Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Nutella Frosted Brown Butter Banana Whole Wheat Baked Donuts Recipe
These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a delightful blend of wholesome and decadent, crafted to bring pure joy to your day. Imagine biting into a soft, moist whole wheat donut, its crumb infused with the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter and the natural sweetness of ripe banana. Now, picture that perfectly baked donut generously frosted with a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut Nutella® spread, and adorned with cheerful rainbow sprinkles. This recipe for Nutella Frosted Brown Butter Banana Whole Wheat Baked Donuts isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and a fantastic way to spread happiness, one delicious bite at a time.
Baked to perfection, these donuts offer a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. The use of whole wheat flour not only adds a wonderful nutty texture and wholesome goodness but also contributes to a more satisfying treat. Coupled with the depth of flavor from brown butter and the natural sweetness of banana, these donuts achieve a harmonious balance that is truly irresistible. And with a lavish layer of Nutella, they become an instant favorite for kids and adults alike.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by the makers of Nutella via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nutella.
The Parenthood Predicament: Navigating Grocery Aisles with Little Ones
Long before I embarked on the incredible journey of motherhood, I harbored a strong conviction about certain aspects of parenting, particularly when it came to mundane tasks like grocery shopping. I had firmly decided that those elaborate “car carts” – the ones shaped like mini vehicles, designed to entertain toddlers – would simply not be a part of my life. I envisioned serene, efficient shopping trips, a calm escape from the everyday chaos, and certainly not an obstacle course involving an oversized plastic car.
Image Source | And PS read the post it’s pretty hilarious!
My reasoning was simple and, to my pre-mommy self, entirely logical. These gargantuan carts are notoriously heavy to maneuver, impossibly difficult to steer, and seem to attract every inquisitive glance from a child. And let’s be real, ain’t nobody got time for toddlers gleefully hopping in and out of the cart, constantly demanding attention for every brightly colored box or shiny object that catches their eye, especially when there’s a lengthy shopping list to conquer!
I take my grocery shopping very seriously, indeed. For me, it’s more than just a chore; it’s a moment of focused productivity, a personal happy place where I can get into a good rhythm and efficiently tick off items. To achieve this zen-like state, I need to concentrate. I need to get in, get what I need, and get out as quickly and efficiently as possible. No messing around. No idle chitchat with strangers. And certainly, no unscheduled excursions out of the cart to examine every little thing that sparks a child’s fleeting interest.
My ideal strategy involves meticulously scheduling all shopping trips for times when the kiddos are either safely ensconced at school or happily under the watchful eye of my husband at home. This allows me the rare luxury of uninterrupted grocery hunting. But as every parent knows, life rarely adheres to our perfectly crafted plans. There are countless occasions when circumstances dictate that you simply cannot do what you want to do, when you want to do it. Flexibility, it turns out, is a parent’s most valuable asset.
The Unexpected Parenting Hack: Donut Diplomacy
Despite the unpredictable nature of family life, I am genuinely proud to say that, for the most part, I have successfully avoided those dreaded car carts. While many promises I made to myself in my pre-mommy years have been shattered to smithereens by the realities of parenthood, this particular resolution has stood strong. The reason? I have discovered a secret weapon, a simple yet profoundly effective parenting hack that transforms potential grocery store meltdowns into surprisingly peaceful expeditions.
The first step of my strategy is fundamental: always secure your child in the regular shopping cart seat, the one positioned directly in front of you. This setup offers several advantages. Your child is contained and safe, making it easy to engage in conversation, point out interesting items, and even sneak in quick hugs and kisses as you navigate the aisles. Crucially, buckle them in tight. A securely fastened child is less likely to stand up, lean out, or attempt a daring escape.
And now for the ultimate game-changer, the #proparentingtip that guarantees a stress-free, efficient grocery shopping experience: invest in a donut.
It’s truly that simple. The moment you arrive at the store, after you’ve strapped your little one into the cart, make a direct beeline for the bakery department. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Head straight for the DONUTS. This isn’t just about offering a sweet treat; it’s about providing an instant, engaging distraction that can captivate a child’s attention for the duration of your shopping trip.
The result? A huge grin on that sweet little face, and a remarkably peaceful shopping experience for you. My son, for instance, barely makes a peep once he’s got his hands on a chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles. It’s a small indulgence that yields immense returns in terms of parental sanity and shopping efficiency. The sheer joy of a donut, especially one with vibrant sprinkles, is often enough to keep them happily occupied and seated, allowing you to focus on your list.
