Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful fusion of sweet, soft flavors with a crumbly cinnamon topping. These treats are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, elevating any coffee break into something special. Their moist texture and rich flavor make them irresistible, ensuring they shine at any gathering or casual brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious donuts quickly.
- Perfect Pairing: The combination of coffee and donuts creates a classic pairing that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even for dessert—these donuts fit every occasion!
- Flavorful Experience: Each bite offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making them stand out from regular donuts.
- Homemade Goodness: Baking at home allows you to control the ingredients for a fresher, healthier option.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-mold donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick baking spray
- Piping bag (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Donut Pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts perfectly while providing even cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: Using different sizes helps keep your wet and dry ingredients organized during preparation.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures that your batter is well-mixed, achieving the right texture for fluffy donuts.

Ingredients
Coffee Cake Donuts are sweet, soft treats with a crumbly cinnamon topping. They pair perfectly with coffee, making breakfast or snack time extra special.
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 sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
– Add the cold cubes of butter.
– Work the butter 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 all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt).
In another bowl:
– Whisk together wet ingredients (egg, sour cream, melted butter, 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. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly on top of each donut.
Step 5: Bake the Donuts
Bake in the 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 to a wire rack to cool for an additional few minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Coffee Cake Donuts as they melt in your mouth with every bite!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Coffee Cake Donuts are delightful treats that can elevate any breakfast or snack time. Their sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavor pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve with a bowl of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
- Sliced bananas also make a great pairing, adding creaminess to the texture.
Alongside Coffee
- A classic choice is serving these donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, enhancing their rich flavors.
- For a twist, try pairing them with flavored coffee, such as hazelnut or vanilla.
With Cream Cheese Frosting
- A light spread of cream cheese frosting can add a creamy layer that complements the cinnamon topping beautifully.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch.
As Dessert Bites
- Cut the donuts into smaller pieces to serve as dessert bites at gatherings.
- Pair them with mini cups of milk or hot cocoa for an enjoyable treat.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Donuts
To ensure your Coffee Cake Donuts turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
- Chill Crumb Topping: Keeping the crumb topping cold allows it to form a nice crust when baked.
- Check Doneness Gently: Press lightly on the donuts; they should spring back when fully cooked.
- Cool in Pan First: Letting them cool slightly in the pan prevents sticking and maintains their shape.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Donuts
Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Cake Donuts can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Greek Yogurt – A creamy addition that balances the sweetness of the donuts, perfect for breakfast.
- Scrambled Eggs – Savory scrambled eggs complement the sweet flavor well, creating a balanced meal.
- Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal can offer a hearty side that contrasts nicely with light donuts.
- Smoothie Bowl – A colorful smoothie bowl brings freshness and nutrition to your breakfast table.
- Nut Butter Toast – Spread almond or peanut butter on toast for added protein and flavor harmony.
- Fruit Salad – A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and color, making your meal visually appealing and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Coffee Cake Donuts even better. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the chilling step – If you don’t chill the crumb topping, it may not hold its texture when baked. Always place it in the freezer while preparing your batter.
- Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much or too little flour can affect the overall outcome. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for consistency.
- Underbaking the donuts – Make sure to bake until they spring back when pressed lightly. Undercooked donuts can be gummy inside.
- Using stale ingredients – Fresh ingredients ensure better flavor and texture. Always check the freshness of your baking supplies before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Coffee Cake Donuts
- Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap.
- Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Coffee Cake Donuts
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Coffee Cake Donuts that might help you.
How do I make Coffee Cake Donuts gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum included for better texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to Coffee Cake Donuts?
Yes! Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into your batter for a delicious twist.
How long do Coffee Cake Donuts last at room temperature?
They stay fresh for about 1-2 days when stored properly at room temperature.
What is the best way to enjoy Coffee Cake Donuts?
They pair perfectly with coffee or tea, making them ideal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Donuts are delightful treats that everyone will love. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether shared with friends or enjoyed solo. Feel free to customize them by adding fruits or nuts to suit your taste!
Coffee Cake Donuts
Indulge in the delightful world of Coffee Cake Donuts, where sweet, soft flavors meet a crumbly cinnamon topping. These baked treats are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, transforming any coffee break into a special occasion. With their moist texture and rich flavor, these donuts are sure to impress at gatherings or casual brunches. Easy to prepare and customizable, you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 6-mold donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a small bowl, mix 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 dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt). In another bowl, combine wet ingredients (egg, sour cream, melted butter, brown sugar) and gently fold into the dry mixture until combined.
- Spoon batter into the donut pan molds and sprinkle with chilled crumb topping.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed. Cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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