If you’re looking for a showstopper of a morning treat, these Coffee Cake Donuts are exactly what you need. They combine the tender crumb of a classic coffee cake with the fun shape and flavor punch of a baked donut. Every bite brings together buttery crumbs, a light, fluffy interior, and a bit of cozy cinnamon—perfect for pairing with your favorite cup of coffee. Whether you serve these to family or bring them along to a brunch, Coffee Cake Donuts always deliver a soft, nostalgic sweetness that feels both familiar and exciting.

Coffee Cake Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, these donuts come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture to giving that signature crumbly topping every great coffee cake should have.

Butter (cold and cut into pieces): Essential for that classic crumb topping, bringing richness and that unbeatable buttery taste.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crumb topping become perfectly crisp.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to both the crumb and the donut, resulting in a soft but sturdy base.
Cinnamon: A dash of warm spice ties everything together and gives the donuts their coffee cake personality.
Egg (large, at room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Sour Cream: Delivers that classic coffee cake tang and helps keep each donut moist.
Light Brown Sugar (packed): Deepens the sweetness and adds a lovely hint of caramel flavor to the donuts.
Butter (melted): Blends seamlessly into the batter to add richness and tenderness.
Baking Powder: Guarantees your Coffee Cake Donuts have a nice rise and soft crumb.
Salt: A pinch brings all the flavors together and keeps the donuts balanced, never bland.

How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring an even bake from the start. Grab a 6-mold donut pan and give it a generous spray with non-stick baking spray so your Coffee Cake Donuts pop out effortlessly later on.

Step 2: Mix Up the Crumb Topping

While your oven works its magic, get the crumb topping ready. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then add in the cubes of cold butter, working them in with your fingers or a fork until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse meal. To keep the crumbs firm and prevent them from melting too quickly, pop the topping into the freezer while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar together. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that your Coffee Cake Donuts rise evenly and every bite is perfectly sweet.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, and melted butter. The sour cream not only adds subtle tanginess, it also guarantees a tender crumb that stays moist even after baking. Make sure everything is well blended before joining the dry mix.

Step 5: Gently Fold to Create the Batter

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and fold together gently, just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and no one wants that! A few lumps are totally normal and actually help with the cake’s light texture.

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Add the Crumb Topping

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into your prepared donut pan, filling each well about two-thirds full. Take the crumb mixture out of the freezer and sprinkle it liberally across the tops—don’t be shy, those buttery crumbs are what make Coffee Cake Donuts shine.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 10 to 11 minutes. When the donuts spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer each donut to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can resist digging in immediately!).

How to Serve Coffee Cake Donuts

Garnishes

An extra dusting of powdered sugar is always a lovely touch for Coffee Cake Donuts. You can also drizzle on a quick vanilla glaze or sprinkle a bit more cinnamon for even more coffee cake charm.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a big mug of freshly brewed coffee for the ultimate morning treat. If you’re serving brunch, these go beautifully next to a bowl of fresh berries or some creamy Greek yogurt to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Coffee Cake Donuts on a rustic cake stand lined with parchment, or stack them in a cozy basket with a colorful napkin tucked underneath. For special mornings, set up a DIY donut bar with various glaze drizzles and toppings so guests can make each donut their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, Coffee Cake Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay surprisingly moist thanks to the sour cream and brown sugar, though the crumb topping is at its very best the day of baking.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these donuts freeze perfectly! Arrange the cooled, unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy Coffee Cake Donuts straight from the freezer, just pop them in a 300 degree oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave one at a time in 10-second bursts until warmed through. This brings back their just-baked softness and perks up the crumb topping.

FAQs

Do I need a donut pan to make Coffee Cake Donuts?

While a donut pan definitely delivers that classic shape, you can use a well-greased muffin tin in a pinch. Just watch the bake time—a couple of extra minutes might be needed.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain full-fat Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream and provides the same moist texture with a slight tang. It’s a great option if you’re out of sour cream.

Is there a way to make these Coffee Cake Donuts gluten-free?

Yes—substitute a good 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Make sure your baking powder and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

Can I add nuts or fruit to the recipe?

Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumb topping are fantastic, and a handful of blueberries gently folded into the batter adds a fresh, fruity bite.

Why are my donuts tough or dry?

This usually happens from overmixing the batter or baking too long. Mix just until combined and check your donuts at the minimum bake time—the result should be tender and moist every time.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the cozy crumb and tender bite of Coffee Cake Donuts, you’ll want to make them part of your regular breakfast rotation. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and come together with minimal fuss—perfect whether you’re hosting brunch or just looking to treat yourself. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little extra sweetness in your morning!