Soft, pillowy doughnuts filled with creamy banana custard and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
These Banana Cream Pie Doughnuts are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. With a creamy banana custard filling and a fluffy whipped topping, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Why you'll want it now, A nostalgic treat with creamy filling and a delightful crunch from vanilla wafer crumbs.
Why this recipe works
The doughnut base is light and fluffy, providing the perfect vessel for the rich banana custard filling. The use of real bananas in the custard ensures an authentic flavor, while the vanilla wafer crumbs add a nostalgic crunch.
Equipment
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Saucepan
Doughnut pan (12 wells)
Piping bag
Cooling rack
How to make it
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each well about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the doughnuts are golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the custard filling, combine mashed bananas, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat until thickened.
Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly add a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the yolks, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook for another 2 minutes until thick.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool completely before using.
For the whipped topping, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Once the doughnuts and custard have cooled, fill a piping bag with the banana custard. Insert the tip into the side of each doughnut and fill generously.
Top each filled doughnut with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer crumbs.
Enjoy these Banana Cream Pie Doughnuts as a delightful treat that brings together the best of two classic desserts.
How you'll know it's ready
The doughnuts are ready when they are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. The custard should be thick and creamy, not runny.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
The written temperature is perfect for standard ovens. If using a convection oven, lower the temperature by 25°F and check a few minutes early, as they bake faster.
Frosting, filling & glaze notes
The whipped topping should hold stiff peaks and be easy to dollop onto the doughnuts without sliding off.
Troubleshooting
If the doughnuts are dense, ensure your baking powder is fresh and measure flour accurately.
If the custard is runny, cook it longer to thicken or check cornstarch measurement.
For overly sweet doughnuts, reduce sugar in the doughnut batter or custard slightly.
If the whipped cream is not holding shape, ensure the cream is cold before whipping.
Storage
Store filled doughnuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
Make ahead
The doughnuts can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Custard can be made and chilled up to 2 days ahead.
Variations
Add chocolate chips to the doughnut batter for a chocolate-banana twist.
Use coconut milk in the custard for a tropical flavor.
Top with caramel drizzle instead of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fry these doughnuts instead of baking?
Yes, you can fry the doughnuts. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown.
How can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Can I use store-bought custard for the filling?
For the best flavor, it's recommended to make the custard from scratch, but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafer crumbs?
Graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies can be used as an alternative.
Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.
