Coffee Cake Donut Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, donut lovers and baking enthusiasts! Have you ever craved that perfect blend of moist, tender cake donut with the irresistible crumbly, cinnamon-sugar topping of a classic coffee cake? Well, guess what? You’re about to discover a magical recipe that combines the best of both worlds-the humble coffee cake donut!

This isn’t just any donut recipe; it’s a love letter to your morning coffee, your sweet tooth, and your inner baker. Imagine biting into a soft, cake-like donut that’s bursting with warm spices and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, these coffee cake donuts are a total crowd-pleaser.

So grab your mixing bowls and dust off that donut pan-let’s make some magic happen!

Coffee Cake Donut Recipe

What’s The Vibe?

We’re talking about donuts that are baked, not fried, which means they’re lighter but still decadently delicious. The donut batter is basically a coffee cake batter, which means it’s rich with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla. Then, we pile on a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumb topping that bakes right onto the donuts, giving them that iconic coffee cake crunch.

• Soft, tender crumb inside
• Buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping with a crumbly texture
• Baked for a healthier spin, but still indulgent
• Perfect with a cup of coffee, obviously!

Ingredients Needed

Before we get mixing, here’s everything you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for that soft but sturdy donut structure)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (sweet but not overpowering)
• 2 tsp baking powder (to give our donuts a light, airy rise)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (works with the buttermilk for tenderness)
• 1/2 tsp salt (balances sweetness)
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (the star spice here!)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (adds warmth and depth)

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup buttermilk (adds tanginess and tenderizes the crumb)
• 2 large eggs (for structure and richness)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for moisture and flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (boosts all the flavors)

Topping (Crumb) Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

How To Make Coffee Cake Donut

Alright, let’s walk through this step-by-step, no rush, just fun!

1. Preheat & Prep

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease your donut pan lightly or use a non-stick spray. This will help those beauties pop out clean.

2. Make The Crumb Topping

   • In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

   • In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Make The Batter

   • Pour wet ingredients into the dry. Gently fold with a spatula just until combined-no overmixing! Some lumps are okay.

6. Fill & Top

   • Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling about 3/4 full.
   • Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each filled cavity.

7. Bake!

   • Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean and the crumbs are golden.

8. Cool & Enjoy

   • Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   • Serve warm or at room temp with your favorite coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out a little and talk about why these ingredients do what they do!

• Buttermilk: It’s acidic, which reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, making the donuts light and fluffy. Plus, the acidity tenderizes the flour proteins, giving you a soft crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda combo: Baking powder contains acids and bases that react when wet and heat is applied, while baking soda needs acid (from the buttermilk) to activate. Together, they ensure a perfect rise.
• Butter: Fat coats flour proteins, inhibiting gluten formation, which keeps your donuts tender and moist. Melted butter also adds richness and flavor.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices contain essential oils that release warm, comforting aromas during baking. They create that classic ’coffee cake’ cozy vibe.
• Cold Butter in Crumb: When cut into flour and sugar, it creates a crumbly texture because the fat stays solid, forming little pockets that bake into a crunchy topping.

Expert Tips

Here’s where the magic really happens:

• Don’t overmix the batter! Overworking develops gluten, making donuts tough. Fold gently.
• Use cold butter for the crumb topping to get those perfect, crunchy crumbs instead of a greasy mess.
• Fill the donut cavities just right: too little and the donuts won’t rise nicely; too much and they’ll spill over.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before removing to avoid breakage but enjoy them warm for the best flavor.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder in the batter if you want to amplify that coffee vibe without adding liquid coffee.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the crumb topping.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists:

• Maple Glaze Drizzle: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup and drizzle over the cooled donuts for a sticky, sweet finish.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to the batter and increase cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall-themed donut.
• Chocolate Chip Crumb: Mix mini chocolate chips into the crumb topping for a chocolate-coffee combo.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and egg replacers, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Fried Version: If you want that deep-fried donut texture, you can fry spoonfuls of batter, then toss in cinnamon sugar.

Final Words

If you’ve made it this far, you’re basically ready to become the official coffee cake donut ambassador in your kitchen. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, combining comforting flavors and textures that everyone will adore. These donuts are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and mix-ins. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the heartwarming nostalgia it brings with every bite.

FAQs

What Is A Coffee Cake Donut?

A coffee cake donut is a baked or fried donut inspired by traditional coffee cake. It typically features a moist, cinnamon-flavored base with a crumbly streusel topping and sometimes a glaze. Unlike typical donuts, it is designed to mimic the texture and flavor of coffee cake in a smaller, handheld form.

How Is The Streusel Topping Made For Coffee Cake Donuts?

The streusel topping is usually made by combining all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold butter. These ingredients are mixed until crumbly and then sprinkled over the donut batter before baking to create a crisp, sweet topping.

Can Coffee Cake Donuts Be Baked Instead Of Fried?

Yes, coffee cake donuts are most commonly baked rather than fried. They are typically made in a donut pan and baked in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, which gives them a light, cake-like texture similar to traditional coffee cake.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Basic Coffee Cake Donut Recipe?

A basic coffee cake donut recipe includes flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and butter. For the streusel topping, you’ll need brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. A glaze can be made using powdered sugar and milk or cream.

Can I Make Coffee Cake Donuts Without A Donut Pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin or mini bundt pans. Alternatively, pipe the batter into rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, though the shape may be less uniform. Adjust baking time accordingly to prevent overbaking.

Is There A Gluten-free Version Of Coffee Cake Donuts?

Yes, you can make gluten-free coffee cake donuts by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure all other ingredients, such as baking powder and flavorings, are certified gluten-free.

How Should I Store Coffee Cake Donuts To Keep Them Fresh?

Coffee cake donuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

Can I Add Fruit Or Nuts To A Coffee Cake Donut Recipe?

Yes, finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and small fruit pieces like blueberries or diced apples can be folded into the batter. Be cautious with moisture content when adding fruits, as it may affect baking time and texture.

What Type Of Glaze Works Best On Coffee Cake Donuts?

A simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract complements the flavors of coffee cake donuts. For variation, you can add maple syrup or cinnamon to the glaze for added depth.

Are Coffee Cake Donuts Suitable For Freezing?

Yes, coffee cake donuts freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving. Apply glaze after thawing for best texture.