Baked Donut Homemade Crumb: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Baked donut homemade crumb – just the sound of it conjures up images of warm, comforting mornings, doesn’t it? Forget the deep fryer and embrace the ease of creating these delightful treats right in your own kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, cakey donut, its surface adorned with a sweet, buttery crumb topping that practically melts in your mouth.

While donuts have a long and varied history, with roots tracing back to Dutch olykoeks, the baked version offers a modern twist on a classic favorite. They provide a lighter, less greasy alternative without sacrificing any of the satisfying sweetness we crave. The addition of a homemade crumb topping elevates these baked donut homemade crumb creations to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes these donuts so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender, moist donut base contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, buttery crumb topping. Plus, baking them at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking – think cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of citrus. They’re also incredibly convenient to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch treat or a simple dessert to impress, these homemade crumb baked donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, to desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Crumb Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small clumps of butter throughout, which will create a lovely texture when baked. Don’t overmix!
3. Place the crumb topping in the refrigerator while you prepare the donut batter. This will help the butter stay cold and prevent the topping from melting too quickly in the oven.

Making the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan very well. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use melted butter and flour. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the donuts from sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the eggs, so you don’t accidentally cook them.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. A few lumps are okay!

Filling the Donut Pan and Adding the Crumb Topping:

1. Transfer the donut batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off a corner.
2. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Don’t overfill, as the donuts will rise in the oven.
3. Remove the crumb topping from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the donut batter in each cavity. Gently press the topping into the batter so it adheres during baking.

Baking the Donuts:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
2. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze (if using). In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.

Glazing the Donuts (Optional):

1. Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops of the donuts into the glaze. Let the excess glaze drip off before placing the donuts back on the wire rack to set.
2. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or a piping bag.
3. Let the glaze set completely before serving. This will take about 15-20 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Donuts:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: While the recipe calls for melted butter, make sure it’s cooled slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients. Using room temperature buttermilk and eggs will also help the batter come together more smoothly.
• Grease the Donut Pan Well: This is crucial for preventing the donuts from sticking. Use cooking spray or melted butter and flour.
• Don’t Overfill the Donut Pan: Fill each cavity about three-quarters full, as the donuts will rise in the oven.
• Let the Donuts Cool Completely Before Glazing: This will prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!
• Variations: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings to the glaze. You can also experiment with different spices in the donut batter, such as cardamom or ginger.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Flour Measurement: The best way to measure flour accurately is to use a kitchen scale. If you don’t have a scale, spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in too much flour in the recipe.

Troubleshooting:

• Donuts are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and don’t overbake the donuts.
• Donuts are too dense: This could be due to overmixing the batter or using old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure to use fresh leavening agents and don’t overmix the batter.
• Donuts are sticking to the pan: This could be due to not greasing the pan well enough. Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly before filling it with batter.
• Crumb topping is burning: This could be due to the oven being too hot or the crumb topping being too close to the heating element. Lower the oven temperature slightly or move the donut pan to a lower rack in the oven.
• Glaze is too thick: Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Glaze is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Enjoying Your Homemade Baked Crumb Donuts:

These baked crumb donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. They are delicious on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These homemade baked crumb donuts are truly a game-changer. Forget those greasy, store-bought versions – once you taste the light, fluffy texture and the sweet, buttery crumb topping of these beauties, you’ll never go back. I know I haven’t! The ease of baking them, combined with the incredible flavor, makes this recipe a must-try for any donut lover, regardless of your baking experience. Seriously, if I can do it, you can too! But why are these donuts so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The donut itself is soft and tender, almost cake-like, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchy, golden-brown crumb topping. The crumb topping, oh the crumb topping! It’s a symphony of butter, sugar, and flour, creating a sweet and irresistible crust that will have you reaching for another donut before you even finish the first. And the best part? You get to control the sweetness and ingredients, ensuring a healthier (well, relatively!) and more satisfying treat. Beyond the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless! For a richer flavor, try using brown butter in the crumb topping. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the donut batter adds a warm, comforting touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different extracts – almond, lemon, or even a hint of maple would be fantastic. Serving suggestions? These donuts are perfect with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. They also make a delightful dessert after dinner, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze. You could even get creative and make mini donut sundaes! Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making donuts from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. I’ve included detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through every step of the process. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create these delicious treats in your own kitchen.

Ready to Bake?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your donut pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade baked crumb donuts. I’m confident that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made these amazing donuts, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor and texture? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback! Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. And remember, baking is all about having fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make these donuts your own. Enjoy! Print