Date sweetened banana donuts with orange and toasted coconut (vegan, gluten free, oil free)

Honestly, I wanted to make donuts to have for lunch basically every day… I’ve always had a sweet tooth (actually, all of my teeth), so I like to sub refined sugars for unrefined/ natural sweeteners, while still keeping an eye on how much I’m using.  This way,  I feel more energized to do the things I love, such as running outside, and making more donuts.  There’s nothing wrong with indulging when ya want to, but this recipe is written as a healthy alternative, while tasting rich, bright and toasty.  These donuts are a good source of protein, have healthy fats and fruit c:  That is the smilie face with a mouth full of:

~Inspired by date sweetened banana bread recipe found on @sweetsimplevegan.  If you want to look like c: try this, and don’t forget the orange coconut butter glaze!

Donuts

1 flax egg (1 T flaxseed meal + 3 T water)

zest of 1 large orange

2 T orange juice (a little less than half the orange, juiced)

3/4 cup mashed banana (about 2 medium)

1/2 cup packed medjool dates

1/4 cup almond milk

2 tsp vanilla extract, or cooled coffee

1 cup chickpea flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup toasted coconut chips

Method: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a donut pan.  Mix 1 T flaxseed meal with 3 T water in a small bowl and set aside to congeal for 5 min, then toast 1/4 cup coconut chips (I got mine from Trader Joe’s) on a skillet over low/medium heat, tossing with a spatula, and set aside to cool.
2. Zest a large orange and then juice half the orange, combining this with all wet ingredients and the dates in a food processor or high speed blender until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients except the toasted coconut and blend until smooth again, scraping down the sides as needed.  Stir in toasted coconut chips with a spoon, and then drop batter into the pan by the spoonful carefully and evenly.  Bake for 14-15 minutes, and cool in the pan on a rack.  Icing time!

Orange coconut butter glaze

5 T coconut butter

2 T orange juice

2 T honey, or maple syrup for vegan

Method:

Melt coconut butter in a bowl in the microwave for a quick 10-15 seconds, then use a fork to whisk with the other ingredients and dip cooled donuts in!  Top with additional toasted coconut chips, but you donut have to.