If you’ve been searching for a treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of coffee cake with the fun, handheld delight of a donut, look no further. This Delicious Coffee Cake Donuts with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is your next breakfast obsession or afternoon pick-me-up. Soft, moist, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, each bite melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by a sweet and silky vanilla glaze. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch or to impress your friends, these donuts are bound to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and look of these scrumptious donuts. From the tender crumb topping to the creamy vanilla glaze, each element is both straightforward and essential.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds rich flavor and binds the crumb topping together for that perfect crunchy texture.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup packed for topping + 1/3 cup packed for donuts): Provides subtle molasses notes and moisture for a tender crumb in both the dough and topping.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons for topping): Balances sweetness and enhances the crunch in the crumb.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup for topping + 1 1/2 cups for donuts): The foundation for structure, ensuring donuts hold their shape yet stay tender.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons for topping): Delivers the quintessential coffee cake warmth and aroma.
- Pinch of salt (for topping and dough): Elevates all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Baking soda and baking powder (1/2 teaspoon each): Work together to give the donuts a light, airy rise.
- Egg (1 large, room temperature): Provides moisture and structure.
- Sour cream (1/3 cup): Adds tender richness and a slight tang that brightens the flavor.
- Avocado oil (1/4 cup in batter + spray for pan): A neutral, healthy fat that keeps donuts moist without overpowering flavors.
- Milk (1/4 cup for batter + 2 tablespoons for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency and smooth glaze.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for batter + 1 teaspoon for glaze): Infuses warmth and depth in both the donuts and the glaze.
- Confectioners sugar (1/2 cup for glaze): Creates a silky-smooth vanilla glaze that lightly coats each donut with just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Make Delicious Coffee Cake Donuts with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a standard donut pan with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking while adding a subtle moistness to the donut crust. This step ensures your donuts pop right out without a hitch.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix with a fork until the mixture clumps together into coarse crumbs. This crumb topping is the secret star, giving these donuts their irresistible crunch and classic coffee cake flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Getting these evenly mixed guarantees your donuts will rise nicely and have the perfect crumb texture.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the egg, sour cream, avocado oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and richness to the dough, encouraging that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Don’t overmix — the batter should be thick with slight lumps, which means you’re ensuring tender donuts without tough gluten development.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan and Add Topping
Transfer the batter into a large piping bag and cut the tip to about ½ inch. Pipe the batter neatly into the donut cavities, filling them halfway to leave room for rise. Then, generously press the crumb topping onto the batter surface, so it sticks during baking, resulting in a crunchy coffee cake finish.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the donuts for about 13 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack. Cooling slightly before glazing prevents the topping from melting away and ensures the glaze clings beautifully.
Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. This glaze adds an extra layer of vanilla sweetness and a glossy finish, making these donuts absolutely irresistible.
Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy
Drizzle the luscious vanilla glaze over the slightly cooled donuts, letting it drip down the sides. Now, all that’s left is to dive in, savoring each bite of your freshly baked Delicious Coffee Cake Donuts with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
How to Serve Delicious Coffee Cake Donuts with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar or crushed toasted nuts over the glaze. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar also complement the donuts beautifully, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair exceptionally well with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte, enhancing the cozy coffee cake vibe. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to add nutritious contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your donuts on a rustic wooden board layered with parchment paper for a charming visual. For parties, stack them into a donut tower with fresh flowers or herbs for a delightful centerpiece. Wrapping individual donuts in festive paper bags is a lovely idea for gifting or sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will maintain the moist, tender crumb and prevent the crumb topping from losing its crunch.
Freezing
If you want to stash these gems away for longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to one month, ready for a quick thaw whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To restore that freshly baked feel, pop frozen or refrigerated donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15 seconds. This warms them up perfectly without melting the crumb topping too much or making the glaze runny.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without avocado oil?
Absolutely! While avocado oil is great for its neutral flavor and health benefits, you can substitute it with other neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil without affecting the texture.
Is it possible to bake these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that include xanthan gum. Just make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and be gentle mixing to keep the donuts tender.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a piping bag?
You can definitely spoon the batter into the donut pan if you don’t have a piping bag. Just be careful to fill the molds evenly about halfway to allow room for rising without overflow.
What’s the best way to get the crumb topping to stick well?
Press the crumb topping gently but firmly onto the batter to ensure it adheres. The slight moisture of the batter acts like glue, so adding the topping right before baking yields the best results.
Can these donuts be made vegan?
To make these donuts vegan, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, sour cream with a plant-based yogurt, and use a vegan butter alternative for the crumb topping. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, freshly baked donut with a luscious crumb topping and vanilla glaze, and this Delicious Coffee Cake Donuts with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe delivers all that and more. It’s an easy, satisfying bake that brings joy to every bite, perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite cup of coffee. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and make your kitchen smell like heaven today!
Print
Delicious Coffee Cake Donuts with Crumb Topping and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious Coffee Cake Donuts combine the soft, tender texture of cake donuts with a cinnamon crumb topping and a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these baked donuts melt in your mouth and are easy to prepare using a simple donut pan.
Ingredients
For the crumb topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Chosen Foods Avocado Oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the vanilla glaze:
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a standard donut pan with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a fork until the mixture clumps together, then set aside to use as topping.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, sour cream, avocado oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a large piping bag and cut the tip to create a ½ inch opening. Pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each halfway. Then gently press the crumb topping on top of the batter to ensure it sticks during baking.
- Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes or until they are golden and spring back when lightly touched. Once done, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing and transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth to make the vanilla glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the slightly cooled donuts. Allow the glaze to set a few minutes before enjoying these melt-in-your-mouth coffee cake donuts.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overfill the donut molds to prevent overflow during baking.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off works well for filling the donut pan.
- Allow glaze to set before storing donuts to avoid sticky mess.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if desired.
