Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked donuts wafting through your kitchen, the perfect treat to pair with your morning coffee. These Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are not only delightful but also incredibly easy to make. With a tender crumb and a sweet vanilla topping, they are a delicious way to start your day or to indulge during your coffee break. Let’s dive into this fun and flavorful recipe!

Why Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze is Worth Your Time

These Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze bring together the rich flavors of coffee cake and the fun shape of a donut. They are perfect for brunch gatherings, a cozy afternoon snack, or simply as a special treat for yourself. The combination of warm spices, sweet brown sugar, and a creamy vanilla glaze creates a delightful experience that will have you reaching for seconds. Plus, making them at home means you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven—there’s nothing quite like that!

What We’re Using

• 1/4 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into tiny cubes – This adds richness and moisture to our donuts.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – For that perfect sweetness.
• 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This will form part of our crumb topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances the flavor profile.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for our donut batter.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed – For a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To balance the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Our leavening agent for fluffy donuts.
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Helps bind and flavor the batter.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature – This provides structure and richness.
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar – For the sweet vanilla glaze.
• 1/2 tablespoon whole milk – To thin out the glaze for a beautiful finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the glaze.

Cook’s Kit

• Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
• Whisk – To mix the batter smoothly.
• Donut pan – Essential for shaping our donuts.
• Spatula – For folding ingredients together.
• Cooling rack – To let the donuts cool properly.
• Small bowl – For preparing the glaze.

Method: Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the donuts from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the cold unsalted butter cubes, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon using a fork or your fingers until it resembles wet sand. Set this aside; it will be sprinkled on top of the donuts for that delicious coffee cake texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the full-fat sour cream, melted unsalted butter, and the large egg. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each donut before placing them in the oven. This will give them that signature coffee cake finish.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before glazing.

Step 10: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 11: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle it over the donuts using a spoon. Let any excess glaze drip off before placing the donuts back on the cooling rack to set.

Substitutions by Category

• Dairy: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy flavor.
• Sweeteners: Coconut sugar can replace light brown sugar for a different taste and color.
• Flours: Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
• Eggs: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can substitute for the egg.

Behind the Recipe

These Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are inspired by the classic coffee cake that many of us grew up with. The idea was to take that comforting flavor and transform it into a fun, portable donut. The crumb topping is reminiscent of the streusel we all love, adding texture and a bit of crunch. The glaze is the finishing touch, providing a sweet contrast to the warm spices in the donut. These donuts are perfect for sharing with family or friends, or simply enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To store the donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

Quick Questions

Can I make these donuts in advance?

Yes! You can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin instead. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly; check for doneness a few minutes early.

How can I make these donuts healthier?

Consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the sugar content, or substituting coconut oil for butter to make them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Healthy-ish Favorites

• Healthy Banana Bread
• Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Healthy Chocolate Donuts

Time to Try It

These Coffee Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze are calling your name! With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and sweet glaze, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a simple snack, these donuts will bring a smile to your face and joy to your taste buds. Happy baking!