If you’ve ever wished you could capture the cozy aroma and crumbly goodness of classic coffee cake in a convenient, shareable treat, these Coffee Cake Muffins are your answer. Each bite is a celebration of soft, moist cake bursting with cinnamon flavor, all crowned with a generous streusel and finished (if you like) with a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, or hunting for the perfect snack with coffee, these muffins will quickly become your go-to. Get ready for a bakery-worthy experience right from your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Coffee Cake Muffins plays a special role in creating their irresistible flavor and texture. The list is simple and straightforward, but the results are anything but ordinary—each element is selected to provide maximum flavor, tenderness, or visual appeal.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for both the muffins and the crumbly streusel, giving the perfect soft-yet-structured bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins without overpowering the warm cinnamon notes.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of molasses to the muffins and deepens the flavor of the topping.
- Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with the acid in sour cream for extra lift and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet and spicy notes—just enough to wake up your taste buds.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of any great coffee cake, lending warmth and inviting aroma to both batter and topping.
- Sour cream: Ensures delicious moisture and softness; Greek yogurt is a fine substitute if that’s what’s in your fridge.
- Whole milk: Keeps the batter rich, but not too dense.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for a fluffy, cake-like muffin.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds classic buttery flavor and guarantees moist, tender results.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of comforting sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Melts into a delicate, sweet finish—completely optional, but highly recommended!
- Streusel extras (optional nuts): Chopped pecans or walnuts bring extra crunch and a fancy bakery flair.
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready when the muffins go in. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures every Coffee Cake Muffin comes out looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed, then drizzle in the melted butter. Use a fork (or clean fingers!) to toss everything until you have chunky, coarse crumbs. Set the streusel aside; you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 3: Mix the Muffin Batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until perfectly smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently—just until there’s no visible flour. The secret is not to overmix if you want soft, tender Coffee Cake Muffins.
Step 4: Fill and Top the Muffins
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Now for the magic: generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each mound of batter. Don’t be shy—any extra crumbs are pure gold once baked!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let the aroma fill your kitchen for 18 to 22 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, you’re done! Let the muffins sit in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack so they cool without getting soggy bottoms.
Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional but Wonderful)
If you’re in the mood for an extra flourish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle over the completely cooled muffins. It adds a gorgeous glossy finish and just the right touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a decadent swirl of vanilla glaze makes each muffin practically glow. If you’re feeling extra-fancy, a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze turns your Coffee Cake Muffins into true showstoppers.
Side Dishes
These muffins shine on their own, but they play well with others—try them alongside a bowl of seasonal fruit salad, a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, or even a poached egg for a balanced breakfast spread. And of course, they’re perfection with a big mug of coffee or tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up a brunch table by arranging your Coffee Cake Muffins on a tiered cake stand with fresh berries scattered around. For a fun grab-and-go treat, wrap them individually with parchment and twine. Or, package a few in a pretty box and bring them as a hostess gift—guaranteed smiles all around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, store your Coffee Cake Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll keep their soft crumb and lovely flavor—just be sure they’re fully cooled before storing.
Freezing
These muffins freeze like a dream! Place cooled muffins in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or pop in the microwave for a quick treat any day of the week.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm leftover Coffee Cake Muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or place in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The streusel will crisp up again and the interior turns deliciously soft.
FAQs
Can I make Coffee Cake Muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake them the night before and store covered at room temperature. They’ll taste just as wonderful the next morning—maybe even better, as the flavors meld overnight.
What’s the best substitute for sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully and adds the same moisture and tang. Just use it in equal measure and your Coffee Cake Muffins will be just as delicious.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to stir chopped walnuts, pecans, or even diced apples into the batter or streusel for extra flavor and texture. Just keep add-ins to about 1/2 cup total so the muffins don’t get too heavy.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
Your best bet is the good old toothpick test: insert one into the center of a muffin, and if it comes out clean (or with just a crumb or two), they’re ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make these Coffee Cake Muffins gluten free?
Yes, simply use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour mix in place of the all-purpose flour. The results should be tender and just as flavorful—no one will suspect a thing!
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Muffins truly bring the best of breakfast and snack time together in one perfectly portable bite. With their tender crumb, cozy cinnamon swirl, and irresistible crumb topping, I hope they become a staple in your kitchen too. Give them a try—you might just discover a new favorite to share with family and friends!
Print
Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. They are moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel. The optional glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare muffin tin.
- Whisk together dry ingredients.
- Fill muffin cups and sprinkle with streusel topping.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes.
In a medium bowl, make the streusel topping. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients, then combine with dry ingredients.
Cool before adding optional glaze.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add nuts for extra crunch.
- Muffins freeze well.
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