Coffee Cake Muffins

Time to read:16 minutes

Introduction

Coffee cake muffins are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of traditional coffee cake with the convenience of a handheld muffin. Despite the name, these muffins don’t contain coffee; instead, they’re designed to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or a mid-day snack.

The Origins of Coffee Cake

The tradition of pairing sweet cakes with coffee dates back to 17th-century Europe. In countries like Germany, the term “Kaffee kuchen” referred to sweet yeast breads enjoyed with coffee. This practice spread across Europe, with each region adding its unique twist to the concept. The British, for instance, had their “tea cakes,” which were often scones or sweet buns served with tea. As immigrants brought these traditions to America, the coffee cake evolved, incorporating local ingredients and preferences, leading to the variety we see today.

Evolution into Muffin Form

Transforming the classic coffee cake into muffin form is a modern adaptation that offers several benefits:

• Portability: Muffins are easy to transport, making them ideal for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
• Portion Control: Individual servings help in managing portion sizes.
• Reduced Baking Time: Muffins bake faster than traditional cakes, allowing for quicker preparation.

This evolution maintains the beloved flavors of the original coffee cake while adding convenience and versatility.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Understanding the role of each ingredient ensures a successful batch of coffee cake muffins:

Step-by-Step Recipe for Coffee Cake Muffins

• Flour: Provides structure to the muffins.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to moisture.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents aid in the rising of muffins.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Sour Cream or Buttermilk: Introduces moisture and a slight tang, resulting in a tender crumb.
• Cinnamon: Offers the characteristic warm flavor of coffee cake.
• Brown Sugar: Used in the streusel topping for a deeper sweetness.

Here’s a detailed recipe to make approximately 12 coffee cake muffins.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and either line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Use a fork to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly.
   • Place the bowl in the freezer while you prepare the muffin batter to keep the streusel firm.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
   • In another small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then whisk thoroughly.
   • In a separate medium bowl, mix melted butter, sour cream, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent dense muffins.
5. Assemble the Muffins:
   • Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
   • Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter in each cup.
   • Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, covering the cinnamon layer.
   • Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out dry.
   • Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully.
7. Optional Glaze:
   • For added sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled muffins. Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the muffins.

Enjoy your homemade coffee cake muffins with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

Variations to Try

To add variety to your coffee cake muffins, consider these delicious adaptations:

• Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins: Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking.
• Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Muffins: Add ¾ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter treat.
• Nutty Coffee Cake Muffins: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping for added crunch.

These variations allow you to customize the muffins to your taste preferences.

Tips for Baking Perfect Muffins

Achieve bakery-quality coffee cake muffins with these helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until ingredients are just combined to prevent tough muffins.
• Proper Measuring: Accurately measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense muffins.
• Even Streusel Distribution: For a uniform topping, sprinkle the streusel evenly over each muffin before baking.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create muffins that are moist, tender, and flavorful.

Ingredients and Baking Techniques

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Muffins

Coffee cake muffins bring warmth and comfort to any morning. Coffee cake muffins need the right ingredients to get a soft, fluffy texture with a rich crumb topping. The base includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. These create the perfect mix for a bakery-style treat. Adding cinnamon enhances flavor, while baking powder helps with a good rise. Coffee cake muffins also benefit from vanilla extract, which deepens the taste.

A good balance between dry and wet ingredients is key. Too much flour can make coffee cake muffins dense, while too much liquid makes them flat. Brown sugar is an excellent sweetener because it adds moisture. Sour cream or yogurt can also be used for a softer bite.

A crumb topping adds the perfect finish. It requires butter, flour, and sugar, mixed until crumbly. Some bakers include chopped nuts for extra texture. These ingredients come together to create the best coffee cake muffins.

The Secret to a Moist Muffin Base

Moist coffee cake muffins come from the right fat-to-liquid ratio. Butter and eggs give richness, while milk or sour cream add softness. One key to moist muffins is not overmixing the batter. Stirring too much creates dense muffins. Instead, mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them.

