So, its my daughter’s 7th Birthday tomorrow. She had no real preference for what she brought to school as her treat. Options were discussed: Fruit parfaits, Berry Trifle (we did this in preschool), and Self-frosting Nutella Cupcakes (tried recipe, it failed.) But, when I found out I could borrow donut baking pans, then I knew!
I took a banana bread recipe and made it over. (Peggy – thanks for a good recipe to start with!)
Banana Bread
1/2 cup canola oil
1 8-oz pkg. low fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups mashed ripe banana (abt. 4-5 medium)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1-2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
Orange Glaze
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp. orange juice
1 tsp. grated orange peel, optional
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add bananas and vanilla, mix well.
Combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt; add to creamed mixture. Fold in nuts.
Transfer mixture to 2 greased loaf pans. (Also makes 30 donuts). Bake at 350 degrees for 1-1 ¼ hours.
Whisk the glaze ingredients; drizzle over loaves./donuts Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.
Happy Birthday to my smart, beautiful, and thoughtful seven year old daughter! I hope you and your classmates enjoy these donuts tomorrow!
