the perfect creamy consistency for piping.
Step 5: Frost Your Donuts
Load your cashew frosting into a piping bag and generously top each cooled banana bread donut. Feel free to be playful with your decoration by adding crushed cashews or almonds on top, which add fantastic texture and an extra nutty crunch to each bite.
How to Serve Banana Bread Donuts with cashew frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle with crushed nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for added texture and a visually inviting finish. A small drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of shredded coconut can amplify the warm, sweet flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These banana bread donuts pair excellently with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to brighten up the plate. A cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea amplifies the comforting spices and makes a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers or banana slices for a charming display at brunch or gatherings. You could also stack them with layers of frosting in between to create a banana donut cake that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your banana bread donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft texture. Refrigerate them if you need to store them longer, but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy them at their best.
Freezing
You can freeze these donuts without frosting for up to three months by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the frosting separately in a small airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the donuts and frosting overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Warm the donuts gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. After warming, pipe on the cashew frosting for a fresh, delightful experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews for the frosting?
Absolutely! While cashews create a creamy and subtle flavor, almonds or macadamia nuts can also be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly depending on your choice.
Are banana bread donuts suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This Banana Bread Donuts with cashew frosting Recipe uses plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, almond milk, and maple syrup, making it a wonderful vegan-friendly treat without compromising on flavor or texture.
How ripe should the bananas be for best results?
For the richest sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. This ensures they mash easily and infuse your donuts with the best natural banana flavor.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing, as the baking soda begins reacting once combined with the wet ingredients. However, you can prepare the cashew frosting ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to frost.
What’s the best way to get the donuts out of the pan?
Make sure to grease the donut pan generously or use a nonstick spray before adding batter. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before gently removing them; this helps them hold their shape without sticking or breaking.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Donuts with cashew frosting Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. It elevates everyday banana bread into playful, bite-sized donuts topped with a dreamy, nutty frosting that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Take a chance on this recipe and enjoy a cozy, colorful treat that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
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Banana Bread Donuts with cashew frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Banana Bread Donuts are a delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a moist, spiced base baked in donut form and topped with a creamy homemade cashew frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine the comforting flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a luscious vegan cashew frosting made from toasted cashews, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Donuts
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cashew Frosting
- 2 cups (75g) raw cashews
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup (60ml) almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the donuts do not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This forms the base dry mix for your donuts.
- Prepare Wet Banana Mixture: In a shallow dish, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add both sugars, melted coconut oil, water, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the banana mixture into the bowl with the dry flour mixture. Stir gently just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender and light.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag for easier filling, then pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising while baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for about 8-9 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool for 5 minutes in the pan to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Toast Cashews: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the raw cashews in a single layer. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top, then toast them in the oven until they are slightly golden, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Blend Cashew Frosting: Transfer the toasted cashews to a high-speed blender. Blend on low speed for 8-10 minutes or until creamy, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed to ensure even blending.
- Add Sweeteners and Spices: Pour in the coconut oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom into the blender with the cashew cream. Blend again for another minute until everything is well incorporated.
- Adjust Consistency: Add the almond milk gradually and stir carefully with a rubber spatula to combine, adjusting the frosting to a spreadable consistency suitable for piping or spreading.
- Frost Donuts: Transfer the cashew frosting into a piping bag and decorate each cooled banana bread donut with a generous swirl. Optionally, top with crushed nuts such as cashews or almonds for extra texture and presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor intensity.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense and tough donuts.
- Make sure to toast the cashews evenly to bring out their flavor without burning.
- The frosting can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a nut-free frosting alternative, try substituting cashews with sunflower seeds but note texture changes.
- Ensure the donuts are completely cool before frosting to prevent the cashew cream from melting.
- Optional: sprinkle crushed nuts on top for decoration and a crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
