If you’ve been searching for a cozy, irresistible treat to brighten your mornings or satisfy your afternoon cravings, then this Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts bring together the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon with a delightfully tender crumb and a sweet, crumbly topping that adds just the right touch of crunch. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried, so you get that classic donut flavor with a lighter, homemade feel. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these baked gems will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with some simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma in this Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe. Each one plays its part, from the fluffy base to the sugary, cinnamon-spiced topping.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our donut batter, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweet balance without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the donuts, making them light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing them from tasting flat.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that classic warm spice character.
- 3/4 cup whole milk: Brings moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds moistness and a buttery note.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a sweet, fragrant undertone.
- For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crunchy topping.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the crumbs.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the topping that signature spiced kick.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates a crumbly texture when mixed with the dry ingredients.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have your oven hot and ready to go so your donuts bake evenly. Lightly grease your donut pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the donuts come out cleanly. This small step saves you from any sticky situations later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend is key because it spreads that warm cinnamon flavor throughout your donuts and ensures every bite has a perfect texture. Whisking the dry ingredients first also prevents clumping when liquids are added.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, cracked eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir everything until just combined — be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that. The batter should be smooth but with a few lumps here and there, which means you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Fill the Pan
Spoon the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds of the way. This ensures enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing, giving you that perfect donut shape every time.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry mixture. You want to achieve a crumbly texture that will bake into a sweet, crunchy topping that perfectly complements the soft donuts.
Step 6: Add the Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each donut batter-filled mold. Don’t be shy—this topping is the star of the show, giving your donuts that irresistible sweet crunch with every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the donuts for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one of the donuts comes out clean. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them starting at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up, golden, and smell amazing.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes — this helps them set so they don’t fall apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures the crumb topping stays crisp and the donuts don’t steam themselves soggy from the bottom.
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze to add a subtle sweetness and beautiful shine. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top if you love that spice to shine through even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a warm chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic combo. They’re also delicious alongside fresh fruit like berries or a simple yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your donuts on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering or arrange them on a pretty tiered cake stand to wow your guests. You can also serve them with small bowls of cinnamon sugar, honey, or nut butter to let everyone customize their own indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cinnamon crumb donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp while the donuts stay tender inside.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This helps bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to achieve a similar texture. The donuts might be a slightly different texture but still delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin to bake these as muffin-style cinnamon crumb treats. Just adjust the baking time by a few minutes and you’ll still get fantastic results.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make these donuts vegan, use plant-based milk, replace eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and swap butter for vegan margarine. Results may vary slightly but still tasty!
Why does my crumb topping sometimes melt away?
Using cold butter and mixing quickly ensures your crumb topping stays crumbly and bakes into a crunchy layer instead of melting completely into the batter. Avoid overworking the topping mixture.
How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?
Use a toothpick to test the donuts around 18 minutes in the oven. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your donuts are ready. This guarantees a soft but cooked-through texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced donut with a crunchy crumb topping, and this Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe delivers just that. It’s simple to whip up, full of flavor, and far easier on the waistline than traditional fried donuts. So go ahead, make a batch today, and share these delightful treats with family or friends—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts offer a delightful combination of soft, fluffy donuts topped with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon crumb. Perfectly baked in the oven, these treats are an easy-to-make breakfast or snack option that captures the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a satisfying crumb topping.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill donut pans: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cubed cold butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms crumbly pieces.
- Top the donuts: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each filled donut mold, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake: Bake the donuts for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean, indicating they are thoroughly cooked.
- Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the donut batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Make sure the butter for the crumb topping is very cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Using a donut pan is essential for shaping; if you don’t have one, muffin tins can be a substitute but shape and cooking time may vary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter.
