Coffee Cake Donuts

Coffee Cake Donuts are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. These soft, sweet treats come topped with a crumbly cinnamon mixture that adds an irresistible crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these donuts create the ideal pairing with your morning coffee. Their unique texture and flavor make them stand out in any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have freshly baked Coffee Cake Donuts in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them on their own or pair with your favorite beverages for a perfect treat any time of day.
• Perfectly Baked: These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter alternative that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 delicious donuts, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Coffee Cake Donuts, you’ll need some essential tools to help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag or spoon
• Freezer-safe container

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick donut pan: Ensures easy release of the donuts without sticking, giving you perfectly shaped treats.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess, crucial for achieving the right batter consistency.
• Piping bag or spoon: Helps in filling the donut pan neatly, preventing spills and ensuring uniform shapes.

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 cubes of butter, working 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—namely the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients—this includes the egg, sour cream, and melted butter.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your donuts fluffy.

Step 6: Fill Donut Pan

Spoon or use a piping bag to fill each mold of your prepared donut pan with batter. Then sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly on top of each donut.

Step 7: 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 to a wire rack to cool for a few more minutes.

Enjoy these delightful Coffee Cake Donuts fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts

Coffee Cake Donuts are delightful treats that can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of these sweet delights.

With Fresh Fruit

• Seasonal Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: Pairing donuts with banana slices adds a creamy texture that complements the cake.

Alongside Coffee

• Espresso: A shot of rich espresso enhances the coffee flavor in the donuts, creating a perfect pairing.
• Iced Coffee: For warmer days, serve with iced coffee for a cool and refreshing treat.

As Dessert

• Whipped Cream: Top with fresh whipped cream for a decadent finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate adds extra sweetness and indulgence.

At Brunch

• Yogurt Parfait: Create layers with yogurt, granola, and sliced donuts for an interesting twist.
• Savory Dishes: Complement with scrambled eggs or a veggie omelet for balance.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Donuts

To achieve the best Coffee Cake Donuts, follow these tips for optimal results.

• Bold Cold Butter: Use cold butter for the crumb topping to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
• Bold Room Temperature Egg: Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness in the batter.
• Bold Don’t Overmix: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients to keep your donuts light and airy.
• Bold Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense donuts from too much flour.
• Bold Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time as ovens may vary; check doneness by gently pressing the tops.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Donuts

Pairing side dishes with Coffee Cake Donuts can enhance your breakfast or snack experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt – Creamy yogurt complements the sweetness of donuts while adding protein.
3. Granola – Crunchy granola brings texture and can be served on the side or layered with yogurt.
4. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a well-rounded meal.
5. Cinnamon Oatmeal – A warm bowl of cinnamon oatmeal pairs nicely and enhances the cozy flavors.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A fruity smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers nutrition alongside sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Coffee Cake Donuts can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using cold eggs or sour cream can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not preheating the oven – Baking in a cold oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure proper baking temperatures.
• Skipping the crumb topping chill – Not chilling the crumb topping can lead to it melting into the donuts during baking. Chill it in the freezer before using for a perfect crumbly texture.
• Using stale ingredients – Old baking powder or flour can ruin your donuts. Always check expiration dates and use fresh ingredients for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Coffee Cake Donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Cake Donuts

• Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Donuts

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying them out.
• Stovetop – Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Donuts:

Can I make Coffee Cake Donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I customize my Coffee Cake Donuts?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit like blueberries for extra flavor. Experiment with different spices like nutmeg too!

What is the best way to serve Coffee Cake Donuts?

These donuts pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as a delightful snack.

Can I make these Coffee Cake Donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them beforehand and store them as mentioned above, making them great for meal prep.

How do I know when my Coffee Cake Donuts are done?

They are ready when they spring back lightly when pressed or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

Coffee Cake Donuts are an irresistible treat that combines sweetness with a delightful crumbly topping. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various flavors and toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!