Banana Cheesecake Donut with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is an irresistible fusion of two favorite treats: donuts and cheesecake! The light, fluffy donut acts as the perfect vessel for the luscious banana cheesecake filling, which brings the flavors of banana and cream cheese together in a silky, dreamy combination. The caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery finish that ties everything together. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

For the Donut:
½ cup white sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

For the Topping:
¼ cup butter, melted
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your donut pan with cooking spray (you can also use a cupcake pan if you don't have a donut pan).

2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the sour cream and milk until well blended.

3. Mix in the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the flour and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each section about halfway. This should yield about 3 donuts, depending on the size of your pan.

5. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. While the donuts are baking, prepare the topping by mixing melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

7. Once the donuts are done, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly.

8. While still warm, brush the donuts with the cinnamon butter topping to coat them evenly.

9. Hollow out the center of each donut and fill them with your desired banana cheesecake mixture. Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 3 donuts, depending on the size of your donut pan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Banana Cream Filling: Instead of banana cheesecake, you can use a banana cream filling or banana pudding for a lighter variation.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra twist, add some mini chocolate chips to the donut batter for a more decadent treat.

• Glazed Donuts: Skip the cinnamon sugar topping and glaze the donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a chocolate glaze.

• Fried Donuts: For a more traditional donut experience, fry the donut muffins instead of baking them.

• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy-free sour cream and milk alternatives for a vegan-friendly version. Ensure the caramel sauce is also made without dairy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.

• Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze the donuts (without the cheesecake filling or caramel sauce) for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in the oven.

• Reheating: When reheating, add fresh caramel sauce and cheesecake filling just before serving for the best results.

FAQs

Can I make the banana cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the banana cheesecake filling a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the donuts.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the donut batter?

You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a slightly tangier taste.

Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan?

Yes, you can make these in a muffin pan, but the result will be more like a donut muffin rather than a traditional donut.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, if you're short on time, store-bought caramel sauce will work perfectly for drizzling over the donuts.

How do I make the banana cheesecake filling?

To make the filling, combine cream cheese, mashed bananas, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Can I bake these donuts in advance?

Yes, you can bake the donuts ahead of time, but they’re best served with the filling and caramel sauce added just before eating.

Is there a gluten-free option for the donuts?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.

Can I freeze the caramel sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the caramel sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

The donuts are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I make this recipe even more decadent?

Try adding a layer of whipped cream on top of the banana cheesecake filling for an extra creamy texture.

Conclusion

These Banana Cheesecake Donuts with Caramel Sauce are a fantastic dessert that combines the warmth and fluffiness of freshly baked donuts with the indulgence of cheesecake and caramel. Whether you're enjoying them on a lazy afternoon or serving them to guests, this treat will surely impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a dangerously good dessert!