The Ultimate Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donut

Introduction

Transform everyday pantry staples into irresistible baked cinnamon crumb donuts! This recipe is surprisingly easy, incredibly fast, and a delightful way to inject a touch of homemade goodness into your day. Forget greasy fried donuts; these baked beauties are lighter, healthier, and just as delicious. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.

Why This Works

This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of sweet and spicy cinnamon flavors. The crumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, cakey donut base. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring no special equipment or skills. The ingredients are readily available, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. Best of all, it delivers impressive results with minimal effort, making it a winner for both novice and experienced bakers.

Key Ingredients

🍩 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
🍯 ¾ cup granulated sugar
🧂 1 teaspoon baking powder
🧂 ½ teaspoon baking soda
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🌿 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
🌰 ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
🧈 ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
🍯 ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
Cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup donut pan generously with butter or cooking spray.

2️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5️⃣ Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix with your fingers or a fork until crumbly. Stir in the chopped nuts (if using).

6️⃣ Fill & Crumble: Fill each donut cup about ¾ full with the batter. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over each donut.

7️⃣ Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8️⃣ Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the donut batter.
• If you don’t have nuts, you can omit them or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough donuts.
• Lightly flour your hands if the crumble topping is too sticky to handle easily.

Heat Control

The oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving perfectly baked donuts. Too low, and they’ll be dense; too high, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through. Visual cues for doneness include a golden-brown color and a springy texture when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Crunch Factor

The crunch comes from the delicious cinnamon crumb topping. The combination of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft donut base. Baking time ensures the topping is golden brown and delightfully crunchy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For even baking, use a donut pan with dark-colored coating, which absorbs heat more efficiently.
• To prevent sticking, lightly grease the donut pan and dust it with flour before adding the batter.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought crumble topping instead of making your own.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

Storage Tips

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These donuts make a wonderful homemade gift! Package them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them in a pretty box lined with parchment paper. Add a handwritten tag with a personalized message for an extra special touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Maple Pecan: Add 1/4 cup maple syrup to the batter and use pecan halves instead of walnuts in the topping.
🌟 Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter and use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the crumble topping.
🌟 Lemon Poppy Seed: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the crumble topping.
🌟 Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup of finely chopped apples to the batter and increase the cinnamon in the crumble topping to 2 tablespoons.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Donuts: You may have overbaked them. Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes next time.
• Dense Donuts: You may have overmixed the batter or the baking powder/soda may have been old. Make sure to use fresh leavening agents next time.
• Burnt Donuts: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) next time and keep a close eye on them towards the end of baking.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
• How can I make these gluten-free? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two 12-cup donut pans.
• How do I store the donuts? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
• Can I make these ahead of time? You can make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy these delightful baked cinnamon crumb donuts! They’re perfect for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or just a little pick-me-up. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings – the possibilities are endless! Share your creations with us and enjoy baking!