1-First Step: Get the oven and pan ready Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a donut mold with non-stick spray so the donuts release easily after baking. This is a helpful step for anyone making homemade banana donuts for the first time, since baked donuts can stick if the pan is not prepared well.While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and set out two mixing bowls, a whisk, a spoon or spatula, and a cooling rack. Having everything nearby makes the process smoother, especially if you are baking while helping kids with homework or juggling other tasks.

2-Second Step: Mix the dry ingredientsIn one bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. This helps spread the leavening evenly through the flour, which gives the donuts a more even rise. If you are measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off, or weigh it if you prefer accuracy. That small step helps prevent dense donuts.

3-Third Step: Stir together the wet ingredientsIn a second bowl, combine the mashed overripe bananas, melted unsalted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth and well blended. The bananas should be mashed well, with no large chunks, so the batter turns out even and tender. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best because they are sweeter and softer.If your bananas are not very soft yet, let them sit a bit longer at room temperature or speed things up by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. This helps make the best banana donut recipe more reliable.

4-Fourth Step: Combine the batter gentlyPour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold everything together until just combined. The batter will be thick, and that is exactly what you want. Do not overmix, since that can make the donuts tough instead of light and tender.If the batter seems a little dry, you can add a spoonful of applesauce for extra moisture, as suggested in the recipe tips. That small adjustment can be useful if your bananas are not very large or if your flour was packed too tightly.

5-Fifth Step: Fill the donut moldSpoon the batter into the donut molds, filling each one about three-quarters full. A small spoon or piping bag can help keep the batter neat, but a regular spoon works just fine. Smooth the tops lightly if needed so they bake evenly.This step matters because overfilling can cause the donuts to puff too much and lose their shape. Filling only three-quarters full gives the donuts room to rise while still holding that classic donut form.

6-Sixth Step: Bake until setBake the donuts for 17 to 20 minutes, or until they spring back when pressed lightly in the center. Every oven is a little different, so start checking near the 17-minute mark. The tops should look set and lightly golden.Because these are baked banana donuts, you do not need to worry about frying oil or splatter. That makes this recipe a good fit for home cooks who want a simple, lower-mess treat.

7-Seventh Step: Cool before icingLet the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then move them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. This is important because warm donuts can make the icing melt and slide off.Cooling also gives the crumb time to set. If you are in a hurry, resist the urge to ice too soon. The finished texture is better when the donuts are fully cooled.

8-Eighth Step: Make the brown butter icingSet a saucepan over medium heat and melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it continue cooking until it foams and brown bits form at the bottom, which takes about 5 minutes. You will notice a nutty aroma as the butter browns.Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, thin it with a little milk or heavy cream until it is easy to dip. Brown butter gives the icing a deep, rich flavor without changing the texture of the donuts.

9-Ninth Step: Dip and serveDip the tops of the cooled donuts into the icing, then place them back on the rack so the glaze can set. For a sweeter finish, you can dip them twice, but one layer gives a nice balance of flavor. Serve them the same day for the best taste and texture.If you enjoy banana bakes in general, you may also like this collection of simple breakfast recipes for more cozy ideas from the blog.