The warmth of cinnamon, the sweet crunch of brown sugar streusel, and the soft fluffiness of a perfectly baked donut come together in this delightful recipe. These Coffee Cake Donuts are a hybrid dream of two classic favorites—coffee cake and donuts—made to be dipped into your favorite mug of joe or served at a cozy brunch.
Each bite bursts with comforting flavors and textures, from the tender cake to the crumbly topping and smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunch spreads, or a mid-afternoon sweet treat, these donuts are quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear. Whether you’re baking for your family or impressing brunch guests, these donuts will be your new favorite go-to.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup melted butter
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
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In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
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In a small bowl, mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over each donut.
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Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled donuts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 donuts
The Irresistible Charm of Coffee Cake Donuts
Few things in life are as satisfying as the scent of warm cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a cool morning. That’s exactly the kind of comforting experience that Coffee Cake Donuts bring to the table. Inspired by the traditional flavors of a classic coffee cake—crumbly streusel topping, moist cake, and a hint of warm spice—this recipe transforms the beloved brunch staple into a fun, donut-shaped treat that’s baked, not fried. It’s the perfect fusion of cozy nostalgia and modern convenience, ideal for home bakers who crave sweetness without the fuss.
These donuts are a celebration of texture and flavor. The crumbly, buttery streusel topping contrasts beautifully with the tender, fluffy cake-like base. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze that drips enticingly over each donut, they are not only visually pleasing but rich in flavor as well. Whether you’re making them for a quiet weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet mid-afternoon indulgence, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.
Why Coffee Cake Donuts Are a Brunch Favorite
One of the reasons Coffee Cake Donuts are such a hit is their ability to strike a perfect balance between indulgent and approachable. They offer all the flavors and textures of a traditional coffee cake—brown sugar, cinnamon, soft sponge, and crumb topping—but in a compact, donut-shaped form that feels both nostalgic and novel. You get the charm of a bakery-style donut without deep frying or excessive sugar overload.
For those who entertain, these donuts make a great centerpiece. They stack beautifully on a tiered stand, pair well with coffee or mimosas, and are easy to serve. There’s no need to slice or plate; they’re grab-and-go, which makes hosting less stressful and more enjoyable. Plus, guests of all ages will appreciate the familiar flavors with a fun twist.
Baked, Not Fried: A Healthier Way to Enjoy Donuts
One of the major perks of this recipe is that the donuts are baked rather than fried. This not only reduces the amount of oil involved, making them a slightly healthier option, but also makes them significantly easier to prepare at home. No hot oil splatters, no deep fryer needed—just a simple donut pan and your oven.
Baking also allows the texture of the cake to shine through. These aren’t your average light-and-airy donuts. Instead, they’re soft and moist, similar to a pound cake or sponge cake in density, which gives the streusel topping something sturdy to rest on. This structure helps lock in moisture and flavor, ensuring that your donuts stay delicious even a day or two after baking—if they last that long!
The Power of Streusel
Let’s talk about the real star of this recipe: the streusel. A simple mix of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter, it delivers the perfect crunch and depth of flavor to elevate the donuts beyond standard fare. It caramelizes slightly as the donuts bake, creating a sweet and slightly crispy crown that contrasts with the softness of the donut itself.
Streusel is versatile, too. You can add chopped nuts, a sprinkle of oats, or even a touch of espresso powder to create your own signature version. But the classic cinnamon-brown sugar combination is a crowd-pleaser for good reason—it’s comforting, familiar, and wonderfully fragrant.
Perfect for All Seasons and Occasions
While these donuts are especially popular in the fall and winter thanks to their warm spice profile, they’re truly a year-round treat. Serve them fresh out of the oven on a snowy winter morning with hot cocoa, or bring them to a sunny spring brunch alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream. They also make a great addition to baby showers, bridal brunches, or birthday breakfasts.
For holidays, you can even dress them up by adding seasonal spices like nutmeg or cloves, or swap the glaze for a maple drizzle. They adapt beautifully to the theme of any gathering and offer enough flavor variation to keep things interesting.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake Donuts
To get the best results from this recipe, here are a few helpful tips:
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Don’t overmix your batter. This can lead to dense, dry donuts. Stir until just combined.
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Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill your donut pan. It makes the process cleaner and more precise.
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Generously top with streusel. It may seem like a lot, but the more the better! It adds flavor and texture.
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Let them cool completely before glazing. Otherwise, the glaze will melt off instead of setting nicely on top.
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Store in an airtight container. These donuts stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature and even longer if refrigerated.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, consider mixing things up. Add a swirl of jam or fruit puree to the batter for a fruity twist. Substitute almond extract for vanilla and top with sliced almonds for a European flair. Or go bold with a mocha glaze and espresso streusel for a coffeehouse-inspired version.
You could also use mini donut pans for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties or snack boxes. The base recipe is flexible enough to support all kinds of experimentation, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Approved
These donuts are especially popular with kids thanks to their sweet flavor and fun shape. They’re not too sweet, though, which makes them great for breakfast or snacks without causing a sugar crash. Plus, baking with children is a wonderful way to spend quality time together in the kitchen. Kids love helping mix the streusel or drizzle on the glaze—just be ready for some sticky fingers!
For larger gatherings, you can easily double the recipe and make two batches at once. The batter comes together quickly, and with multiple donut pans or a quick swap, you can crank out enough donuts to feed a crowd in no time.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Coffee Cake Donuts can be made ahead and stored in a variety of ways. If you’re planning to serve them the next day, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life up to five days.
For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat slightly in the microwave or oven. Add the glaze just before serving for that freshly-baked finish.
Pairing Suggestions
These donuts pair exceptionally well with coffee, hence the name. A cinnamon latte or vanilla cappuccino is a perfect match. For a non-coffee option, consider a chai latte, warm apple cider, or a cold glass of milk. Their lightly spiced flavor complements a wide range of beverages, both hot and cold.
If you’re building a brunch board, surround these donuts with fresh berries, yogurt parfaits, and a selection of cheeses. Their sweet and spiced flavor works beautifully alongside both sweet and savory elements.
Conclusion
Coffee Cake Donuts are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a feel-good indulgence that brings the warmth of homemade baking into any day. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike, they hit all the right notes of comfort, flavor, and charm. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee, serving them at a family brunch, or gifting them to a friend, these donuts offer the kind of joy that only homemade baked goods can deliver.
Once you’ve tried them, they’ll become a repeat request in your home—no deep fryer needed, just pure baked goodness and a touch of cinnamon magic.