These Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy snack, these muffins are moist and tender with a crunchy streusel topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet morning at home, these muffins will surely impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar in the streusel creates layers of rich flavor.
- Versatile treat: Enjoy them warm with coffee, or pack them as a sweet snack for school or work.
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the right balance of ingredients, these muffins stay fresh and soft for days.
- Customizable options: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to make them your own!
Tools and Preparation
To create these Coffee Cake Muffins, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures your muffins hold their shape while baking.
- Mixing bowls: Provides enough space to combine dry and wet ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.
- Pastry cutter: Makes preparing the streusel topping easier by cutting in cold butter evenly.
Ingredients
These Coffee Cake Muffins are moist and tender, topped with a crunchy streusel that adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Ensure it’s well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your muffins light.
Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add in the cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create coarse crumbs.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Step 7: Add Streusel Topping
Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over each muffin filled with batter.
Step 8: Bake
Place in the preheated oven. Bake for about 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool
Allow your muffins to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins
Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, there are plenty of options to enhance their flavor and appeal.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries – Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing complement.
- Bananas – Sliced bananas pair well with the cinnamon flavor, adding natural sweetness.
With Beverages
- Coffee – Enjoy your muffins with a hot cup of coffee for a classic pairing.
- Tea – A warm cup of tea can balance the sweet flavors of the muffins beautifully.
Topped with Spreads
- Butter – Spread a little butter on warm muffins for extra richness.
- Cream Cheese – A dollop of cream cheese adds creamy texture and tangy flavor.
For Special Occasions
- Brunch Buffet – Include these muffins in a brunch spread alongside quiches and fruit salads.
- Gift Baskets – Package them in baskets with coffee or other baked goods for thoughtful gifts.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Muffins
To achieve the best Coffee Cake Muffins, follow these expert tips. Each step will help you create moist and delicious muffins every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bringing eggs and milk to room temperature ensures better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together for tender muffins; overmixing can lead to tough results.
- Chill the Butter for Streusel – Cold butter creates a crumbly topping that’s perfectly crunchy.
- Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, which is crucial for even cooking.
- Add Extra Cinnamon – Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling some cinnamon into the muffin batter itself.
- Cool Before Storing – Allow muffins to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Muffins
Coffee Cake Muffins pair well with various side dishes that can round out your meal or snack. Here are some excellent choices to consider:
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side.
- Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche adds protein and complements the sweetness of the muffins.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits refreshes your palate and adds natural sweetness.
- Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal can be a hearty addition, balancing out lighter muffin flavors.
- Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or cheddar to provide contrast in flavors.
- Smoothie Bowl – Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added crunch.
- Breakfast Burrito – Roll scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies in a tortilla as a savory counterpart to sweet muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Coffee Cake Muffins, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the measuring: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Always use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough muffins. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed for a light, tender texture.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well they blend together. Let your eggs and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before you start baking.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to make sure yours is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Neglecting to check doneness: Not all ovens bake at the same rate. Always check your muffins a few minutes before the recommended time with a toothpick; they should come out clean when done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store your Coffee Cake Muffins in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Containers: Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep them fresh.
Freezing Coffee Cake Muffins
- Duration: You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Coffee Cake Muffins
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place one muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. Check if more time is needed based on your microwave’s wattage.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm muffins for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Muffins?
Yes! You can add nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips to make them unique. Just be mindful of the overall moisture level of your batter.
How do I know when my Coffee Cake Muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your muffins are ready!
What makes these Coffee Cake Muffins different from regular muffins?
Coffee Cake Muffins have a distinct streusel topping and usually incorporate cinnamon, providing that classic coffee cake flavor in a convenient muffin form.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. The texture may be denser, so adjust as necessary.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Muffins offer a delightful mix of flavors perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Their moist texture combined with the crunchy streusel makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or fruits. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Coffee Cake Muffins
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Coffee Cake Muffins, a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. These muffins are moist and tender, with a crunchy streusel topping that adds a sweet and spicy layer to each bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or sharing them at a gathering, Coffee Cake Muffins are sure to impress everyone. Quick and easy to make, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. Customize them by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for a personal touch that enhances their deliciousness.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- For the streusel topping: combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl; add cold butter pieces and mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Fill each muffin tin about two-thirds full with batter; sprinkle streusel over the top.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and fluffy. Experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips or fruits to customize flavors.
