Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars
Try this Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars recipe
Try this Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars recipe
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter melted
- 2 (15 oz) boxes glazed cake donut holes cut in half (i used entenmann's pop-ems)
- 1 & 1/2 sticks butter melted
- for crumble topping:
- Carbohydrate 54.3324018999942 g
- Cholesterol 40.8432000135486 mg
- Fat 9.00837284047905 g
- Fiber 0.504933329519227 g
- Protein 2.13594000153922 g
- Saturated Fat 5.39055420440316 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (79g)
- Sodium 194.486800208068 mg
- Sugar 53.827468570475 g
- Trans Fat 0.5530998670593 g
- Calories 302 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Liberally grease a 13x9" baking pan with cooking spray; fill the bottom of the pan with the halved donut holes until they're tightly packed in the pan in an even layer.
- Mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, beaten eggs and vanilla with a whisk until blended; pour the mixture evenly over top of the donut hole pieces, smoothing it over the top if needed so all the pieces are coated.
- Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crumble ingredients until thick, coarse crumbs are formed.
- Crumble the streusel mixture over top of the bars as evenly as possible.
- Bake for approx. 18-22 minutes or until the top is golden and the center appears set and not super jiggly.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- NOTE: the bars aren't as solid as say, a brownie. They tend to fall apart as they're dense. You probably won't get super clean cuts from this but you may if it sets longer, such as overnight. Note that this is almost like a casserole bake rather than a definitive bar.
Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. Weekends are precious, and I want to spend them doing things my family enjoys, not slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I adore recipes that are both delicious and surprisingly easy to whip up. These Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars fit that bill perfectly. They're decadent, comforting, and frankly, a little bit naughty – in the best possible way.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It starts with a foundation of halved donut holes – a shortcut that elevates the dessert to new heights without demanding hours of prep work. Think of it as a sophisticated cheat's way to a truly impressive baked good. The donut holes provide a delightful sweetness and texture that's both chewy and slightly cakey. Then comes the magic of the crumble topping. A generous helping of buttery, cinnamon-spiced goodness that adds a delightful crunch and warmth to the already tempting base.
I often make these for potlucks, book club gatherings, or even just a simple weeknight dessert. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the kind of treat that sparks conversations and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. The bars are wonderfully adaptable too. Feel free to experiment with different types of donut holes – perhaps chocolate-glazed for an extra chocolatey kick, or even sprinkle-covered for a fun, colorful twist. You could also adjust the spice levels to your liking, adding a dash of cardamom or ginger for a more complex flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
The best part? These bars are forgiving. If they don't turn out perfectly uniform squares (and trust me, they probably won't), it doesn't matter. Their rustic charm only adds to their appeal. The slightly messy, crumble-laden texture is part of their undeniable charm. Serve them warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience, or enjoy them at room temperature with a cup of coffee. No matter how you choose to savor them, these Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there's a certain nostalgia that these bars evoke. They remind me of simpler times, of lazy weekend mornings and the comforting smell of baking filling the kitchen. They're a taste of home, a reminder of those sweet moments that make life worth living. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of these truly irresistible bars. They’re the perfect blend of indulgence and convenience, making them an ideal choice for any occasion – big or small.
Making these bars is a wonderful opportunity to involve the family, especially kids. They can help with measuring ingredients, mixing the crumble topping, or even arranging the donut holes in the pan. It’s a chance to create lasting memories while indulging in a delicious treat. And who doesn’t love a little bit of family bonding time in the kitchen?
Variations and Tips:
- Chocolate lovers rejoice: Use chocolate-glazed donut holes and add chocolate chips to the crumble topping for an extra chocolatey indulgence.
- Nutty delight: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for a delightful textural contrast and added flavor.
- Seasonal spice: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or even a hint of allspice to tailor the crumble topping to your preference and the season.
- Make it ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Their flavors actually deepen overnight.
- Freezing for later: Bake a batch and freeze individual bars for a quick and easy dessert option whenever a sweet craving hits.
So go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of these delightful Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars. They’re easy to make, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face.
