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Banana Doughnuts With Dried Banana "Streusel"

Banana Doughnuts


Before I tell you all about these delicious Banana Doughnuts, I must announce the winner of the giveaway: "minisuperbias" won "Confections Of A Closet Master Baker" by Gesine Bullock-Prado. Congratulations! Please, email me your mailing address at mytartelette{at}gmail{dot}com and I will get the book in the mail pronto.

Back to the doughnuts. They pretty much made everybody swoon. Granted we did not share but with one neighbor so we can’t really say for sure but we have the feeling they would make people do just that. Or sigh heavily in approval. I did and that is no small feat given my general dislike of bananas. Yes. The only reason why I even buy bananas is because Bill can’t live without.

We are very territorial about our fruits, I have noticed, and have clear favorites. However, he can rest assured that I’ll never have a midnight craving for "la banane". At a rate of a banana a day for him, I tend to buy a bunch for the week to be on the safe side. Well, last week I found myself with 22 of them in the house. Ugh! I got 8, he stopped by the store on his way home and got 8 (hello! He never goes grocery shopping!) and his mother brought 6 huge ones (were on sale – bought too much – dumped them on me). My least favorite fruit! I had to come up with a plan.

Banana Doughnuts


I started with an easy and quick dessert, bananas foster. Ok, down to 21. Then we had banana bread. 19. "Mon cheri, eat one please. Right now!". 18. I’m never going to see the end of this, I thought. Oh yes! Skewer 2 more on lollipop sticks, freeze, coat with melted chocolate and eat. 16. Banana sorbet. 14. Can I start breathing again now. Not yet?

At 14 left, I threw my arms up in the air and said "Mon cheri (I promise, start every request with this or"mon amour" works every time), give me some ideas because this is becoming boring." He pondered this for a minute and asked if they could find their way into a doughnut. At this point, I would have come up with anything to get rid of more so "Yes! Brilliant!"…

After tweaking my recipes to make sure I had the right ratio of dry to wet ingredients, I was still down only two more bananas, unless I was ready to make more and stand at the stove frying the entire evening, feeding our neighborhood and the one next to it. I remember Bill mentioning he liked those little streusel pieces on top of certain doughnuts and that’s when the idea of topping the doughnuts with chopped dried bananas came to my mind. Wow! It really made things come together!

Doughnut & Bananas


The banana flavor in the dough is very subtle and the fruit acts more as a moisture agent than a flavoring. The dried bananas really made it for us. Their smell alone is enough to reconcile me with them. After an hour of drying time, I opened the oven door and did not close it for a few seconds. I was almost paralyzed by the whiff of caramelizing bananas hitting my nose! Amazing! I could eat home dried bananas everyday. Natural chewy candy that makes the house smell absolutely wonderful.

We were then at 11 bananas left. A lot more manageable here, especially if he doubled up on the daily intake!

Banana Doughnuts

Banana Doughnuts

Makes about 24

For the doughnuts:
3 to 3 1/2 cups (440gr) all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons (12gr) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (2gr) baking soda
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup honey
2 small bananas, mashed
1/4 cup (55gr) sour cream
canola oil for frying.

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk

For the dried bananas: (best prepared the day before or while the dough is resting)
1 small banana

Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt twice and set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the eggs and honey for one minute at medium speed, until light and airy. Add the bananas and sour cream and beat until well incorporated. Turn the speed down to low and add the dry ingredients (little by little). The dough will be soft. Transfer to a medium bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
On a well floured board or countertop, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut rounds either with a 3-inch doughnut cutter or use a 3-inch cookie cutter and a 1-inch small cutter to make the holes in the middle. Reroll the scraps as you go. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes if it starts getting tough as you reroll and cut, to relax the gluten.
In a large cast iron skilet, heat enough oil (2 inches deep or so) to 325F and fry the doughnuts 3 to 4 at a time, 1 to 2 minutes on each side, turning them once. Do not over crowd your skillet or it will drop the temperature of the oil and you will end up with soggy doughnuts. Drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

For the glaze:
In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the milk and whisk until smooth.
Dip the doughnuts into the glaze and let drip on a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper

For the dried bananas:

Line a baking sheet with either a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper.
Preheat the oven at 250F and position a rack in the middle.
Slice the bananas in 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick and place them on the baking sheet. Let the banana slices dry in the oven for 2 hours. Let cool. Chop in small pieces.
Scatter the chopped banana slices over the doughnuts after the glaze is applied but before it is completely set so they have time to stick.

