Mini Banana Crumb Sourdough Donuts
Enjoy the delicious taste of Mini Banana Crumb Sourdough Donuts made with sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, and a homemade self-rising flour mixture. These soft and flavorful donuts are topped with a cinnamon crumb and finished with a decadent salted caramel drizzle, perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-purpose flour
Baking Powder
Baking soda
Salt
Greek yogurt
Sourdough starter or discard
Ripe bananas
Salted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Coconut oil
Almond butter
Maple syrup
Why You’ll Love Mini Banana Crumb Sourdough Donuts:
Unique Flavor Combination: The sourdough discard adds a tangy depth, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich, salty caramel drizzle.
Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of Greek yogurt and homemade self-rising flour ensures these donuts are incredibly soft and fluffy.
Cinnamon Crumb Topping: The cinnamon crumb topping adds a delightful crunch and warm spice, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Perfectly Sized: These mini donuts are just the right size for a quick treat, making them ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these donuts are simple to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Creative Use of Sourdough Discard: This recipe is a great way to use up sourdough discard, reducing waste while creating something delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors and textures makes these donuts a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them on their own or pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful morning or afternoon snack.
Freezer-Friendly: You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them, so you always have a delicious treat on hand.
Impressive Presentation: The cinnamon crumb topping and salted caramel drizzle make these donuts look as good as they taste, perfect for serving at gatherings.
Healthier Ingredients: Made with Greek yogurt and homemade self-rising flour, these donuts offer a slightly healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
Kid-Friendly: The mini size and sweet flavor make these donuts a fun and appealing treat for kids.
Tips for Making Mini Banana Crumb Sourdough Donuts:
Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are fully ripe with brown spots. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the donuts, enhancing the overall flavor.
Fresh Sourdough Discard: Use fresh sourdough discard for the best flavor and texture. Discard that's too old may affect the taste.
Homemade Self-Rising Flour: If making self-rising flour at home, ensure you use the correct ratio: 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour + 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda + pinch of salt.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess to the donuts. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Crumb Topping: Mix the crumb topping ingredients until they form small, pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle generously over the donuts before baking or air frying for the perfect crunchy topping.
No Rise Time: Since sourdough discard already contains natural leavening agents, there's no need for a traditional rise time. This makes the donuts quicker to prepare.
Mixing the Dough: Combine the sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, mashed banana, flour, and other ingredients in a mixing bowl until a smooth dough forms. Don’t be afraid to add 1 tbsp more flour at a time if your dough is too sticky!
Dough Handling: Use flour sparingly when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming too dense. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness for fluffy donuts.
Cutting the Donuts: Use a donut cutter, round cookie cutter, mason jar kid, or cup to cut out the donuts from the rolled-out dough. You can also use a small round cutter for the center hole.
Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper and place the donuts inside. Brush the tops with melted butter, and then sprinkle with the cinnamon crumb mixture. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Oven Option: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Make Salted Caramel Sauce Ahead: Prepare the salted caramel sauce in advance to save time. Drizzle it over the donuts while they are still slightly warm for the best flavor and presentation.
Store Properly: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their freshness.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and add the crumb topping and caramel drizzle before serving.
Experiment with Flavors: While the cinnamon crumb and salted caramel are delicious, you can also experiment with other toppings, such as chocolate glaze, maple syrup, or chopped nuts.
Can You Prepare Mini Banana Crumb Sourdough Donuts Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mini banana crumb sourdough donuts ahead of time by refrigerating the dough overnight to bake the next day!
Here's a general guideline for making mini banana crumb sourdough donuts ahead of time:
Prepare the Dough: Mix together the ingredients until smooth.
Shape the Donuts: Roll the dough out and cut out the donuts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Chill or Freeze the Dough: Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the donuts with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight Chilling or freezing helps firm up the dough for easier shaping.
Air Fry or Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the air fryer or oven and remove the donuts from the refrigerator. Let come to room temperature for 15 minutes. Brush with melted butter and top with the cinnamon crumb mixture. Air fry the donuts in batches until golden brown and cooked through, or bake them in a preheated oven.
Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: Mix together the ingredients for the salted caramel drizzle in a small bowl.
Drizzle: Drizzle each warm donuts the salted caramel mixture.
Serve or Store: Enjoy the donut holes warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
How to Store Mini Banana Crumb Sourdough Donuts:
Room Temperature:
Duration: Up to 2 days
Method: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This keeps the donuts soft and maintains their crumb topping.
Refrigeration:
Duration: Up to 5 days
Method: After the donuts have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigeration helps extend their shelf life and keeps the caramel drizzle from melting.
Freezing:
Duration: Up to 3 months
Method: Freeze the unglazed donuts by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat in the oven or air fryer and add the crumb topping and salted caramel drizzle before serving.
Reheating:
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Reheat the donuts for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.
Microwave: Place a donut on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but may soften the crumb topping.
Storing Glazed Donuts:
Refrigeration: Glazed donuts should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep the caramel drizzle from sticking.
Freezing: To freeze glazed donuts, flash freeze them on a baking sheet until the caramel is firm, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Why use sourdough discard in these donuts?
A: Sourdough discard adds a subtle tangy flavor and enhances the overall texture of the donuts. It’s also a great way to reduce waste and make the most of your sourdough starter.
Q: Can I use store-bought self-rising flour instead of homemade?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought self-rising flour. However, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and ensure freshness.
Q: How do I make sure the crumb topping stays crunchy?
A: To keep the crumb topping crunchy, avoid overmixing the crumb ingredients. Also, bake or air fry the donuts until they are fully cooked and the topping is golden brown.
Q: What’s the best way to apply the salted caramel drizzle?
A: For an even drizzle, use a small spoon or a squeeze bottle.
Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?
A: Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt. These will also add moisture and a slight tang to the donuts. If using regular yogurt, start by using 1/4 cup and adding as needed, as regular yogurt is runnier than Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Q: Can I freeze the donuts after they’re baked?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unglazed donuts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating and adding the crumb topping and caramel drizzle.
Q: What temperature should I set my air fryer or oven to?
A: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
Q: How do I store leftover donuts?
A: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven before serving to restore their texture.
Q: Can I use other toppings instead of cinnamon crumb?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or a simple powdered sugar dusting.
Q: Why are my donuts not rising as expected?
A: Ensure that your baking powder in the homemade self-rising flour is fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, which can cause the donuts to become dense instead of light and fluffy.
Check out my other sourdough discard recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these mini banana crumb sourdough donuts. Happy baking!
