Irresistible & Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Nutella Donuts (Weight Watchers Friendly!)
There’s something truly magical about homemade donuts. The aroma filling your kitchen, the anticipation of that first bite, and the sheer joy of creating a delightful treat from scratch. For me, baking donuts isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion, especially when I can invent new, delicious flavor combinations. And the best part? These particular chocolate chip banana donuts come in at a surprisingly low 4 SmartPoints each on Weight Watchers! When you consider that an average store-bought donut can easily set you back 10 SmartPoints or more (especially those decadent ones), being able to enjoy two of these delightful creations for less than one conventional donut feels like a true culinary victory. It’s an indulgence without the guilt, making them a perfect pick-me-up or a wholesome breakfast treat. These donuts are not just “good for a healthier option”; they are genuinely delicious, especially with the luscious Nutella topping.
Baking at home allows for complete control over ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with fresh, wholesome goodness. This recipe perfectly marries the natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas with the comforting richness of chocolate chips, all elevated by that irresistible swirl of Nutella. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to everyone, whether you’re tracking your points or simply looking for a fantastic homemade donut recipe. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward baking process make this an ideal recipe for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a delightful donut shop!
Chocolate Chip Banana Nutella Donuts
Ingredients for Your Delicious Donuts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp Nutella
Step-by-Step Instructions
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First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly spray a 6-serving donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
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In a small mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. This step is crucial for consistent texture and flavor in your donuts.
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Now, prepare your wet ingredients. Mash your ripe banana until smooth – a fork works perfectly for this. Add the mashed banana to your dry ingredient mixture. Then, stir in the egg whites, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for moist donuts. Finally, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Carefully spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This prevents overflow and ensures a well-formed donut shape. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are cooling, prepare your Nutella topping. Spoon the Nutella into a small zip-lock bag, then snip a very small corner off the bag. This creates a makeshift piping bag for easy, controlled drizzling onto your cooled donuts.
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Drizzle the Nutella generously over each donut just before serving for the best experience. This recipe yields 6 delicious donuts, each counting as 4 SmartPoints on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, & Purple) or 2 PersonalPoints. Store any leftover donuts in a sealed container at room temperature.
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Nutritional information (excluding banana for precise calculation) per donut is as follows: Calories 97, Fat 2.1g, Saturated fat 1.3g, Carbohydrates 16.7g, Fiber 0.4g, Sugars 8.3g, Protein 1.9g.
Additional Info
Exploring the Ingredients: The Heart of Your Donuts
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating perfectly balanced and delicious donuts. Let’s delve a little deeper into what makes them so special:
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the primary structure for our donuts, giving them that classic cakey texture. For those looking to experiment, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can often be substituted, though results may vary slightly.
- Granulated Sugar: While the ripe bananas contribute a significant amount of natural sweetness, a tablespoon of granulated sugar enhances the overall flavor balance without making the donuts overly sweet.
- Baking Powder: Our essential leavening agent! Baking powder is responsible for the donuts rising beautifully in the oven, creating a light and airy texture. Ensure yours is fresh for the best lift.
- Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that beautifully complements the sweetness of the banana and the richness of the chocolate. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Medium Ripe Banana (mashed): This is the star! Extremely ripe bananas (with brown spots) are crucial here. They are naturally sweeter and mash easily, providing incredible moisture and a distinct flavor profile, reducing the need for additional fats and sugars.
- Egg Whites: Used for binding and adding a bit of protein, egg whites contribute to the structure of the donuts without adding extra fat from yolks, keeping the recipe lighter.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: This adds necessary moisture to the batter, creating a tender crumb. Feel free to use any unsweetened milk alternative you prefer, such as oat milk or skim milk, depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a layer of aromatic sweetness that completes the donut base.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: The “mini” size is important here as it allows for an even distribution of chocolate throughout each donut, ensuring a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite without being overwhelming. Dark chocolate chips or even sugar-free chips could be fun alternatives.
- Nutella: The final touch of indulgence! Nutella adds a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious hazelnut-chocolate flavor that ties everything together. While 2 tablespoons are suggested, you can adjust this amount to your personal preference.
Mastering the Method: Tips for Perfect Donuts Every Time
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your Chocolate Chip Banana Nutella Donuts turn out perfectly:
- Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is essential for achieving that classic donut shape. If you don’t have one, you can easily make these as muffins by using a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time slightly (usually 18-20 minutes).
- Mashing Bananas: The riper the banana, the easier it is to mash and the sweeter your donuts will be. You want a smooth, consistent mash for the best texture.
- Mixing Dry and Wet: Always mix dry ingredients separately first, then combine with wet. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed. When combining, mix until *just* combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Folding Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips at the very end to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
- Filling the Pan: Don’t overfill the donut cavities. Filling them about two-thirds full allows the donuts to rise without spilling over, maintaining their shape. A piping bag (or a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped) can make this step mess-free and precise.
- Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts. They should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Cooling: Allow the donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the Nutella. This prevents the Nutella from melting too quickly and allows it to set nicely on the donut.
- Nutella Drizzle: The zip-lock bag method for drizzling Nutella is excellent for control and presentation. You can also simply spoon it over if you prefer a rustic look. For easier drizzling, you can slightly warm the Nutella for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
Variations & Customizations: Make Them Your Own!
One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize. Here are a few ideas to put your own spin on these delicious donuts:
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the Nutella for added crunch and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Instead of mini chocolate chips, try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a mix of different types of chocolate.
- Glaze Options: If Nutella isn’t your preference, a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a tiny bit of milk and vanilla) or a cream cheese frosting would also be delightful.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice to the dry ingredients for an even warmer flavor profile.
- Muffin Method: No donut pan? No problem! Pour the batter into a muffin tin, filling cups about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll have delicious chocolate chip banana muffins instead!
Weight Watchers Friendly & Nutritional Benefits
These donuts are a fantastic choice for anyone following Weight Watchers, coming in at just 4 SmartPoints (Blue, Green, Purple) or 2 PersonalPoints per donut. This makes them a satisfying treat that fits easily into most daily allowances. The use of ripe bananas not only adds natural sweetness but also fiber, while egg whites contribute to a lighter, protein-boosted snack. By making your own donuts, you avoid the excessive sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients often found in commercially produced options. It’s a smart choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor!
Concluding Thoughts on Your Homemade Donuts
These chocolate chip banana Nutella donuts are truly a revelation. They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when opting for a healthier lifestyle or watching your points. The combination of moist banana, sweet chocolate chips, and a decadent Nutella drizzle creates a harmonious blend that’s simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a light dessert, they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
Baking them yourself also gives you that wonderful sense of accomplishment and the ability to control exactly what goes into your food. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredible homemade donuts. They are easy to make, quick to bake, and a joy to share (or keep all to yourself!). Enjoy every guilt-free bite!