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Comments


Lady Macaron September 14, 2009 um 8:47 am

Oh I am craving for doughnuts! especially cinnamon, but oh banana sounds so homey and is a great combination with honey! Great recipe to do at home on a rainy afternoon..


Yen September 14, 2009 um 8:55 am

These look absolutely delicious 🙂


Meeta K. Wolff September 14, 2009 um 9:31 am

this sounds like me this weekend trying to use up all my tomatoes!! i do not mind bananas in baked goods and desserts – however just do not use them often enough. these look truly fabulous!


♥peachkins♥ September 14, 2009 um 9:31 am

Isn't this the cutest doughnut? My hubby loves banana and it's hard to find banana doughnuts. I bet he will love this..


Cherry Blossom September 14, 2009 um 9:41 am

OMG they look adorable – perfect. like n a gourmet pastry shop… what a great recipes.. i love the banana crumble idea… this is very smart..


Cheri September 14, 2009 um 10:12 am

I love your story! I would never have thought of such creative ways to use bananas. I have trouble getting rid of 4 in a week in our house. I have been craving to make homemade doughnuts lately and these look so incredibly good. I use your recipe for chocolate banana pound cake all the time. It is so delicious. I'm glad to have something new to try to use up those bananas, and since it's from you I know it will be great. 🙂


nadia September 14, 2009 um 10:14 am

how i love the last picture!!


Romaine of www.salad-in-a-jar.com September 14, 2009 um 10:45 am

The occasional banana purchase at Costco leaves me with a similar overstock of bananas. Dried bananas would make a great snack, I think. I'll try it.


Cannelle Et Vanille September 14, 2009 um 10:46 am

i can't tell you how good these look. i was actually dreaming of doughnuts last night after i saw the preview photo!


Rosa's Yummy Yums September 14, 2009 um 10:53 am

What fabulous doughnuts! Very tempting!

Cheers,

Rosa


Jennifer September 14, 2009 um 11:32 am

Congrats to the winner! I loved this story how the banana creation came together!!! I am soooooo swooning over these doughnuts!!!!


The Italian Dish September 14, 2009 um 11:33 am

Oh, my. These make me weak. They've got all the flavors I love so much – banana is my favorite! These look incredible, Helen!


Jessica September 14, 2009 um 11:35 am

Oh! I want to try these – they look divine!


Taste of Beirut September 14, 2009 um 11:35 am

very funny!


lubnakarim06 September 14, 2009 um 11:50 am

Wow….delectably delish… love that banana flavour…..


Anita September 14, 2009 um 12:15 pm

Oh My!!! These are gorgeous! What a fantastic idea! I can't believe you had so many bananas, I probably would have made 5 batches of banana bread and frozen most of the slices for work… but I like your range of recipes for using them up.


bridget {bake at 350} September 14, 2009 um 12:21 pm

I love the story of how all of your bananas are meeting their demise! 🙂

These sound delicious! I've never made doughnuts; I think these are going to be my first attempt. ♥


Trissa September 14, 2009 um 12:24 pm

Wow – you put Krispy Kreme to shame! But better to have 22 bananas than maybe 22 coconuts which you would need to break open first! hehe…


Erika September 14, 2009 um 12:39 pm

What a couple! B gives you the idea and your brains work perfectly. Can I be your neighbour?
Cariños


Hippo Flambe September 14, 2009 um 12:57 pm

I love your description of these doughnuts because I am also not a banana lover. Until I was 20 I would not eat one or even touch a person who had just eaten one and not washed their hands and brushed their teeth afterwards.

