Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of coffee cake with the fun shape of donuts. These sweet, soft treats with a crumbly cinnamon topping are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Their unique texture and flavor make them a standout choice for any occasion when you want something sweet. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet morning at home, Coffee Cake Donuts will elevate your experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of cinnamon and buttery crumb topping creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them warm with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for an ideal breakfast treat.
- Versatile Occasion: Great for brunches, parties, or just as a sweet indulgence during the week.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love these delightful donuts!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this scrumptious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag (optional)
- Freezer-safe container
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick donut pan: Ensures easy release of the donuts after baking, preventing any breakage.
- Mixing bowls: Different sizes help in efficiently combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for ensuring your wet and dry ingredients are well blended for the best texture.

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
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.
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 cubes and work them into the mixture 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 the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In another separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg, sour cream, and melted butter. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each mold of the prepared donut pan with batter. Make sure to fill them evenly. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping generously on top of each filled mold.
Step 5: Bake
Place your filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-11 minutes or until they spring back when lightly pressed. Once done, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing them. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Coffee Cake Donuts! They are sure to impress at any gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth during any time of day!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a quiet morning, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries balances the rich flavors of the donuts.
- Banana Slices: Add slices for a creamy texture that complements the cinnamon topping.
Enjoy with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Drizzle with Glaze
- Simple Glaze: A light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds sweetness and makes for an appealing finish.
- Cinnamon Glaze: Mix in some cinnamon for a delightful twist that pairs well with the donut’s flavors.
Accompany with Coffee
- Fresh Brewed Coffee: The classic pairing enhances the coffee notes in the donuts.
- Cold Brew: For warmer days, cold brew coffee offers a refreshing alternative.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Donuts
To achieve the best Coffee Cake Donuts, follow these tips for perfect results every time.
- Use Cold Butter: Keeping butter cold when making crumb topping helps achieve a crunchy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently folding wet and dry ingredients together preserves the lightness of the donuts.
- Room Temperature Egg: Using an egg at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated to avoid undercooking or overcooking your donuts.
- Cool Before Serving: Letting them cool allows flavors to develop fully and makes them easier to handle.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt adds protein and pairs well with sweet donuts.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola and yogurt for a crunchy, satisfying dish alongside your donuts.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that complements the richness of the donuts.
- Oatmeal: Warm oatmeal can add heartiness to your breakfast spread while balancing sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like cream cheese contrast nicely with the sweetness of the donuts.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a nutritious option next to your treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Coffee Cake Donuts can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes ensures the best results.
- Bold Mixing Errors – Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect doneness. Always preheat your oven to 350°F for even baking.
- Bold Skipping Chilling Time – Not chilling the crumb topping may result in it melting into the batter. Chill it while you prepare your donuts for better texture.
- Bold Forgetting to Grease the Pan – An ungreased pan can cause sticking. Ensure you use non-stick spray generously on your donut pan before filling.
- Bold Ignoring Cooling Time – Removing donuts too soon from the pan can cause them to break. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled Coffee Cake Donuts in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Coffee Cake Donuts
- Place the cooled donuts in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.
Reheating Coffee Cake Donuts
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, then warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat each donut for about 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating which may make them tough.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Donuts.
Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake them fresh on serving day!
How do I customize my Coffee Cake Donuts?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
What is the best way to store leftover Coffee Cake Donuts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.
Can I freeze Coffee Cake Donuts?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored properly before freezing.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various add-ins like spices or toppings. They make a fantastic addition to breakfast or as a sweet treat anytime. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful bites with your favorite coffee!
Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful fusion of rich coffee cake flavors and the fun shape of donuts. These soft, sweet pastries feature a crumbly cinnamon topping that transforms any breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack into a special occasion. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo with your favorite beverage, these donuts are sure to become a household favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately six donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a non-stick donut pan.
- For the crumb topping, mix granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Blend in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal and chill in the freezer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, sour cream, and melted butter. Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Fill each mold of the donut pan with batter and sprinkle with chilled crumb topping.
- Bake for about 10-11 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed. Let cool before removing from the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
