Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavors of coffee cake with the fun shape of donuts. These sweet, soft treats feature a crumbly cinnamon topping that elevates them to the perfect snack for breakfast or any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon, or simply treating yourself, Coffee Cake Donuts are sure to impress with their unique taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners and quick enough for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with coffee, or serve them as a delightful dessert.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these donuts are great for family gatherings or parties.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Coffee Cake Donuts successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick baking spray
- 6-mold donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag (optional)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick baking spray: Ensures your donuts release easily from the pan without sticking.
- 6-mold donut pan: Gives you perfectly shaped donuts every time.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your batter for a light 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 the cubes of cold butter and work them into the mixture swiftly until it resembles a coarse meal. Place the 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—flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients—sour cream, egg, melted butter, and brown sugar. 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 your prepared donut pan with batter. Once filled, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top of each donut.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently removing them and transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
With this easy recipe for Coffee Cake Donuts, you can create delicious treats that will bring smiles all around! Enjoy your baking!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are delightful and versatile, perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pair your donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a classic combination.
- Tea: Enjoy with herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Hot Chocolate: For a sweet indulgence, serve with rich hot chocolate.
As Breakfast Treats
- Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a colorful fruit salad to add freshness and balance.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer with yogurt and granola for a delicious breakfast option.
At Dessert Time
- Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an exciting dessert twist.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Donuts
To make the best Coffee Cake Donuts, follow these helpful tips to ensure they’re fluffy and delicious.
- Use Cold Butter: Keep the butter cold when making the crumb topping. This helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
- Room Temperature Egg: Make sure your egg is at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness in the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are fantastic on their own but pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing touch.
- Granola: Crunchy granola complements the softness of the donuts while adding texture.
- Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter spread provides healthy fats and protein.
- Cottage Cheese: A scoop of cottage cheese adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds makes a nutritious pairing.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can contrast nicely with sweet donuts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Coffee Cake Donuts can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature eggs and other ingredients. Cold items can affect the batter’s texture and rise.
- Overmixing the batter – Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light, fluffy ones.
- Not chilling the crumb topping – Skipping this step means losing that perfect crumbly texture. Chill your topping while preparing the batter for better results.
- Not preheating the oven – Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper rising of the donuts.
- Skipping the cooling rack – Allowing donuts to cool in the pan traps steam, making them soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack to maintain their texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Coffee Cake Donuts in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Coffee Cake Donuts
- Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Coffee Cake Donuts
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes for freshness.
- Microwave – Heat individual donuts for about 10-15 seconds on low power, ensuring they don’t get tough.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Warm for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Coffee Cake Donuts.
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Donuts?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even different spices to create your unique flavor profile.
How do I make these donuts gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.
What should I serve with Coffee Cake Donuts?
These donuts pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Can I make mini Coffee Cake Donuts?
Yes! Simply adjust the baking time if using a mini donut pan; they may take around 6-8 minutes to bake.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their soft texture and crumbly topping will make them a hit at breakfast or dessert tables alike. Feel free to explore customization options by adding your favorite flavors or toppings!
Coffee Cake Donuts
Indulge in the delightful taste of Coffee Cake Donuts, a perfect fusion of soft, fluffy donuts and the rich flavors of classic coffee cake. These treats are topped with a crumbly cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds an irresistible crunch, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. With their warm, comforting aroma and tender texture, these Coffee Cake Donuts are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch. Enjoy these delicious bites alongside your favorite beverage for a truly satisfying experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 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 granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup butter (cold, for topping)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 6-mold donut pan with non-stick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Chill in the freezer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix sour cream, egg, melted butter, and brown sugar. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each mold of the donut pan with batter and sprinkle with chilled crumb topping.
- Bake for approximately 10-11 minutes or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