Now I will sometimes eat them, and even enjoy them, but it has to be on my terms. If you loved these I will have to try them. I think bananas are a love or hate kind of fruit.

-Robin


Hippo Flambe September 14, 2009 um 12:57 pm

I love your description of these doughnuts because I am also not a banana lover. Until I was 20 I would not eat one or even touch a person who had just eaten one and not washed their hands and brushed their teeth afterwards.

Now I will sometimes eat them, and even enjoy them, but it has to be on my terms. If you loved these I will have to try them. I think bananas are a love or hate kind of fruit.

-Robin


maybelle's mom September 14, 2009 um 1:13 pm

my husband eats one a day, and we sometimes have had the same situation. we often make halva from the older ones.


Kathy Walker September 14, 2009 um 1:33 pm

These look delicious! I love the idea of dried banana streusel.


Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover September 14, 2009 um 1:34 pm

Thanks you for sharing this lovely recipe, will try out soon.


Katie @ goodLife {eats} September 14, 2009 um 1:46 pm

Same situation here, hubby is the only one who likes bananas. I think I could go for them in a doughnut. Beautiful photos as always!


Renee September 14, 2009 um 2:10 pm

I'm not a donut person, but reading about these is making my mouth water!


Cookie baker Lynn September 14, 2009 um 2:40 pm

Snaps to you for working through the truckload of bananas! The doughnuts are mouthwatering – a brilliant way to use up bananas before they become fruit fly bait.


montague September 14, 2009 um 2:41 pm

i love these types of cake like donuts… and love the banana twist!


Unknown September 14, 2009 um 2:41 pm

Oh my, I think… I think I'm in love.


cindy* September 14, 2009 um 3:40 pm

i've been thinking about doughnuts for weeks now…of course, haven't made them…but thinking nonetheless 😉

these look great and i'm happy to hear that the banana invasion is coming to a close for you!


Maria September 14, 2009 um 4:10 pm

I am usually not a doughnut fan, but these look incredible!


Irene September 14, 2009 um 4:24 pm

That looks so beautiful and sounds *so* delicious! Dried bananas are amazing, I love that you dried them at home! My husband loves bananas, I will definitely try making this for him to nosh on.


The Purple Foodie September 14, 2009 um 4:34 pm

Okay,this looks like a very interesting doughnut. Like the dried bananas.


vanillasugarblog September 14, 2009 um 4:52 pm

wow. doughnuts and bananas!


Jen Yu September 14, 2009 um 5:10 pm

If you weren't so sweet, I'd have to tag you as the Evil Genius of Pastries because you are brilliant! I don't really like bananas and yet your recipe makes me CRAVE bananas. WTH?! 🙂 These are beautiful. You are the rocket scientist (well, engineer – there are no rocket scientists) of the pastry world, baby!!! xxoo


Engineer Baker September 14, 2009 um 6:06 pm

Oh wow, those look and sound amazing! The bf isn't a big fruit (or veg) person, so I don't need to be territorial very often, but bananas are one of the sore spots 🙂 Dried bananas though sound absolutely wonderful. And the tip to start with mon amour or mon cheri – definitely going to need to give that a try 🙂


The Cooking Ninja September 14, 2009 um 6:09 pm

I love anything bananas … Banana donut sounds heavenly.


kk September 14, 2009 um 6:13 pm

oh my!! i love bananas and these banana doughnuts look amazing!! do you think they will be okay baked?


Valérie September 14, 2009 um 6:25 pm

How original! I would have just put the bananas in muffins ans coffeecakes… But this is really different! I'm sure it was delicious! (Then again, I love bananas.)


Lara Ferroni September 14, 2009 um 6:56 pm

oh, these look so lovely! And, I really like the photo of the bananas too!

-L


Robin September 14, 2009 um 7:01 pm

beautiful.


