Coffee Cake Donuts
If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your mornings, these Coffee Cake Donuts are just the ticket! They are sweet, soft treats topped with a crumbly cinnamon mix that takes breakfast or snack time to a whole new level. I love making these on busy weekends when I want something special for my family without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings and a cozy afternoon coffee break with friends. Once you bake a batch, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Coffee Cake Donuts can be whipped up in just 45 minutes, making them a breeze to prepare even on hectic mornings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids adore the sweet flavor and soft texture. They make a fantastic treat for the whole family!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack — they fit any occasion perfectly!
- Make Ahead: Bake these donuts in advance and store them for quick snacks during the week. They taste just as good later!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sweetness makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! With just a few staples, you can create these delicious Coffee Cake Donuts.
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
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize these donuts to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist.
- Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Glaze Them Up: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts for extra sweetness.
How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and come out fluffy. Grab your 6-mold donut pan and coat it with non-stick baking spray so that your delicious creations pop out easily once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then add those cold cubes of butter! Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal. This step is key because it creates that delightful crumb topping we all love. Place it in the freezer while you prep the donut batter; this will help keep it nice and crumbly.
Step 3: Mix the Donut Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt — our dry ingredients! In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: egg, sour cream, and melted butter. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want our donuts to be light and fluffy!
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Now comes the fun part! Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each cavity of your prepared donut pan with batter. Don’t forget to sprinkle that chilled crumb topping generously over each donut — this is what makes them so irresistible!
Step 5: Bake
Place your filled donut pan in the oven and bake for about 10-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should spring back when lightly pressed. Once done, 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 out of the oven with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Donuts
Making the perfect Coffee Cake Donuts is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love. Here are some pro tips to ensure delicious results every time!
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Use cold butter for the topping: Chilled butter helps create that delightful crumbly texture in the topping. This is key to achieving that crunchy contrast against the soft donut.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together ensures that your donuts remain light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts.
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Fill the donut pan evenly: Ensuring equal portions in each mold will help your donuts bake uniformly. This way, you won’t have one donut overly large while another is tiny!
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Check doneness carefully: Since oven temperatures can vary, it’s important to check your donuts a minute or two early. They’re done when they spring back after a gentle press.
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Let them cool before serving: Allowing your donuts to cool on a wire rack prevents sogginess from steam and gives you that perfect bite with a crispy topping.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts
Serving Coffee Cake Donuts is just as fun as baking them! These treats are great for breakfast gatherings or cozy coffee breaks, and there are plenty of ways to make them shine on your table.
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch without overwhelming the flavor of the donuts.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of cinnamon on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing visual element.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
- Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, Greek yogurt pairs beautifully with these donuts, offering a satisfying dip or side.
- Coffee or tea: The classic pairing! A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the flavors perfectly and makes for an idyllic breakfast experience.
- Scrambled eggs: For a more filling breakfast, serve your donuts alongside fluffy scrambled eggs. The savory aspect balances well with the sweetness.
Now that you’re equipped with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to whip up some delightful Coffee Cake Donuts! Enjoy every bite with friends or family and create lovely memories around the breakfast table.

Make Ahead and Storage
Coffee Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their freshness:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezing
- To freeze, ensure the donuts are fully cooled.
- Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- For best results, thaw frozen donuts overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm (be careful not to overheat).
- Alternatively, reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Donuts:
Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts without eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) for a vegan-friendly version.
How do I make Coffee Cake Donuts more flavorful?
For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or nutmeg to your batter. You could also mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and taste!
How long do Coffee Cake Donuts last?
When stored properly, Coffee Cake Donuts can last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What makes these Coffee Cake Donuts special?
These Coffee Cake Donuts stand out because of their soft texture and delicious crumb topping that creates a delightful contrast with each bite. Plus, they pair perfectly with your morning coffee!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts! They are not just treats; they’re little bundles of happiness perfect for brightening your mornings or satisfying your snack cravings. Enjoy every bite and share them with loved ones; they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
Coffee Cake Donuts
Brighten your mornings with these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts! Soft, sweet, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb, these baked treats are an easy way to elevate breakfast or snack time. Perfect for busy weekends or casual gatherings, they take just 45 minutes to prepare. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds. Whether paired with a cup of coffee or enjoyed on their own, these Coffee Cake Donuts are sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold butter (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 (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
- Prepare the crumb topping by mixing sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly; freeze while preparing the batter.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine egg, sour cream, and melted butter. Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
- Fill the donut pan with batter and sprinkle with crumb topping.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until donuts spring back when touched. Cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg