Coffee Cake Donuts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, then these Coffee Cake Donuts are just what you need! They are sweet, soft, and topped with a crumbly cinnamon layer that makes them irresistible. Whether it’s a busy morning or a cozy family gathering, these donuts will surely brighten your day. Pair them with your favorite cup of coffee, and you’ve got the perfect breakfast or snack that everyone will love.
I adore this recipe because it’s so simple to whip up, yet the results feel special enough for company. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm donuts filling your kitchen—it’s comforting and nostalgic all at once!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy fresh donuts without much fuss.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone in the family will enjoy these sweet treats—kids and adults alike!
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack; they fit into any part of your day.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sweetness in every bite will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything before we dive into baking!
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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients based on what you have at home.
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Mix in Fruits: Try adding blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist.
- Change Up the Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Glaze It Up: Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled donuts for an added touch of sweetness.
How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential as it ensures that your donuts rise properly while baking. While waiting for the oven to heat up, take a 6-mold donut pan and coat it with non-stick baking spray. This prevents sticking and makes removing those delicious donuts easier once they’re baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Then add the cold butter cubes. The key here is to work quickly so that the butter stays cold while blending it into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Placing this crumb topping in the freezer helps it firm up while you prepare your donut batter—this ensures nice chunks when it bakes on top of your donuts!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your batter—a crucial step for achieving fluffy donuts.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: sour cream, egg, melted butter, and light brown sugar. This combination adds moisture and sweetness to your donuts. Gently fold this wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want tender donuts!
Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan
Using either a spoon or piping bag, fill each mold in your prepared donut pan with batter. Aim to fill each mold about three-quarters full. Now comes the fun part! Evenly sprinkle that chilled crumb topping on each donut before they head into the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-11 minutes. They’re done when they spring back lightly when pressed! Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist eating them warm right out of the pan!
Enjoy every bite of these Coffee Cake Donuts!
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Donuts
Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your Coffee Cake Donuts turn out perfectly every time!
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Use cold butter for the crumb topping: Chilled butter helps create a flakier texture in the crumb topping, giving it that desirable crunch when baked.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together preserves the lightness of the donuts, ensuring they come out soft and fluffy.
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Chill the crumb topping: Keeping the crumb mixture cold before baking helps it hold its shape on top of the donuts, resulting in a beautifully textured finish.
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Test doneness with a toothpick: Instead of relying solely on baking time, insert a toothpick into one of the donuts. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!
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Let them cool properly: Allowing the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps prevent them from breaking apart.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Serving your Coffee Cake Donuts can be as fun as making them! They’re perfect for breakfast gatherings or an afternoon snack with friends. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your presentation.
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your donuts look irresistible.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of cinnamon on top enhances the flavor profile and adds visual appeal.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits such as berries, melons, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts.
- Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruit complements the flavors of your donuts while adding creaminess.
- Coffee or tea: Brewed coffee or a warm cup of herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these donuts, enhancing your breakfast experience.
- Nut butter spread: Offer almond or sunflower seed butter for guests who might enjoy spreading something creamy on their donuts.
Enjoy serving and sharing your delightful Coffee Cake Donuts!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Coffee Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making breakfast or snack time a breeze throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you’d like to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their freshness for about a week.
Freezing
- Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date!
Reheating
- To reheat frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts.
Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts without sour cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even applesauce for a different flavor profile while keeping the moisture intact.
How long do Coffee Cake Donuts last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these delicious donuts will last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.
Are Coffee Cake Donuts easy to make?
Yes! This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll be enjoying your homemade Coffee Cake Donuts in no time.
Can I customize the crumb topping on my Coffee Cake Donuts?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to your crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts! They’re not just sweet treats; they bring warmth and comfort to your mornings or any time of day. Enjoy every bite and share them with loved ones—they’re bound to brighten anyone’s day. Happy baking!
Coffee Cake Donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 6 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re craving a deliciously soft and sweet treat, these Coffee Cake Donuts are the answer! Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they feature a delightful crumb topping that adds a satisfying crunch. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this easy recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leave everyone wanting more. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared at a family gathering, these homemade donuts are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Chill in the freezer.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, mix sour cream, egg, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each mold of the donut pan three-quarters full with batter and sprinkle with crumb topping.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until lightly springy to touch. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