Helene September 14, 2009 um 7:40 pm

kk: I did bake a couple to see how they'd turn out and they were pretty awful…too dry. If you used less flour it might work but the dough is very sticky to work with already so you might end up pulling your hair with even less flour.


Bron September 14, 2009 um 7:43 pm

Awesome, fantastic, delicious use of bananas!! I'm not so keen either 😉 they normally end up in cake or smoothies here, but hear banana donuts in our near future xxx


Crystal September 14, 2009 um 8:18 pm

What an idea! 🙂 I can't stand bananas either, but I find myself buying them just to make Nikki's Healthy Cookies from the 101 Cookbooks blog. Give them a try if your hubby can't eat through all the bananas before they go mushy 🙂


Dana September 14, 2009 um 8:47 pm

This is genius! I've never made doughnuts before (scared of the whole frying thing) but if I do, it will be these. My boys eat bananas (they like to pretend they are monkeys) but they are probably the last fruit I would pick if given a choice. Unless they were in a doughnut from you!


steph- whisk/spoon September 14, 2009 um 9:11 pm

i thought i only liked bananas in banana bead, but i just know i'd love them in these awesome donuts!!


Charli September 14, 2009 um 9:30 pm

Those look amazing! A definite thing to remimber since I love bananas, but only for about a day before the bunch starts to get too ripe for me…


Kerrin @ MyKugelhopf September 14, 2009 um 9:35 pm

I love the banana countdown! So many fun recipes with bananas – and how ironic that you don't even like bananas. Or perhaps, didn't like them! Sounds like that aroma of caramelizing banana could turn anyone on to them! I can't wait to try home-made dried bananas, could make a great topping for muesli or yogurt…


Erin September 14, 2009 um 9:45 pm

Oh wow, these look heavenly!


Marc @ NoRecipes September 14, 2009 um 10:17 pm

Kerrin took the words right out of my mouth. I love the banana countdown. I always end up with 1 or 2 bananas that just aren't good for eating anymore and love the idea of turning them into doughnuts for an alternative to banana bread. I bet these would be great chocolate glazed too!


lisa (dandysugar) September 14, 2009 um 10:24 pm

Ok, these look so good. Another great way to use up those last few bananas that always seem to be sitting on my kitchen counter! Dried bananas sounds delicious.


Kirsten September 14, 2009 um 10:39 pm

I can't wait to make these!! How long do you cook the donuts in the oil, though?


Shannon Leigh Smyth September 14, 2009 um 11:50 pm

Those are the prettiest looking doughnuts I've ever seen!


anna September 15, 2009 um 1:14 am

Ooh, banana donuts sound awesome! I love banana baked goods. I haven't tried making donuts before, though. And my word that is a lot of bananas. I probably would have just frozen most of them for smoothies!


Janet Golding September 15, 2009 um 1:59 am

Wow! thanks for this amazing recipe. I,unlike you,LOVE bananas and always have some in the freezer.
Found another favourite treat you might like to try the next time a conut craving hits. It´s basically éclair donuts, Yum!


malia September 15, 2009 um 4:29 am

How deep is the oil for frying? I've avoided frying anything, but these are just too inviting.


Erikita September 15, 2009 um 4:41 am

Oh my goodness, those are absolutely delicious looking. I'm completely obsessed with banana confections (even more than with actual bananas) and these look sooooo amazing! Can't wait to try them, myself! Thank you!


Helene September 15, 2009 um 5:05 am

Malia: I was in the post edit mode, trying to figure out your email…doh! Got it! Thanks!
Oil for frying is about 2 inches deep. I don't have a deep fryer but a large skilet and I usually pour oil at about or slightly above what I am about to fry. They burn fast so keep monitoring the oil. If it does not drop, the donuts stay a minimum of time in there so you don't have soggy oily donuts.


Nada September 15, 2009 um 5:09 am

Wow,what a beutifull amayzing pictures !!


