Coffee Cake Donuts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, then these Coffee Cake Donuts are just what you need! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy donut topped with a crumbly cinnamon mixture. It’s like having your favorite coffee cake in donut form! This recipe is not only an easy way to brighten up your breakfast routine, but it also works wonderfully for family gatherings or those cozy weekend brunches when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes these Coffee Cake Donuts even more special is how versatile they are. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a sweet snack for friends, you can whip them up quickly and enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious donuts ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet flavors and soft texture; they’re perfect for kids and adults alike!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the batter in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and crumb topping creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these scrumptious Coffee Cake Donuts, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll 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
This Coffee Cake Donut recipe is quite flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise.
- Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an extra crunch.
- Fruit Infusion: Mix in some blueberries or diced apples into the batter for fruity goodness.
- Glaze It Up: Drizzle a simple glaze over cooled donuts for an added touch of sweetness.
How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures that the donuts rise evenly and develop that perfect fluffy texture. Grab your 6-mold donut pan and coat it with non-stick baking spray so they pop out easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Add in the cold butter pieces and work them quickly into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Chilling this topping while you make the batter helps it maintain its crumbly texture during baking.
Step 3: Make the Donut Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients—sour cream, egg, melted butter, and light brown sugar. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
Step 4: Fill the Pan
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each mold of the prepared donut pan with batter until about three-quarters full. This allows room for rising while baking. Next, evenly sprinkle that delicious crumb topping on each donut – this is where they get their signature flavor!
Step 5: Bake
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes. They’re done when they spring back lightly when pressed. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts fresh from the oven or save some for later – if they last that long! Happy baking!
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Donuts
Making Coffee Cake Donuts can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!
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Use cold butter for crumb topping: Cold butter creates a flaky texture in your crumb topping, ensuring that it stays crunchy and delicious on top of your soft donuts.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry prevents gluten from developing too much, resulting in light and fluffy donuts.
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Fill donut pan evenly: Use a piping bag or spoon to ensure each mold is filled to the same level. This helps them bake evenly and look professional.
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Let them cool properly: Cooling the donuts in the pan for about 10 minutes allows them to set without falling apart. Transferring them to a wire rack ensures they don’t become soggy on the bottom.
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Experiment with spices: If you love flavor, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom to either the batter or crumb topping. These spices add a warm depth that complements cinnamon beautifully.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Presenting your Coffee Cake Donuts can turn a simple treat into an extraordinary experience! Here are some fun ideas for serving them up.
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A light sprinkle of cinnamon not only enhances visual appeal but also boosts that cozy coffee cake vibe.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit: Serve with slices of fresh strawberries or oranges for a refreshing contrast that balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements your coffee cake donuts perfectly.
- Coffee or tea: A robust cup of coffee or floral tea pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, enhancing their flavor while making your breakfast feel special.
- Smoothie: A fruity smoothie can provide a nutritious balance, offering hydration alongside your indulgent donuts.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting spread that elevates your breakfast or snack time with these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
These Coffee Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime without the hassle of making them from scratch every time.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer them fresh, store them in the fridge for up to a week, though they may lose some of their softness.
Freezing
- To freeze, place completely cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat frozen donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you need a quicker option.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Coffee Cake Donuts!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in Coffee Cake Donuts?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative. However, it may result in a denser texture, so consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for lighter donuts.
How do I make Coffee Cake Donuts gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What beverages pair well with Coffee Cake Donuts?
These delightful donuts go perfectly with coffee—especially brewed coffee or lattes—but they also complement tea and hot chocolate beautifully!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Coffee Cake Donuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these Coffee Cake Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only incredibly delicious but also versatile enough to enjoy any time of day. Whether it’s a special breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with friends, these donuts are sure to bring smiles. Happy baking!
Coffee Cake Donuts
Indulge in the soft, fluffy delight of Coffee Cake Donuts topped with a heavenly cinnamon crumb mixture. These easy baked donuts are perfect for brightening up your breakfast or serving as a sweet snack during family gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this comforting treat that captures the essence of your favorite coffee cake in every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these donuts are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumb topping)
- 1/4 cup cold butter (for crumb topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a donut pan with non-stick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse meal. Chill while preparing the batter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine sour cream, egg, melted butter, and brown sugar. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each donut mold three-quarters full with batter and top with crumb mixture.
- Bake for about 10-11 minutes or until they spring back when touched. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
