Coffee Cake Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your morning or make snack time extra special, then you’ll love these Coffee Cake Donuts! They are soft, sweet, and topped with a delicious crumbly cinnamon layer that pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee. This recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for years because it’s so simple and brings the whole family together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, these donuts never fail to impress!

You don’t need to be an expert baker to whip these up. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These Coffee Cake Donuts come together in just 15 minutes of prep time and only 30 minutes in the oven!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them, and they’re perfect for breakfast or as an after-school snack.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you want!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you’ll likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to make our mouthwatering Coffee Cake Donuts!

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 so flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Here are some tasty variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
• Make Them Glazed: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Fruit Add-ins: Fold in some blueberries or diced apples into the batter for added fruitiness.

How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because it ensures your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Take your 6-mold donut pan and coat it generously with non-stick baking spray. This will help the donuts pop out easily once they are baked, leaving them intact and ready to enjoy.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then add your cold butter pieces. Work them into the mixture quickly until it resembles coarse meal. This crumb topping adds that irresistible crunchy texture on top of your soft donuts! Once done, pop it in the freezer while you whip up the batter.

Step 4: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding any wet ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your egg, sour cream, melted butter, and packed brown sugar until smooth. Combining these wet ingredients creates a rich base for our donuts.

Step 6: Mix It All Together

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want your donuts light and fluffy!

Step 7: Fill the Pan

Now it’s time to fill your prepared donut pan! Use either a spoon or a piping bag to carefully fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter. Remember to sprinkle that delicious crumb topping evenly on each donut before baking!

Step 8: Bake Your Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until they spring back lightly when pressed. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Coffee Cake Donuts! Enjoy these warm with your favorite coffee or share them with friends; either way, they’re bound to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Donuts

Making the perfect Coffee Cake Donuts is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some pro tips to ensure your donuts turn out delicious every time!

• Use cold butter for the crumb topping – This keeps the crumb topping flaky and ensures it holds its shape while baking, giving you that perfect texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together prevents the donuts from becoming tough, resulting in a soft and fluffy treat.
• Cool before removing from the pan – Allowing your donuts to cool in the pan for a bit helps them set, making them easier to transfer without falling apart.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of your donuts, creating a unique twist on this classic recipe.
• Store properly – Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for longer freshness, ensuring you can enjoy them at any time.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts

These delightful Coffee Cake Donuts are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast for your family or a sweet snack for guests, here are some serving ideas that will elevate your experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to each donut.
• Cinnamon sprinkle – A dash of cinnamon on top enhances flavor and complements the crumb topping beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfaits – Layers of yogurt, granola, and berries offer a creamy and crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with coffee cake donuts.
• Coffee or tea – A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea serves as a comforting beverage choice that complements the rich flavors of these donuts perfectly.
• Nut butter spread – Serve with almond or cashew butter on the side for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

Enjoy these tips and serving suggestions as you whip up your batch of Coffee Cake Donuts! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Coffee Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance, making them an ideal treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for about a week.

Freezing

• Ensure the donuts are fully cooled, then individually wrap each one in plastic wrap.
• Store the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm donuts, simply remove from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispier texture, reheat in a toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Donuts!

Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This will still provide the moisture and tanginess needed for delicious donuts!

How do I know when my Coffee Cake Donuts are done baking?

Your Coffee Cake Donuts are ready when they spring back lightly when pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. The donuts might be denser, so consider mixing half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for best results.

What is the best way to serve Coffee Cake Donuts?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For an extra touch, drizzle some icing on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts! They’re not just delicious; they’re also easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s breakfast or a sweet snack, these treats will surely brighten your day. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!