Copycat Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut Recipe

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Making this Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut is easier than you think, and the best part? You get to personalize every delicious bite. This recipe lets you bring Dunkin’s magic home—with just a dash of creativity.

How to make a Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut

The Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut is a limited-time, dessert-inspired donut that takes its flavor cues from the classic Southern banana pudding dessert.

Ingredients

For the Brioche Donuts:

• 2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened, at room temperature)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Banana Pudding Filling:

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup vanilla wafer cookies (crushed)
• ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Powdered sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brioche Donut Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, egg yolks, and softened butter. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit of flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding Filling

1. In a blender or food processor, puree the bananas until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, combine the banana puree, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Temper the egg yolks: Add a spoonful of the hot mixture to the yolks while stirring, then pour the yolks back into the saucepan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes on low heat.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out the donuts.
2. Place the cut donuts on a floured surface, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Donuts

1. Use a piping bag fitted with a filling tip to inject the cooled banana pudding into the center of each donut. Use a small knife to create a hole if necessary.
2. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of each donut and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer cookies. For an extra touch, dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

• Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the pudding will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Temperature Matters: Always make sure your milk is warm—not hot—when activating the yeast. Too high a temperature could kill the yeast, and your dough won’t rise.
• Chill the Pudding Thoroughly: The pudding needs to be completely cool before piping into the donuts; otherwise, it can get too runny.
• Monitor Frying Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil stays at a consistent temperature of 350°F during frying. If it’s too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and might be undercooked inside.
• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to add a chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, or even a whole mini vanilla wafer on top for an extra touch of flair.

What to serve with

Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donuts are indulgent, dessert-inspired treats that bring together fluffy donuts, creamy banana pudding, and crumbly toppings.

Coffee Creations:

• Classic Black Coffee: A cup of smooth, freshly brewed black coffee adds a bitter contrast to the sweetness of the Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut. Go for a medium or dark roast to bring out nutty and chocolatey notes that enhance the flavor experience.
• Caramel Latte: Keep the dessert theme going with a caramel latte! The caramel’s toasty richness pairs perfectly with the caramel drizzle on the Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: If you’re in the mood for something chilled, a cold brew or iced coffee with a splash of cream can pair beautifully with the tropical banana notes.

Tea Time:

• Chai Tea Latte: Spiced chai with its notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger complements the vanilla and banana flavors in the Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut.
• Green Tea: A hot or iced green tea offers a refreshing, cleansing break from the decadence of the Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut.
• Earl Grey Tea: The citrusy, floral flavor of Earl Grey can balance the rich banana pudding and sugary topping.

Smoothies:

• Strawberry Smoothie: A fresh fruit smoothie, particularly strawberry, works like a fruity counterbalance to the sweetness of the donut. The banana-strawberry pairing is a timeless hit!
• Banana Nut Smoothie: Want to lean into the banana theme? Go all out with a banana nut smoothie for a cohesive and indulgent treat.

Milk Variations:

• Classic Milk: A cold glass of whole milk is a foolproof pairing that keeps things nostalgic and simple.
• Vanilla Almond Milk or Oat Milk: For a subtle nutty flavor, pair the donuts with plant-based milks like almond or oat.

Ingredients Substitutes

Homemade recipes often call for specific ingredients, but what if you’re short on something in your kitchen, have dietary restrictions, or just want to experiment? Fear not! There are plenty of substitute options for creating Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donuts, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

1. Substitutes for Brioche Donut Ingredients

Flour Substitute

Alternative Flour Options:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: If you’re avoiding gluten, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for elasticity.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier, whole-grain alternative, swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture may be denser but still delicious.
• Spelt Flour or Almond Flour (Mix): For a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients, you can add a ratio of spelt or almond flour to the regular flour. Ensure you mix it with a portion of all-purpose flour for the right consistency.

Milk Substitute

Non-Dairy Options:

• Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work well as substitutes for whole milk in the dough and still provide enough moisture. Use unsweetened versions to keep the sweetness balanced.
• Evaporated Milk or Half-and-Half: For a richer texture, you can swap the milk with evaporated milk or half-and-half if you’re not worried about calories.

