Coffee Cake Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that makes mornings feel special, you’ve found it! These Coffee Cake Donuts are soft, sweet, and topped with a delicious crumbly cinnamon layer. Imagine starting your day with the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen, or serving them at family gatherings to bring everyone together over coffee and conversation. This recipe is a favorite in our home not just for its comforting flavors, but also for how easy it is to whip up!

Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, these donuts will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. They are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these donuts ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll enjoy indulging in these sweet treats just as much as adults do!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and buttery crumb topping creates an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Coffee Cake Donuts use simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with flavors or toppings. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add a Flavor Twist: Mix in some vanilla extract or almond extract for added depth.
• Try Different Toppings: Swap out the crumb topping for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Go Nutty: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Fruit Infusion: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.

How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that your donuts bake evenly. While that’s warming up, take a 6-mold donut pan and coat it with non-stick baking spray so that your donuts come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubes of butter and work them into the mixture swiftly until it resembles coarse meal. Chilling this topping in the freezer while you prepare your donut batter helps it stay crumbly when baked.

Step 3: Make the Donut Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt as your dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients like sour cream, melted butter, light brown sugar, and egg. Gently fold this wet mixture into your dry mixture until just combined—remember not to overmix; we want those tender donuts!

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each mold of your prepared donut pan with the batter. Don’t forget to sprinkle that chilled crumb topping generously on each one before popping them into the oven!

Step 5: Bake Them Up

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until they spring back lightly when pressed. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it—your homemade Coffee Cake Donuts! Enjoy them warm with a hot cup of coffee or share them with loved ones for an extra special treat!

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Donuts

Making Coffee Cake Donuts can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter for the crumb topping – Chilling the butter helps create a flaky texture in the crumb topping, giving your donuts that perfect crunchy bite.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients helps keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts.

• Let the donuts cool before removing from the pan – Allowing them to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan helps them set and reduces the risk of breaking when transferring to a wire rack.

• Experiment with flavors – While cinnamon is classic, you can add a dash of nutmeg or even some vanilla extract to your batter for an extra layer of flavor.

• Store properly – To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts

These Coffee Cake Donuts are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Presenting them well can make your breakfast or snack time feel extra special.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes each donut look irresistible.
• Cinnamon Sugar Mix – Tossing the cooled donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture gives an added crunch and enhances that warm flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the donuts, making it a perfect companion.

• Greek Yogurt with Honey – The creamy texture of Greek yogurt paired with a drizzle of honey provides protein and balances out the richness of the donuts.

• Herbal Tea – An aromatic herbal tea complements the spices in the donuts beautifully while providing a soothing beverage option.

• Coffee or Latte – Of course, nothing pairs better than a warm cup of coffee or latte! The rich flavors enhance your donut experience and make for a cozy breakfast treat.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Coffee Cake Donuts will be not just tasty but also memorable for everyone who enjoys them! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Coffee Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making your mornings or snack times delightful and stress-free.

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 also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the donuts are fully cooled.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the donuts in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but this may make them a bit softer.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind as you prepare your Coffee Cake Donuts!

Can I use a different type of flour for Coffee Cake Donuts?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just remember that the texture may differ slightly.

How do I make my Coffee Cake Donuts more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding vanilla extract or even a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite combination!

Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for sour cream, which will keep the donuts moist and delicious.

How long do Coffee Cake Donuts last?

When stored properly, they will last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts as much as I do! They’re not just tasty treats; they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in during those quiet morning moments. Remember, there’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked donuts filling your home. So go ahead, treat yourself to this delicious recipe—you deserve it! Happy baking!