Unknown September 15, 2009 um 10:49 am

The died banana fruit topping is a brilliant idea. You are inspiring both in your recipe idea and your photos. You've also got me thinking about a pineapple or maybe a dried papaya topping


fresh365 September 15, 2009 um 12:41 pm

Very clever! I would be lost on what to do with all those bananas- as I am not a huge fan either. But, the streusel is going on my list!


diva September 15, 2009 um 1:12 pm

YAY doughnuts! i did a double take when i saw these. they are beautiful and dried bananas for streusel is a lush idea. they must taste so amazing! x


Lori September 15, 2009 um 1:47 pm

My husband eats three a day when they are here in the house. Yup, can you believe it-3! Lucky for me he will eat brownish bananas as well.

Now this is one fantastic way to use up bananas! I have been meaning to make doughnuts forever.


Helene September 15, 2009 um 2:22 pm

Kirsten: if you keep your oil at 325F, they usually cook 1 to 2 minutes per side. I try to go for 2 minutes as I hate having raw donut dough in the middle. I added that to the recipe.Thanks!

Thank you everyone!

Lori: 3 bananas a day…oh dear!


Madison Mayberry September 15, 2009 um 4:35 pm

I must admit, I am in LOVE with your blog. The macaroons were to die for. I recently traveled to Paris for the first time and had my first taste of Pierre Herme. I have missed Paris so much that I broke down in tears one day. Your blog gives me a taste of how beautifully the French do things, and your writing is just as wonderful. Thanks for sharing it all!


Amy J in SC September 15, 2009 um 6:23 pm

I wish I had one of these (or two, maybe three?) right now.

How do you stay so thin? How?

It's a mystery.


Simones Kitchen September 15, 2009 um 7:12 pm

Wow Helen, those look amazing! I am actually quite fond of bananas but Tom is allergic to them, so I cannot really make any dishes with banana in it or he will be violently ill! That's a shame really as I would have loved to share those doughnuts with him… O well, guess I have to eat them all myself then… 🙂


Barbara September 15, 2009 um 10:57 pm

I guess the dried bananas works sort of like roasting tomatoes or any vegetable or fruit. Makes the flavor more intense maybe? Aren't your donuts gorgeous? Yum.


Shirley @ Kokken69 September 16, 2009 um 12:02 am

Hi Helen, the dougnuts look delicious. I actually like using bananas in my baking. Will this recipe work if I were to bake the dougnut instead of deep fying them?


Nutmeg Nanny September 16, 2009 um 3:29 am

Mmmmm donuts:)


Helene September 16, 2009 um 4:00 am

Kokken69: I did bake a couple to see how they'd turn out and they were pretty awful…too dry. If you used less flour it might work but the dough is very sticky to work with already so you might end up pulling your hair with even less flour.


obachan September 16, 2009 um 5:12 am

Beautiful photos! I'm drooling.


jacqueline September 16, 2009 um 8:07 am

This looks sooo yummmiee! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!


ChichaJo September 16, 2009 um 8:46 am

I feel for you! Although I actually like bananas I too know what it feels like to have too many! An aunt of my hubby once sent us 2 crates! That was a lot of banana bread (and some ended up frozen)…wish I had seen this recipe before then!


Nic September 16, 2009 um 11:53 am

what a fabulous sugar fix to set me up for the day! Thanks so much, they look fabulous.


Elizabeth September 16, 2009 um 2:16 pm

Wow those sound heavenly! Just the thought of the smell of banana pieces caramelizing in my oven makes me think I should make these today. I don't like bananas by themselves either, but caramelized sounds delicious!


Suzana September 16, 2009 um 3:15 pm

Oh Helen, I know this feeling so well! It happen the same to me with tomatoes. And I also had a few very ripe bananas crying to be used. Wished I had seen these lovely doughnuts before! They look really yummy.


becky September 17, 2009 um 12:07 am

these look crazy amazing! i cannot wait to try these! i thank you for inspiring me to challenge myself in the kitchen!


La Cuisine d'Helene September 17, 2009 um 1:06 am

I'm moving next to you to eat the leftovers. I want to make those, they look so yummy. Magnifiques photos!


