Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite, then Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins are a delightful blend of tender cake and a crunchy, cinnamon-tinged streusel topping that melts in your mouth. The perfect balance of sweet and spice wrapped in a soft crumb makes these muffins a beloved classic that brings a touch of nostalgia with every forkful. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or pairing them with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your baking repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple yet each one plays an essential role in building the rich flavor and tender texture that make Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins so special. From the tang of sour cream to the fragrant cinnamon and the buttery streusel, every element contributes to the magic.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness to the muffin base.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to the perfect height.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to keep the crumb tender.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth throughout the batter.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a moist bite to every muffin.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds tenderness and a subtle tanginess that brightens the flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a lovely structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with its fragrant sweetness.
• 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and easy to mix.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for streusel): Gives the topping a deep caramel sweetness.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates the crumbly texture on top.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Adds a spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel): Turns the streusel into buttery, crunchy bits.

How to Make Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures the muffins bake evenly. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease them lightly so your muffins don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. This blend will deliver that iconic crumbly sweetness on top.

Step 3: Add Butter to the Streusel

Drop in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Muffins

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This combination forms the base flavor and helps the muffins rise beautifully.

Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures your batter will be moist and tender.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix because that can make the muffins tough.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups

Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each to about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without spilling over.

Step 8: Add the Streusel Topping

Sprinkle a generous amount of the prepared streusel over each muffin for that delightful crunch and cinnamon sugar flavor on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm if you can’t wait. They’re simply irresistible at either temperature!

How to Serve Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze can elevate these muffins to café-worthy status. Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts over the glaze for added texture and flavor, if you like your muffins with a little crunch on top.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or alongside a creamy yogurt parfait for a delightful brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of jams and honey for self-serving sweetness. If you’re hosting, wrap each muffin in parchment and tie with twine for an inviting gift or party favor that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps retain their soft texture and keeps the streusel topping deliciously crisp.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months and make a perfectly quick breakfast or snack when thawed.

Reheating

To revive muffins from the fridge or freezer, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and highlights that scrumptious streusel top.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe. It will maintain the moisture and tenderness with a slightly tangy flavor, so feel free to swap it in the same amount.

What’s the best way to avoid overmixing the batter?

Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps remaining. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a denser muffin instead of a fluffy one.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will shine through just as wonderfully.

Is there a way to make these muffins less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the batter by a quarter cup. The streusel topping still adds enough sugar to keep that delightful sweetness, so you won’t lose the signature flavor profile.

Can I add fruit or nuts to Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins?

Definitely! Blueberries, chopped apples, or walnuts work beautifully in this recipe. Just fold about a cup of your chosen addition gently into the batter before filling the muffin cups. The muffins become even more special with these additions.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe is truly a timeless treasure that combines simplicity with homey, irresistible flavor. Baking them is a joy, and sharing them is even better. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these muffins bring a bit of warmth and nostalgia to every occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be adding a new family favorite to your kitchen in no time.

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