Coffee Cake Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day or whip up a sweet treat, you’ve come to the right place! These Coffee Cake Donuts are more than just mouth-watering; they’re soft, sweet, and topped with a crumbly cinnamon mixture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast or a cozy weekend brunch with family, these donuts are sure to bring smiles and warmth to any occasion.

I love this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of coffee cake with the fun of donuts. Plus, they’re easy to make! You can enjoy them warm from the oven or save some for later. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 45 minutes, you’ll have fresh donuts ready to enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: These treats are perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves a good donut.
• Make Ahead: Bake a batch on the weekend and savor them all week long.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates an irresistible topping that pairs beautifully with coffee.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe uses everyday pantry staples that make preparing these Coffee Cake Donuts a breeze.

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter (cold and cut into pieces)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Variations

This Coffee Cake Donuts recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ways to customize your donuts:

• Add some spice: Mix in nutmeg or cardamom for an extra flavor kick.
• Fruit it up: Toss in some blueberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
• Go chocolatey: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donuts for a decadent treat.
• Nutty topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch.

How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing your donut pan with non-stick baking spray ensures your donuts release easily after baking. It’s important not to skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then, add those cold butter pieces and work them into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Chilling this topping while you make the batter gives it that perfect crumbly texture when baked.

Step 3: Whip Up the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix together your wet ingredients: egg, sour cream, melted butter, and brown sugar. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough donuts!

Step 4: Fill Your Pan

Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each mold of your prepared donut pan with batter. Top each one generously with that delicious crumb topping we made earlier—it’s what makes these Coffee Cake Donuts so special!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until they spring back when lightly pressed. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps keep them soft and fluffy.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts fresh out of the oven—perfect for making any morning feel special!

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Donuts

Making Coffee Cake Donuts can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can elevate your baking to the next level!

• Use cold butter for crumb topping: Chilling the butter helps create that crumbly texture we all love. It ensures that the fat doesn’t melt into the sugar mixture too quickly, giving you that perfect crumble on top.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry ones is crucial. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones, so keep it light!

• Let the donuts cool properly: Allowing your donuts to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack prevents them from breaking apart and keeps them moist.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add vanilla extract or even a splash of brewed coffee to your batter for an extra flavor boost. This adds depth and makes each bite even more delicious!

• Store properly: If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for days.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts

Serving Coffee Cake Donuts is just as fun as making them! Here are some simple yet charming ways to present these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: For those who crave extra spice, a dash of cinnamon on top enhances their flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
• Greek yogurt with honey: Creamy yogurt drizzled with honey provides a rich contrast and pairs wonderfully with coffee cake donuts.
• Coffee or tea: These donuts are perfect alongside your favorite brew! A cup of rich coffee or herbal tea complements their flavors beautifully.
• Nut butter spread: Try serving with almond or cashew butter for a nutty twist that adds protein and richness.

These serving ideas will surely make your Coffee Cake Donuts a hit whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Coffee Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their delightful freshness:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
• If thawed, they only need about 2-3 minutes in the oven or you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Donuts.

Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts without sour cream?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even applesauce for similar moisture and tanginess.

How do I achieve a crispier crumb topping for my Coffee Cake Donuts?

To get a crunchier crumb topping, ensure your butter is cold when mixing and consider baking the donuts a little longer if needed—just watch closely!

Can I add additional flavors to my Coffee Cake Donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vanilla extract, nuts, or even chocolate chips to customize your Coffee Cake Donuts.

What’s the best way to serve Coffee Cake Donuts?

Serve warm with your favorite coffee or tea; they’re delightful on their own or drizzled with icing!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Coffee Cake Donuts! They’re not just delicious but also bring a sense of warmth that makes breakfast or snack time feel special. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself—either way, I hope this recipe lights up your kitchen. Happy baking!