Irresistibly Soft Crumb Baked Donuts Recipe

There is something truly magical about indulging in warm, freshly baked donuts that melt in your mouth with every bite. This Irresistibly Soft Crumb Baked Donuts Recipe delivers just that—a tender, fluffy crumb topped with a delightfully crunchy cinnamon crumb layer. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat, these donuts balance sweet spices, a subtle tang from sour cream, and buttery crumbs that come together in a way that will have you baking them again and again. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want to reach for the store-bought kind again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you; these are simple kitchen staples that each play a special role in making this recipe a winner. From the brown sugar adding moisture and depth to the cinnamon infusing warmth and character, every component contributes to the dough’s soft texture and rich flavor.

• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for the crumbly topping that gives these donuts a perfect crunch.
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, complementing the cinnamon’s warmth beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the crumb topping with a cozy, aromatic spice.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted: Creates richness and binds the crumbs together.
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour: The main structure for your donut batter, keeping donuts tender yet sturdy.
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the donut base just right without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise into soft, airy perfection.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to give a light texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Further layers the cinnamon flavor inside the donuts.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness to the batter for a moist crumb.
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream: Keeps the texture tender and adds a subtle tang.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar: If you choose to glaze, this creates a silky sweet topping.
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream: Adjusts the glaze consistency for the perfect drizzle.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a finishing touch of flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Crumb Baked Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 6-cavity donut pan. This ensures your donuts bake evenly and release easily from the pan, maintaining their perfect shape.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter with a fork until crumbs form. These crumbs will give your donuts that signature irresistible crunch that contrasts so beautifully with the soft crumb.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients for the Donuts

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the other 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. This dry mix is the backbone of your donut batter, ensuring it’s flavorful and rises well.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the crumb delightfully soft and tender.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Carefully add the wet ingredients to the dry bowl and mix just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here; gently folding in the ingredients will keep your donuts fluffy and not dense.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Molds

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cavity about two-thirds full with batter. This helps them rise to the perfect height without overflowing.

Step 7: Add the Crumbs

Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the donuts and press gently so the crumbs stick well, creating that signature crumbly topping layer that makes this Irresistibly Soft Crumb Baked Donuts Recipe so special.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set without losing moisture.

Step 9: Glaze (Optional)

Once cooled, you can drizzle the simple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract over the donuts for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Crumb Baked Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the crumbly topping, you can sprinkle your baked donuts with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor variation. Fresh berries on the side also add a lovely pop of color and brightness against the sweet, buttery donuts.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte for a classic café-style treat. For a brunch spread, add fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the donuts on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. You can also stack them in a doughnut tower for parties or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine as delightful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover irresistible soft crumb baked donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture soft and crumbs fresh without drying out.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to one month.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, simply warm the frozen or refrigerated donuts in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their softness and makes the crumb topping slightly crisp again, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and swap the sour cream for a plant-based yogurt. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Why are my donuts not soft?

Overmixing the batter or baking too long can make the donuts dense or dry. Be gentle when combining the ingredients and keep a close eye during baking to maintain that irresistibly soft crumb.

Can I use a different flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe as it balances structure and tenderness. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours will affect texture and may require recipe adjustments.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin and fill each cavity less full, or bake the batter in mini bundt pans. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on doneness.

Is it necessary to add the crumb topping?

While you can bake these donuts plain, the crumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast and flavor that truly makes this recipe stand out. It’s worth the extra step!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting sweet treat, this Irresistibly Soft Crumb Baked Donuts Recipe is your new best friend. With its perfect balance of tender crumb and crunchy topping, it’s exactly the kind of homemade goodness that warms the heart. Give it a try—you’ll love the joy these donuts bring to your kitchen and your taste buds.

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