Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe
If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of coffee cake but crave something a little different for your breakfast or snack time, these Coffee Cake Donuts are about to become your new obsession. They combine the soft, tender crumb of classic coffee cake with the fun, handheld convenience of a donut and a luscious cinnamon crumb topping that’s simply irresistible. Topped off with a smooth vanilla glaze, these donuts are perfect with your morning coffee or an afternoon treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but work together beautifully to create the tender, flavorful base and irresistible crumb topping of the donuts. From the right balance of spices to the creamy sour cream and the subtle richness of avocado oil, each component plays a key role in the overall taste and texture.
- Unsalted butter, ¼ cup melted: This adds richness and helps the crumb topping bind together perfectly.
- Light brown sugar, ¼ cup packed plus ⅓ cup packed: The molasses in brown sugar amplifies the warm, cozy flavors of the donut.
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons: Just the right amount to add sweetness to the topping without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour, ½ cup plus 1 ½ cups: The foundation for the soft donut and crispy crumb topping.
- Cinnamon, 1 ½ teaspoons: A must-have spice for that classic coffee cake warmth.
- Salt, pinch plus ½ teaspoon and another pinch: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Helps the donuts rise and achieve a tender texture.
- Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Works alongside baking soda for the perfect lift.
- Large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Sour cream, ⅓ cup: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the donuts tender and flavorful.
- Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, ¼ cup (plus spray): A neutral oil option that keeps donuts moist without overpowering flavor.
- Milk, ¼ cup: Adds extra moisture and helps form a smooth batter.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons (plus 1 teaspoon for glaze): Provides a fragrant note that complements the cinnamon and sugar perfectly.
- Confectioners sugar, ½ cup: The base of the silky vanilla glaze that adds just the right sweetness on top.
How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray your donut pan with avocado oil spray. This step is essential to ensure your donuts release easily after baking and get that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, half a cup of flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to stir everything together until the mixture clumps into pea-sized crumbs. This crumb topping gives the donuts that signature coffee cake crunch, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 ½ cups of flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will provide structure and the perfect rise for your donuts.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, avocado oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients add moisture and a tender crumb to your donuts.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Your batter will be thick with a few lumps—that’s exactly what you want. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, so be gentle here.
Step 6: Pipe and Top the Donuts
Transfer your batter into a large piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe the batter into each donut mold until they are halfway full. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the donuts, gently pressing it to ensure it sticks well.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the donuts for about 13 minutes, or until they are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan and transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled coffee cake donuts for that perfect sweet finish.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Garnishes
While the crumb topping and glaze make these donuts beautiful on their own, feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even some chopped toasted nuts on top to add some extra crunch and flavor contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks lovely and adds a delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
Coffee Cake Donuts are best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the cinnamon and vanilla flavors. For a more indulgent brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit like berries or a simple yogurt parfait for freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these donuts into a stunning breakfast board by pairing them with assorted spreads like homemade jam, nut butters, and cream cheese. You could even serve them as mini desserts by stacking them on a pretty platter and adding edible flowers or drizzles of chocolate for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Coffee Cake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crumb topping tends to soften after a day, so try to enjoy them fresh for that perfect crunch.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the cooled donuts individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your Coffee Cake Donuts, pop them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This will warm them through and refresh the crumb topping’s texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make these Coffee Cake Donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No donut pan? No problem! You can bake this batter in muffin tins for cake-like muffins with the same delicious crumb topping and glaze. Just adjust baking time to about 15-18 minutes and keep an eye on them.
Can I use oil other than avocado oil?
Yes! While avocado oil is great for its neutral flavor and health benefits, you can swap it for any mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil without impacting the taste too much.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker glaze, add more confectioners sugar a little at a time. For a thinner glaze, simply add more milk, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Are Coffee Cake Donuts suitable for kids?
Definitely! These donuts are kid-friendly, not too sweet, and full of comforting flavors. Plus, their fun shape makes them a hit at family breakfasts and parties.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about Coffee Cake Donuts that brings a smile to your face with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten up your morning, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the best of both donuts and coffee cake in one delightful treat. Give these a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coffee Cake Donuts combine the comforting flavors of classic coffee cake with a soft, cakey donut texture. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumb and a smooth vanilla glaze, these baked donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Donut Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Chosen Foods Avocado Oil
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a standard sized donut pan generously with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to mix everything together until the mixture forms clumps. Set this aside for later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, sour cream, avocado oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—the batter will be slightly lumpy and thick, which is perfect for donuts.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or use a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe the batter into the prepared donut molds. Fill each mold halfway to the top.
- Add Crumb Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each donut. Press lightly so the topping adheres to the batter. Bake the donuts for about 13 minutes or until they turn golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool Donuts: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert them out of the pan onto a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While donuts cool, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked coffee cake donuts!
Notes
- Ensure your egg is at room temperature for best mixing results.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if desired for a slight tang.
- Use a piping bag for cleaner and easier filling, but a plastic sandwich bag with a hole cut in one corner works well too.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: coffee cake donuts, baked donuts, cinnamon crumb topping, vanilla glaze, breakfast donuts, easy homemade donuts
