CookDiaries

Green Monster Donuts are a fun, wholesome twist on a sweet treat soft, moist, and packed with hidden goodness. And yes made with fresh spinach, and a touch of warm spice, they’re naturally sweetened and baked to perfection. It’s the kind of donut that feels indulgent but fuels you at the same time, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a better-for-you dessert.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 donuts

Ingredients

Donuts

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup almond milk*
• 3 tbsp avocado oil*
• 1 large, very ripe banana (about 1/2 cup mashed)
• 3 oz fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup agave syrup*
• 1 egg

Icing

• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• sprinkles

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a donut pan with non-stick spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
• Place the almond milk, avocado oil, banana and spinach in a blender (in that order) and blend for about a minute or until the spinach is totally pureed. Add in the syrup and egg and blend for 15 more seconds.
• Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients. Pour the liquid ingredients in, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!
• Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the tip cut off, and fill each cavity of the donut pan until the cavities are each 2/3 full.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when poked. Allow the donuts to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the icing.
• Combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl, and whisk until smooth; add more sugar if the icing is too thin or more cream if it is too thick.
• Using a cake spatula, spread the icing onto the cooled donuts and top with sprinkles.

Notes

1. Use any other non-dairy milk, 1% or 2% dairy milk
2. Substitute honey for the agave, or regular granulated sugar. If using regulated granulated sugar, add it into the dry ingredients rather than into the blender
3. Substitute canola oil or another oil in place of the avocado oil
4. Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but will keep at room temperature, in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If they are too warm, the icing may melt into the donut. I actually keep my leftovers in the fridge to avoid this!