These soft, cake-style baked donuts are topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb that provides a delightful crunch. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are healthier, easier to make, and ready in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or when a sweet craving hits, offering all the flavor and none of the mess of traditional fried donuts.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp cold butter

Optional Glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Milk (as needed for drizzling)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut baking pan.

2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: milk, sour cream, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix!).

3. Fill the Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.

4. Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the donut batter.

5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when pressed. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

6. Glaze (Optional): Once the donuts are cool, drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, if desired.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per donut)

• Calories: 180-220 kcal

• Protein: 2-3 g

• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g

• Fiber: 1-2 g

• Sugars: 12-16 g

• Fat: 8-10 g

• Saturated Fat: 5-6 g

• Cholesterol: 35-45 mg

• Sodium: 150-180 mg

Adding the optional glaze made from powdered sugar and milk will slightly increase the calorie count and sugar content.

Why Choose Baked Over Fried Donuts?

When it comes to donuts, the choice between baked and fried is often a matter of preference. Fried donuts are known for their crisp, golden exterior and rich, indulgent flavor. However, baked donuts provide a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing taste. Baked donuts are easier to make and require less time, as there’s no need to heat up oil or manage the frying process. By eliminating the frying step, these donuts also reduce excess oil, making them a better option for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat with fewer calories.

Another benefit of baked donuts is the ability to control the ingredients, making them a great option for those who prefer a healthier approach to baking. This recipe uses sour cream or yogurt in place of some of the heavier ingredients often found in traditional fried donuts, and the result is a soft, moist donut with the perfect crumb texture.

The Appeal of Cinnamon Crumb Topping

The crumb topping on these donuts is a standout feature, adding a delightful crunch that complements the soft, cake-like interior. Made with a simple mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, the crumb topping adds both flavor and texture. The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting sweetness, while the cold butter is cut into the mixture to create a crumble that bakes into a perfect, golden crunch.

This topping is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. For a more intense flavor, you can add extra cinnamon or swap out some of the brown sugar for white sugar. The buttery crumb topping enhances the natural flavors of the donut itself, making it a perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

How to Make the Donuts

Making these baked cinnamon crumb donuts is incredibly simple, and the process can be broken down into just a few key steps. The first step is preparing the donut pan and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). A donut baking pan is essential for achieving the signature donut shape, and greasing it ensures that the donuts will come out easily once baked.

Next, you’ll combine the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon—in one bowl. In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: milk, sour cream (or yogurt), egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense donuts.

Once your batter is ready, spoon or pipe it into the donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. This ensures the donuts will have room to rise and spread while baking, creating the perfect shape and texture.

Creating the Crumb Topping

While the donuts bake, you can prepare the crumb topping. Simply combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Next, cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Once the donuts are in the oven, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter before baking. This topping will melt slightly during the baking process, forming a crisp and buttery layer on top of each donut.

Baking the Donuts to Perfection

The donuts will bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on your oven. You’ll know they are done when they spring back lightly when pressed, indicating that they are fully cooked on the inside. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the crumb topping set and solidify, ensuring that each bite has the perfect balance of soft and crunchy textures.

Optional Glaze: A Sweet Finishing Touch

For those who prefer a little extra sweetness, an optional glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the donuts. This glaze adds a glossy finish and enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon and crumb topping. Simply whisk together powdered sugar and a bit of milk to achieve a smooth consistency, and drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts. While the glaze is entirely optional, it does provide an extra touch of decadence and visual appeal.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavor and texture to suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a less sweet topping, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the crumb mixture or skip the glaze altogether. Alternatively, you can experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create a unique twist on the classic cinnamon flavor.

Additionally, you can add mix-ins to the donut batter, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit, for added texture and flavor. These variations allow you to get creative in the kitchen and make the donuts your own.

Nutritional Information: A Healthier Treat

These baked cinnamon crumb donuts are a much healthier option than traditional fried donuts. With an approximate range of 180-220 calories per donut, they provide a satisfying treat without the guilt. The inclusion of sour cream or yogurt adds richness while also providing a good source of calcium and protein. Each donut also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sugar, making them a perfect sweet snack without overloading on calories.

The crumb topping, made from brown sugar and butter, does add some additional calories and sugar, but it also contributes to the delightful texture and flavor of the donuts. If you’re looking to reduce sugar content, you can opt for a lighter glaze or skip it entirely.

Conclusion: A Perfect, Quick Treat for Any Occasion

Baked cinnamon crumb donuts are a fantastic alternative to their fried counterparts, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures in a healthier, more convenient package. With a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping and a soft, cake-like interior, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or satisfying a sweet craving. The fact that they can be made in under 30 minutes makes them an ideal choice for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared with friends, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.