If you have been on the lookout for a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is just the answer. These muffins bring together the warm, comforting flavors of classic coffee cake with the convenience and charm of a muffin, complete with a buttery crumb topping and an optional sweet glaze. From the first bite, you’ll be enchanted by their tender crumb, cinnamon-spiced crunch, and just a hint of vanilla, making them an irresistible grab-and-go snack or a charming addition to your brunch table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe involves a handful of ingredients, each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma. From the soft, fluffy muffin base to the crunchy, cinnamon-speckled crumb topping, these components come together as easily as they taste heavenly.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the muffins, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that give the muffins their light, airy rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; softened for batter and melted for crumb topping.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Together they contribute sweetness and a slight caramel depth.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients and add body to the muffin batter.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- Sour cream: Ensures moistness and a slight tang that brightens the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic coffee cake warmth in the crumb topping.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract: For an optional glaze that adds a glossy, sweet finish.
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it thoroughly, ensuring the muffins don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir just until the mixture forms large crumbs. This crumb topping is what adds that signature crunchy, spiced layer, so keep those crumbs chunky for maximum texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Batter
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Then, in a larger mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with sour cream, until the batter is just combined — slightly lumpy is okay to maintain moistness.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter to give the muffins room to rise without spilling over. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping on each muffin, gently pressing it down so it sticks and bakes into the tops, giving that irresistible coffee cake crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Optional Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle this delicate glaze over the cooled muffins to add a hint of extra sweetness and a beautiful sheen that catches the eye as well as the palate.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of homemade glaze adds a touch of elegance that makes these muffins feel extra special. If you want to get creative, topping them with a few toasted nuts or fresh berries can complement their warmth beautifully.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine brightest alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or a vibrant latte. For a fuller brunch, serve them with fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even a savory cheese platter to balance sweetness and create a memorable spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of cinnamon sticks and a small bowl of glaze for dipping. Alternatively, wrap each muffin individually in parchment and tie with a ribbon for an inviting gift or party favor that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover muffins in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep that fresh-baked softness, adding a small piece of bread to the container helps retain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When properly thawed, they retain their wonderful texture and flavor just like freshly made.
Reheating
Warm your muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that soft, tender crumb and refreshes the crumb topping’s lovely crunch.
FAQs
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream in this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe?
Yes! Plain yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will keep the muffins moist with a slightly different tang. Just use the same quantity as the recipe calls for.
Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for one-to-one substitution. Your muffins may be a tad denser but still delicious.
Can I prepare the batter the night before baking?
It’s best to assemble and bake the muffins fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before baking to maintain the best texture.
How do I make the crumb topping extra crunchy?
Use cold butter cut into the flour and sugar mixture instead of melted butter. This creates chunkier crumbs that crisp up beautifully in the oven for that perfect crunch.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkled on top before baking adds delightful texture and flavor twists you’ll love.
Final Thoughts
Making this Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is like inviting a little warm joy into your kitchen. The tender crumb, cinnamon crumb topping, and optional glaze come together for a treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re brewing a cup of coffee to kick off your day or surprising guests with something special, these muffins are sure to become a cherished favorite. Give them a try—you might just find yourself baking a batch again and again!
Print
Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Cake Muffins combine a tender, moist muffin base with a delicious cinnamon crumb topping, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Finished with an optional vanilla glaze, these muffins are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until large crumbs form. Set this mixture aside for topping later.
- Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with sour cream, mixing just until incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
- Assemble the Muffins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake the Muffins: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins right before serving for added sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
- You can swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
- To store, keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze muffins without glaze for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