This strategy has proven so astonishingly successful that my little guy often requests a trip to the grocery store just for the donut. And why not? It’s a win-win. But what happens when the grocery store bakery isn’t an option, or when you simply prefer the superior taste and wholesome ingredients of homemade treats? No worries at all! I can effortlessly whip up a batch of these glorious Nutella Glazed Brown Butter Banana Whole Wheat Baked Donuts in mere minutes, spreading happiness right from the comfort of my own kitchen. After all, homemade is almost always better, isn’t it?
The Irresistible Charm of Homemade Whole Wheat Donuts
Baking at home allows for complete control over ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality that store-bought options can rarely match. Our homemade baked donuts are a testament to this philosophy. They are incredibly soft, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, and infused with the most delightful, nuanced flavors. The secret lies in the meticulous combination of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a truly memorable donut.
The star ingredient, aside from the luscious Nutella topping, is undoubtedly the brown butter. This simple yet transformative technique involves cooking unsalted butter until its milk solids caramelize, developing a rich, nutty aroma and a complex, toasty flavor profile. This brown butter is then incorporated into the donut batter, lending an incredible depth that elevates the entire experience. It’s a subtle yet powerful flavor enhancer that sets these donuts apart.
Complementing the brown butter is the natural sweetness and moisture from ripe banana. The banana not only adds a lovely fruity note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and hazelnut in Nutella but also contributes to the donut’s incredibly moist texture. It’s a natural sweetener that reduces the need for excessive added sugar, making these donuts a slightly healthier indulgence.
And let’s not forget the whole wheat flour. While some might shy away from whole wheat in baked goods, in this recipe, it’s a game-changer. It imparts a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying, slightly denser texture without making the donuts heavy or dry. This whole wheat inclusion adds valuable fiber and nutrients, transforming a typically indulgent treat into something more wholesome and satisfying. It allows you to enjoy a delicious donut while feeling good about the ingredients.
Finally, the crowning glory: the chocolate-hazelnut Nutella® topping. Its rich, creamy texture and iconic flavor are the perfect foil to the warm, nutty notes of the donut. Just a tablespoon or so smoothed over each baked donut transforms it into a decadent masterpiece. And for that extra touch of whimsy and joy, don’t forget a generous scattering of rainbow sprinkles! They add a pop of color and a festive feel, making each donut a miniature work of art and a guaranteed smile-inducer.
The Joy of Giving: Spreading Happiness with Every Treat
As a mom, there is absolutely nothing that brings me more profound happiness than witnessing the genuine smiles on my children’s faces. When their eyes sparkle with delight and those precious faces light up with joy, my heart swells with an indescribable warmth. It’s those moments that truly give me the “warm fuzzies” all over. And one of the most simple yet effective ways to ignite that happiness and spread it all around is by handing them a delicious, homemade treat.
These Nutella Frosted Brown Butter Banana Whole Wheat Baked Donuts are more than just food; they are an expression of love. They represent the care and effort put into creating something special, a tangible way to say “I love you” and “you are cherished.” Whether it’s a peaceful grocery trip fueled by a donut or a quiet afternoon snack at home, these treats are designed to create happy memories.
Nutella® hazelnut spread truly embodies the spirit of a happy start to every day! Its rich, creamy texture and irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor make it a versatile pantry staple. You can effortlessly pick up a jar of Nutella in the spreads aisle of your local grocery store and enjoy it in countless ways. It’s not just for donuts; spread it generously on whole wheat toast for a quick breakfast, drizzle it over fluffy waffles or pancakes for a decadent brunch, or pair it with fresh fruits like strawberries and bananas for a delightful and wholesome snack. Nutella truly allows you to. Spread the Happy™.
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Nutella® Glazed Brown Butter Banana Whole Wheat Baked Donuts
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Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons (73.93 g) unsalted butter
- 1 banana,, very ripe
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt, (I used non-fat)
- 1 egg, (large)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup (60 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (62.5 g) cake flour
- 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, (loosely packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (150 g) Nutella® spread, (approx.)
- rainbow sprinkles,, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and lightly mist a donut pan with non-stick spray, ensuring all cavities are well coated.
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Place the unsalted butter in a small pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a beautiful nutty brown color and emits a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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In a mini-chopper, food processor, or blender, combine the very ripe banana, plain Greek yogurt, large egg, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is smooth and well-pureed.
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In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, cake flour, loosely packed brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Ensure they are thoroughly combined.
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Pour the cooled brown butter and half of the banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir on low speed for approximately one minute, just until partially combined.
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Using a silicone spatula, scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure no dry pockets remain. Add the remaining banana mixture and continue to stir for another minute, or until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix.
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Carefully pipe or spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
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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. Once cooled, spread about a tablespoon of Nutella® on each donut. For a festive touch, sprinkle generously with rainbow jimmies and serve immediately to enjoy their fresh, homemade goodness.