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This Dunkin’ Banana Pudding Donut recipe is your ticket to creating a fusion of classic comfort and modern dessert innovation in the comfort of your home. Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden donut filled with creamy banana pudding and topped with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs—pure heaven for your taste buds!
Table of Contents
How to make Dunkin’ Banana Pudding Donut
A Dunkin’ Banana Pudding Donut is a dessert-inspired donut that takes the flavors of classic banana pudding and turns them into a sweet, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup (160ml) warm milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Banana Pudding Filling:
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup white icing (store-bought or homemade glaze)
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (or any cookie crumbs)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Donut Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture little by little. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes on medium speed.
- Grease a bowl lightly with oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Gradually pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
- Cook the mixture until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until cool.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2″ thickness. Use a round donut cutter (or a regular biscuit cutter) to cut out circles. You can use a smaller cutter to make donut holes if desired.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to cool and drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Donuts
- Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill the cooled donuts with the banana pudding. To do this, poke a small hole in the side of each donut and pipe the filling inside.
- Warm up the white icing (if needed) and drizzle it over the tops of the donuts.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs over the icing while it’s still wet to complete the look and texture.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Pudding Donut
- Filling Hack: If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the donuts in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Infused Pudding: To amplify the banana flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of banana extract to the pudding.
- Cookie Options: If you don’t have vanilla wafers, graham cracker crumbs, or crushed Oreos, they work well too!
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving to restore softness.
What to serve with
Dunkin’ Banana Pudding Donut is already an indulgent treat bursting with flavors of creamy banana pudding, soft dough, and crunchy cookie crumbs. However, pairing this delight with complementary sides and beverages can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.
1. Coffee Pairings
Bananas and coffee make an unexpectedly delicious pairing, with the rich flavors of coffee balancing the sweetness of the Dunkin’ Banana Pudding Donut. Dunkin’ is known for its coffee offerings, so here are your best options:
- Classic Black Coffee: A lightly roasted black coffee provides a bitter contrast to the donut’s sweetness, enhancing both flavors.
- Iced Coffee: Serve a glass of cold brew or iced coffee alongside your donut for a refreshing pairing. Add a hint of caramel or vanilla syrup to echo the dessert’s cozy flavor profile.
- Latte or Cappuccino: The creamy texture of a latte complements the banana pudding filling nicely. Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an aromatic twist.
- Banana-flavored Coffee: If you’re going all-in on the banana theme, look for banana-flavored coffee blends or use banana-flavored coffee syrups!
2. Milk-Based Drinks
Milk and donuts are a classic combination. Since this donut is inspired by banana pudding, pairing it with something creamy feels natural.
- Banana Milk: Blend fresh bananas with milk, ice, and a touch of honey for a delicious drink with the same flavor profile as the donut.
- Milkshake: Create a banana-flavored milkshake using bananas, vanilla ice cream, and milk. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers to tie into the donut’s topping!
- Chocolate Milk: Chocolate and banana are a heavenly match. A glass of chilled chocolate milk complements the pudding’s creaminess.
Ingredients Substitutes
Sometimes you may not have all the ingredients for Dunkin ‘ Banana Pudding Donuts at home, or you may be looking for alternatives due to dietary preferences or availability.
Flour
Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour.
Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Bread Flour: If you prefer chewier donuts, you can swap all-purpose flour for bread flour, as it has a higher protein content that enhances elasticity.
Sugar
Original Ingredient: Granulated sugar (used for sweetness and yeast activation).
Substitutes:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Use 2 tablespoons in place of 1/4 cup of sugar in the dough. Reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
- Coconut Sugar: A 1:1 substitute for a natural, less refined option, though it may slightly darken the dough’s color.
Milk
Original Ingredient: Warm milk (provides moisture and richness).
Substitutes:
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond, oat, or coconut milk works as a dairy-free alternative. Use unsweetened versions to avoid altering the flavor.
- Water: If you’re in a pinch, water can work, but the dough may lack creaminess. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil for richness.
Butter
Original Ingredient: Unsalted butter (adds flavor and richness to the dough).
Substitutes:
- Coconut Oil: Use in equal measurements for a dairy-free option. Solid coconut oil most closely mimics butter’s consistency.
- Margarine: A 1:1 option for a vegan or cheaper alternative.
Egg
Original Ingredient: Egg (binds the dough and provides lightness).
Substitutes:
- Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water to replace 1 egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup for each egg. This works particularly well in sweet treats like donuts.
Final Thoughts
Making the Dunkin’ Banana Pudding Donut at home may take a little effort, but it’s well worth the time. With every bite of soft donut, creamy banana filling, and crunchy cookie topping, you’ll feel that your homemade effort rivals the iconic store-bought version.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 3/4 cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup (160ml) warm milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil
For the Banana Pudding Filling:
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup white icing
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Donut Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture little by little. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes on medium speed.
- Grease a bowl lightly with oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Gradually pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
- Cook the mixture until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until cool.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2" thickness. Use a round donut cutter (or a regular biscuit cutter) to cut out circles. You can use a smaller cutter to make donut holes if desired.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to cool and drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Donuts
- Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to fill the cooled donuts with the banana pudding. To do this, poke a small hole in the side of each donut and pipe the filling inside.
- Warm up the white icing (if needed) and drizzle it over the tops of the donuts.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs over the icing while it's still wet to complete the look and texture.
