Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe

 

If you’re a fan of cozy breakfasts and sweet treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Coffee Cake Donuts. They combine the tender crumb of classic coffee cake with the irresistible shape and texture of a donut, topped off with a perfectly crumbly cinnamon streusel. These little delights bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence to any morning or coffee break, making Coffee Cake Donuts an instant favorite for sharing or savoring solo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced donut: tender, moist inside with a touch of tang from sour cream, sweetness from brown sugar, and a buttery crumb topping that adds just the right crunch and spice.

• Cold butter (crumb topping): Adds richness and helps create that classic crumbly texture.
• Granulated sugar (crumb topping): Provides crisp sweetness to contrast the softness of the donuts.
• All-purpose flour (crumb topping and donuts): The base that gives these treats their structure and tenderness.
• Cinnamon (crumb topping): Adds a warm, fragrant spice that’s essential to classic coffee cake flavor.
• Large egg (donuts): Binds ingredients and contributes to a light, airy texture.
• Sour cream (donuts): Keeps the donuts moist and adds a slight tanginess that balances sweetness beautifully.
• Light brown sugar (donuts): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon topping.
• Melted butter (donuts): Adds richness and tenderness to the batter.
• Baking powder (donuts): Gives the donuts their gentle rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt (donuts): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 6-mold donut pan with non-stick baking spray to ensure your donuts come out perfectly without sticking. Set it aside—it’ll come in handy very soon.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then, quickly cut in the cold butter pieces using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pop the crumb topping into the freezer while you mix the donut batter; chilling it keeps those crumbs crisp and perfect for topping.

Step 3: Mix the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, sour cream, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Carefully combine the wet and dry ingredients by folding them together gently—you want the batter mixed but not overworked, so you keep those donuts tender and light.

Step 4: Fill the Pan and Add Topping

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into each donut mold. Don’t overfill; about ¾ full works best. Then, generously sprinkle the chilled crumb topping onto each donut, covering the surface for that iconic coffee cake crunch and cinnamon aroma.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your Coffee Cake Donuts for about 10 to 11 minutes, until they spring back when pressed lightly. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps them set and prevents breaking. Finally, transfer your freshly baked beauties to a wire rack to cool completely or just warm enough to enjoy that perfect melt-in-your-mouth moment.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, dust your Coffee Cake Donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze. These additions bring a hint of sweetness and a polished look without taking away from the crumbly topping’s star role.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a chilled glass of milk. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a berry compote adds brightness and balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Coffee Cake Donuts stacked on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand for gatherings. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of whipped cream or flavored cream cheese spread for dipping—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Coffee Cake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness and fresh crumb topping.

Freezing

Wrap the donuts individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Coffee Cake Donuts maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for a future treat whenever you crave them.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover donuts back to life, warm them gently in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This reheating method restores that fresh-baked aroma and melts the crumb topping just right.

FAQs

Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts without a donut pan?

While a donut pan helps create the classic shape, you can bake this batter in muffin tins for a similar muffin-style coffee cake treat. Just adjust baking time slightly and expect a more cake-like texture without the donut hole.

Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness, keeping the donuts tender and flavorful. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but don’t skip this ingredient entirely for best results.

Can I make these donuts vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free yogurt, you can definitely experiment to make vegan or dairy-free Coffee Cake Donuts. The texture might vary a bit but still delicious!

How long do Coffee Cake Donuts stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed fresh within 1 to 2 days. After that, they start to dry out, so storing them properly or freezing leftovers is key to preserving their delightful texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the crumb topping or batter add a lovely crunch, and a handful of chocolate chips can make these donuts even more indulgent.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful way to brighten any morning or snack time with something homemade, warm, and oh so comforting. Once you taste the tender crumb, buttery cinnamon topping, and that little hint of tang from sour cream, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to these irresistible donuts—you won’t regret it!

 

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