Butter Substitute

Healthier or Dairy-Free Options:

• Margarine or Plant-Based Butter: Vegan butter or margarine can be used instead of regular butter. Just ensure it’s softened like the original recipe suggests.
• Coconut Oil: Solid coconut oil works as a great butter substitute in dough recipes. It adds a slight coconut undertone, which can complement the banana flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier alternative, use plain Greek yogurt that will create a slightly tangier taste while retaining the richness in texture.

Egg Yolk Substitute

Egg Alternatives:

• Flaxseed Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons of water per egg yolk needed. Let it sit until thickened—great for vegan or egg-free diets.
• Applesauce: Use 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce per egg yolk. This works well in soft dough recipes without drastically altering the flavor.
• Silken Tofu: Blend 2 tablespoons of silken tofu per egg yolk for a protein-rich alternative with subtle taste changes.

2. Substitutes for Banana Pudding Filling Ingredients

Banana Substitute

Alternative Fruits for Variety:

• Plantains (Ripe): For a firmer and slightly less sweet alternative. Be sure to cook or mash them well.
• Avocados: If you’re looking for a creamy, less traditional filling, blend ripe avocados with sugar and vanilla extract. Add banana extract to retain banana notes.
• Frozen Bananas: Can be thawed and pureed if fresh bananas aren’t available.

Whole Milk Substitute

Dairy-Free Options:

• Coconut Milk: Adds richness and a tropical touch that complements the banana flavor.
• Cashew Milk or Almond Milk: These nut-based options provide creaminess and a slightly nutty undertone.
• Blend of Non-Dairy Creamer + Water: Mix half non-dairy creamer with water for a consistency closer to whole milk.

Heavy Cream Substitute

Lighter or Vegan Options:

• Coconut Cream: Scoop the thick cream layer from a refrigerated can of coconut milk for a dairy-free, rich substitute.
• Whipped Soy Cream or Cashew Cream: Vegan-friendly options that mimic heavy cream in texture and consistency.
• Half-and-Half or Evaporated Milk: These work well if you’re not avoiding dairy but want a lighter alternative.

Cornstarch Substitute

Thickening Agents:

• Arrowroot Powder: A gluten-free option that thickens just as cornstarch does. Use the same measurement as cornstarch.
• Potato Starch: Another excellent thickener that doesn’t alter the texture much. Use equal amounts in the recipe.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use twice the amount of flour as cornstarch to create a similar thickening effect.

Sugar Substitute

Sweetener Options:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Reduce the required sugar by about 25% and substitute with these liquid sweeteners. Adjust pudding thickness accordingly.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit: For a low-calorie alternative, use stevia or monk fruit extract. These are much sweeter, so use less (check the brand’s conversion guide).
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper molasses flavor that pairs nicely with the banana.

Egg Yolk Substitute for Pudding

Egg-Free Thickening Options:

• Custard Powder: Perfect for pudding texture without requiring eggs.
• Pureed Cashews: Blend soaked cashews for creaminess in place of eggs.
• Aquafaba: Whipped aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be used to achieve a lighter pudding texture.

3. Substitutes for Toppings

Vanilla Wafer Substitute

Alternative Crumb Toppings:

• Graham Crackers: Crush them for a similar texture and sweet flavor.
• Shortbread Cookies: For a buttery alternative, crush shortbread cookies into crumbs.
• Oats: Toasted oats mixed with sugar and butter create a crunchy, sweet topping that mimics crumbs.

Caramel Sauce Substitute

Other Sauces to Drizzle:

• Chocolate Ganache: Melt dark or milk chocolate with cream for a rich topping that pairs beautifully with bananas.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener drizzle can replace caramel for a lighter option.
• Homemade Fruit Compote: Try a strawberry or raspberry compote for a tangy twist.

Powdered Sugar Substitute

Decorative Alternatives:

• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the donuts for a tropical vibe.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon with granulated sugar for added flavor and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey alternative.

Final Thoughts

The Dunkin’ Donuts Banana Pudding Donut is an indulgent treat that can stand alone or shine even brighter with the right pairings. From hot beverages like bold coffee, cold glasses of almond milk, and fresh fruit sides to savory partners like quiches or crispy bacon, there are many ways to create the perfect balance of flavors.

More Dunkin Recipes:

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• Copycat Dunkin’ Pumpkin Donut Recipe
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