Deeba PAB September 17, 2009 um 4:07 am

Only you could have created such beauty out of almost 2 dozen bananas Helen. Wow…great doughnuts & gorgeous pictures! The dried banana bits are just fab!


The Good Cooks September 17, 2009 um 2:43 pm

Can't wait to try this! It looks and sounds to be quite appetizing : )


Anonymous September 17, 2009 um 4:07 pm

I'm not so much into bananas either (except for banana milkshakes for some reason) but these pictures made me want to bake banana doughnuts this weekend!
I will try to make the "Streusel" at least, I have a feeling they go great with icecream^^

THanks for the recipe!


Eléonora September 17, 2009 um 5:56 pm

C'est un fruit merveilleux, comme quoi, c'est du pur bonheur !

It is a wonderful fruit, as what is pure happiness!


Jessica September 18, 2009 um 1:32 am

OH wow. How delish.


Pretty Lovely September 18, 2009 um 8:20 pm

these looks soo yummy – bookmarking this for Sunday morning.

xx,
Samantha


Jamieanne September 19, 2009 um 1:43 pm

These look so beautiful and delicious! I'm definitely going to give these a go soon. I just discovered your blog and LOVE it – wonderful recipes and beautiful photos!


Jane September 20, 2009 um 12:48 pm

Good golly Helen, your donuts look and sound utterly divine. I think I may finally break down and actually deep fry something for once! As always your blog amazes and enchants!


Lismi September 21, 2009 um 11:51 pm

I am not a fan of doughnut but this one is enticing.I love banana and would love to try making this.Thank you for sharing.Your recipes and photos are refreshing and creative as always.=)


Lismi September 22, 2009 um 12:06 am

I also wonder if roasting the banana before adding it to the mixture will give the doughnut a more pronounced banana flavour?


Catherine September 22, 2009 um 9:11 pm

Wow, these look incredible! I can't wait to try them out!


Unknown September 23, 2009 um 1:53 pm

Hahaha I love how you came up with these! Its the opposite in my home, I'm always keeping bananas aside, for ripening, so I can bake with them, but they're almost never there when I look for them!!! Great idea though!


Ella Bella Floral September 25, 2009 um 7:42 pm

lol…wow I'm in the same boat, I'm stuck with a box of 50 bananas! Thanks for the ideas, I'll be putting them to good use!


Nan October 2, 2009 um 12:20 am

Anyone tired oven-baking instead of deep-frying?


Katie_pl November 3, 2009 um 4:33 pm

I really love your web 🙂 I am from Poland and your recipes are goregous:) Greetings


Kahalaomapuana July 30, 2011 um 10:35 am

I just stumbled upon your site the other day and I'm already making these! Right now in fact, haha. The first few doughnut holes and doughnuts are very tasty, however the color on them is awful! I made sure the temperature of the oil was at 350 before putting any dough in, and the doughnuts do not have a burnt taste, they're just a VERY dark brown color. Also some of the doughnut holes are raw in the middle, but if I let them sit and cool for a bit the heat from the outside seems to cook them through. Could it be because I substituted canola for vegetable? Or that I used a heavy frying pan, maybe that made it hotter than it should have been? These are delicious and I definitely want to get them looking as good as yours do! This is a fantastic recipe for using up extra bananas.


Helene July 30, 2011 um 2:59 pm

Kahalaomapuana: they should not get dark unless your oil was too hot which would have cooked them fast on the exterior but not on the interior.
Any chance your thermometer may be off?
I do mine in a cast iron skillet which helps keep the temperature steady I found.


Kahalaomapuana July 31, 2011 um 2:22 am

@Helene – I was thinking the same thing. I tried it with a lowered temperature today with better results, I think I just have to play around with my stove. I use a cast iron skillet too, I just totally brainfarted on what it was called last night, haha!


Foodie February 13, 2012 um 5:56 pm

Oh my goodness, these look amazing!


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