Introduction

These delicious treats made with ripe bananas are simple, wholesome, and perfect for a quick snack or breakfast bite. With just three main ingredients, they come together easily and can be customized with your favorite flavors. Whether baked or air-fried, these little banana bites are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

A round white plate is filled with a neat pile of small, golden-brown doughnut holes that are evenly coated in a mix of sugar and cinnamon, giving them a slightly grainy texture with a sparkling finish. The doughnut holes are stacked in layers, about two to three deep, each showing a soft, slightly rough surface. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface, giving the image a clean and bright look. In the background, there is a glimpse of a white bowl holding a golden-brown sauce, slightly blurred to keep focus on the doughnut holes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large ripe banana (mashed)
1 cup almond flour or oat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional)
Optional for coating: coconut sugar, cinnamon, or shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your air fryer. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the banana in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Add almond flour (or oat flour) and cinnamon or vanilla extract if using. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch wide. If the dough sticks to your hands, wet them slightly to make rolling easier.
Step 5: Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or air-fry for 8–10 minutes, until they turn slightly golden.
Step 6: Optionally, roll the warm balls in a coating of cinnamon and coconut sugar or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use oat flour for a milder flavor or almond flour for a nuttier taste and slightly denser texture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm spice twist.
If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before rolling.
For a chocolatey version, stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the dough.
Serve with a drizzle of honey or nut butter for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftover banana bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or briefly in a toaster oven.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with about a dozen small round dough balls coated with a sugary cinnamon layer, giving them a light golden-brown color and a slightly grainy texture. The balls are piled in a loose pyramid shape, showing their soft and puffy form with sugar granules sparkling on the surface. The background and surface have a white marbled texture, and a small part of another white bowl with a golden-brown content is visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, oat flour and almond flour work best for this recipe, but you can also try coconut flour or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that different flours may change the texture and moisture balance.

Are these treats suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products. Just be sure to use plant-based coatings like coconut sugar or shredded coconut if coating them.

3-Ingredient Baked Banana Donut Holes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 775 reviews

These simple and delicious 3-ingredient treats use ripe bananas, almond or oat flour, and cinnamon or vanilla to create soft, naturally sweet donut holes that can be baked or air-fried. Perfect as a healthy snack or quick dessert, they are optionally coated with coconut sugar, cinnamon, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 small donut holes 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 large ripe banana (mashed)
1 cup almond flour or oat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Coating

Coconut sugar
Cinnamon
Shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your air fryer. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking.
Mash Banana: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana thoroughly until smooth and creamy to ensure even mixing.
Mix Dough: Add almond flour or oat flour to the mashed banana. Incorporate the cinnamon or vanilla extract if using. Stir the mixture gently until it forms a soft, sticky dough.
Shape Balls: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. If the dough is sticky and hard to handle, moisten your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
Bake or Air-Fry: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or air-fry for 8–10 minutes until they turn slightly golden.
Coat (Optional): While still warm, roll the donut holes in a mixture of cinnamon and coconut sugar or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
Almond flour creates a nuttier flavor; oat flour offers a milder taste and more fiber.
Adjust baking time depending on your oven or air fryer model.
Wet your hands before rolling dough balls to avoid sticking.
These treats are best enjoyed within 2 days and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Keywords: ripe banana treats, almond flour snacks, healthy donut holes, easy banana recipe, gluten free snacks, 3 ingredient recipe, air fryer banana balls