Coffee Cake Donuts are delightful, sweet treats that combine a soft donut with a crumbly cinnamon topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these donuts make every coffee break feel special. With their rich flavor and inviting aroma, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These Coffee Cake Donuts come together quickly, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and the sweet crumb topping creates an irresistible flavor.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert.
- Perfect Pairing: They go wonderfully with your favorite coffee or tea.
- Customizable Options: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite spices or toppings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Coffee Cake Donuts, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick baking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes the donuts perfectly for that classic look and texture.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients helps avoid overmixing, ensuring fluffier donuts.
- Piping bag: While optional, it allows for easy filling of the donut pan without mess.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Coffee Cake Donuts, gather the following ingredients:
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
How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Coffee Cake Donuts.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, take a 6-mold donut pan and coat it with non-stick baking spray. Set the pan aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together:
* granulated sugar,
* all-purpose flour,
* cinnamon.
Add the cubes of cold butter into the mixture. Work them into the dry ingredients swiftly until it resembles a coarse meal. Place this crumb topping in the freezer to chill while you prepare the donut batter.
Step 3: Make the Donut Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
* all-purpose flour,
* baking powder,
* salt.
In another bowl, whisk together:
* sour cream,
* egg,
* light brown sugar,
* melted butter.
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fill the Pan
Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each mold in the prepared donut pan with batter. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly on top of each donut.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the oven for about 10-11 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing them and transferring them to a wire rack to cool for a few more minutes.
Enjoy your homemade Coffee Cake Donuts!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts can be enjoyed in various delightful ways to enhance your breakfast or snack experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will make these donuts even more enjoyable.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Slices of fresh strawberries, bananas, or apples add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and soft donuts.
Accompany with Yogurt
- A dollop of plain or flavored yogurt provides a creamy texture that complements the crumbly topping of the donuts.
Serve with Coffee
- Brew a cup of your favorite coffee and enjoy it alongside Coffee Cake Donuts for a perfect morning treat.
Add a Drizzle of Glaze
- A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can elevate the sweetness and create an appealing finish on the donuts.
Use as a Dessert Base
- Crumble the donuts over ice cream or pudding for a delicious dessert twist that combines flavors and textures.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Donuts
Making perfect Coffee Cake Donuts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts turn out just right.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky crumb topping that adds texture to your donuts.
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: The donuts should spring back when lightly pressed; this indicates they are perfectly baked.
- Cool properly: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them, preventing them from falling apart.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor in your batter.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts pair well with several side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here’s a list of great options to consider.
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the donuts.Smoothie
Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk for a refreshing drink that complements the rich donut flavors.Granola
A crunchy granola mix offers a satisfying texture contrast while also providing additional nutrients.Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits creates a cozy breakfast pairing with your donuts.Chia Pudding
This creamy, nutrient-packed dish can be made ahead and served chilled alongside your warm donuts.Herbal Tea
A soothing cup of herbal tea can balance out the sweetness, making for a relaxing afternoon snack or dessert option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Coffee Cake Donuts, avoid these common mistakes to ensure your treats come out perfectly.
- Using warm ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients like eggs or sour cream can affect the batter’s texture. Always bring them to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Skipping the crumb topping: The crumb topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your Coffee Cake Donuts!
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can alter the baking time and texture. Ensure your oven is fully preheated at 350°F before baking.
- Filling the donut pan too much: Overfilling can cause the donuts to spill over while baking. Fill each mold no more than two-thirds full.
- Cooling in the pan too long: Leaving donuts in the pan for too long can make them soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack shortly after baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Coffee Cake Donuts in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Coffee Cake Donuts
- Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Coffee Cake Donuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one donut for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place a donut on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for around 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Coffee Cake Donuts that may help you while preparing this delicious treat.
Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This ensures fresh donuts in the morning!
How do I know when my Coffee Cake Donuts are done?
Your donuts are done when they spring back lightly when pressed. You can also insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
What can I substitute for sour cream in Coffee Cake Donuts?
You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as alternatives to sour cream. Both will provide similar moisture and tanginess.
How should I store leftover Coffee Cake Donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Their customizable nature allows you to experiment with different flavors or toppings, ensuring each batch is unique. Try making these delicious donuts today!
Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful and sweet treat that perfectly combines a soft donut base with a scrumptious crumbly topping. These baked goodies are ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, and their enticing aroma will surely impress family and friends. With an irresistible flavor profile of cinnamon and sweetness, these donuts are easy to make and customizable with your favorite spices or toppings. Enjoy them warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a truly special experience.
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup butter (cold, for crumb topping)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumb topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a donut pan with non-stick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill in the freezer while preparing the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix sour cream, egg, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- Fill each donut mold with batter and sprinkle chilled crumb topping evenly over each donut.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed. Cool briefly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment by incorporating nutmeg or vanilla extract into the batter. Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt for an extra touch of freshness.
