Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

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If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug on a lazy morning, look no further than Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe. These delightful muffins combine tender crumb, a rich cinnamon-spiced streusel topping, and a subtle tang from sour cream to create a classic, comforting flavor that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack with your afternoon coffee. Every bite carries the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen, delivering both sweetness and spice in a way that feels familiar and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create those perfect soft muffins with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Each component plays its part—flour and baking powders give structure and rise, butter and sour cream bring moisture and richness, while cinnamon and sugars add depth and warmth of flavor.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the muffins structure, helping them stay soft and fluffy.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: A crucial leavening agent to ensure the muffins rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create lightness and lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and cozy spice throughout the batter.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for a tender bite.
• 1 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and keeps the muffins moist and soft.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant sweetness and depth.
• 1/4 cup milk: Helps loosen the batter slightly for the perfect consistency.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for streusel): Gives the streusel topping a gorgeous caramel flavor.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates the crumbly texture of the topping.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Adds extra spice in every crunchy bite.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel): The key to a buttery, crumbly topping.

How to Make Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether you prefer paper liners or greasing the muffin tin, make sure your 12-cup muffin pan is ready to go so your batter doesn’t stick and you get beautifully shaped muffins.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Then add the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it gently into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will add the perfect crunch and cinnamon sugar sweetness atop every muffin.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This well-mixed dry base ensures an even distribution of leavening and spice throughout your muffins.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fully combined. This creamy blend infuses moisture and rich flavor into the cake batter.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough muffins instead of the tender crumb that makes Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe so special.

Step 6: Fill and Top Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full. Then generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin so every bite has that delightful, crunchy cinnamon sugar layer.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. This step is key to achieving that classic, moist texture balanced with a crisp topping.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are wonderful warm but just as delightful at room temperature, making them perfect for any time of day.

How to Serve Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

While the cinnamon streusel topping is a star itself, you can add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze drizzle to make these muffins extra special. Fresh berries on the side also add a pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for a rich, creamy contrast. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea enhances the comforting flavors and makes your breakfast or snack feel even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, arrange the muffins on a tiered platter surrounded by fresh fruit and nuts. You can even slice them in half and serve them as mini cake sandwiches with cream cheese and jam. Presentation makes them feel festive and inviting—just like grandma would want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be hard!), store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them soft and delicious, ready for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Freezing

Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you need a quick treat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat muffins in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the moist crumb and revitalizes the crunchy streusel topping perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream in Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe. It adds a similar tang and moisture that keeps muffins tender, just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.

How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative. Also, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to keep the same moist texture and flavor.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or blueberries make fantastic additions. Fold them gently into the batter right before filling the muffin cups for extra texture and flavor.

Why are my muffins dense instead of fluffy?

This often happens if the batter is overmixed, causing the gluten in the flour to develop too much. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep your Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe light and fluffy.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging, your muffins are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe—the way the cinnamon streusel topping sings in every bite and the soft, tender crumb feels like a little piece of home. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or grabbing one with your morning coffee, these muffins are sure to become a beloved favorite. I encourage you to try the recipe, enjoy the process, and savor every comforting, delicious moment with your loved ones.

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