Fluffy, cinnamon-kissed, and crowned with a buttery crumb topping, these Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are the treat you didn’t know you needed. Think the tender warmth of your favorite coffee cake—but in a fun, handheld donut form. Perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or sweet afternoon cravings.
🔥 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the classic warmth of coffee cake with the portable charm of baked donuts. They’re baked (not fried), use simple pantry ingredients, and come together in under 30 minutes.
Plus, they freeze beautifully, reheat well, and look downright stunning on a serving platter with that silky vanilla drizzle.
🧾 Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into tiny cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍩 How to Make Coffee Cake Donuts
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 6-mold donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and mix with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Freeze while you make the donut batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, melted butter, and egg.
5. Combine & Fill
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix—it’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy.
Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Top & Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each donut. Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Glaze Time
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled donuts for that glossy bakery finish.
💡 Tips for Success
- Chill the crumb topping: A quick freeze keeps it from melting into the batter.
- Use a piping bag: This makes filling donut molds clean and easy.
- Don’t overbake: These are best when just golden and soft.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve these donuts with a cozy drink like:
- Blueberry Lemonade for a fruity contrast
- The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake for a protein-packed brunch companion
- This One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a hearty savory balance
- Beer Cheese Dip if you’re hosting a brunch-for-dinner night
- Easy Coconut Macaroons for a bite-sized dessert pairing
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Will keep for 4–5 days; reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw, warm, then glaze fresh!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into cozy bakes, be sure to check out:
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are everything you love about a bakery-style breakfast—only easier, faster, and homemade. Whether you serve them warm out of the oven or chilled the next morning, one thing’s for sure: they’ll be gone fast.
Tried it? Share your pics and tag @chefmaniac so we can drool together. 💛🍩
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