Imagine sinking your teeth into a heavenly dessert that combines the best of coffee cake, donuts, and crumble bars in one irresistible bite! These decadent bars are about to become your new obsession, blending rich, buttery flavors with a perfect crumbly texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping breakfast, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or a mid-afternoon treat that will make everyone swoon, these Donut Coffee Cake Crumble Bars are your ultimate culinary solution!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- For the crumble topping, mix additional flour, brown sugar, and butter in a small bowl until it forms coarse, crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the batter, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into bars.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and light.
- Crumble Technique: For the perfect crumble topping, use cold butter and mix with your fingers to create those delightful, chunky crumbs.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely for clean, neat cuts and better flavor development.
- Optional Add-Ins: Experiment with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a light glaze for extra excitement.
- Storage Tip: These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