Another trick is using room-temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or butter can affect texture. Allowing ingredients to sit out for 15 minutes before baking improves the final results. Coffee cake muffins benefit from oil in addition to butter. A small amount keeps them soft even after a day.

Baking time matters as well. Overbaking dries out muffins. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If it comes out with a few crumbs, they are ready.

Choosing the Right Flour and Sweeteners

Flour is the base of coffee cake muffins. All-purpose flour works best, but cake flour makes a softer crumb. If using whole wheat flour, mix it with white flour for a lighter texture.

Sweeteners affect both flavor and texture. Brown sugar provides moisture, while white sugar gives crisp edges. Some bakers use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. However, these change the texture slightly. For a balanced taste, a mix of sugars works best.

How to Make the Perfect Crumb Topping

The crumb topping is what makes coffee cake muffins special. It adds crunch and sweetness. The base includes butter, flour, and sugar. Mixing cold butter into flour creates the perfect crumbs. Using softened butter results in a paste instead of crumbs, so keeping it cold is key.

Cinnamon enhances the topping. Some recipes include nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra texture. Once mixed, the crumbs should be sprinkled over the muffin batter before baking. This ensures they bake into a golden, crunchy layer.

Tips for Achieving a Bakery-Style Texture

To get the best coffee cake muffins, follow these tips:

• Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
• Prepare dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then mix them together gently.
• Avoid overmixing to keep muffins soft.
• Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full to get a good rise.
• Bake at a consistent temperature to prevent sinking.
• Add a touch of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.

Coffee cake muffins should have a soft center with a crispy top. With the right ingredients and methods, they turn out perfect every time.

For expert guidance on professional baking techniques, consider the following reputable resources:

• King Arthur Baking Company’s Baking Tips & Techniques: This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of baking topics, from understanding common baking terms to mastering specific techniques. King Arthur Baking
• “Professional Baking” by Wayne Gisslen: A widely respected textbook in culinary education, this book offers detailed instructions on baking theory and techniques, suitable for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Amazon
• Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts’ Baking Basics: This resource provides essential baking tips and techniques, emphasizing the science behind baking and the importance of precise measurements. Escoffier College

These resources are well-regarded in the baking community and offer valuable insights to help you enhance your baking skills.

Coffee cake muffins combine the tender crumb of classic coffee cake with the convenience of a handheld treat. These muffins feature a moist, flavorful base topped with a sweet, cinnamon-infused streusel, making them perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack alongside your favorite beverage.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Streusel Topping:

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat to 425°F (218°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Place the streusel in the refrigerator while you prepare the muffin batter.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg until fully blended.
5. Form the Batter:
   • Add the wet ingredients to the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent tough muffins.
6. Assemble the Muffins:
   • Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
   • Sprinkle a teaspoon of the streusel topping over the batter.
   • Add another tablespoon of batter on top, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
   • Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining streusel over each muffin.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes at 425°F (218°C).
   • Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
   • Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace dairy milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) as an egg substitute. Use vegan butter for the streusel.
• Flavor Add-Ins:
  • Fruit: Fold in 1 cup of fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the batter for a fruity twist.
  • Nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Measuring Flour: For accuracy, use the spoon-and-level technique. Too much flour can result in dense muffins.
• Mixing Batter: Stir the batter until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and better-textured muffins.
• Streusel Topping: Keep the streusel topping cold until ready to use. This helps maintain a crumbly texture during baking.
• Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary. Check muffins a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

Best Ways to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins

Coffee cake muffins are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Their soft texture and sweet, cinnamon-streusel topping make them irresistible. Serving them warm enhances their flavor and creates a delightful experience.

Serving Ideas

• Warm with Butter – Spread some butter on a freshly baked muffin for extra richness.
• With a Drizzle of Glaze – A simple vanilla or cinnamon glaze adds a bakery-style touch.
• Alongside Fresh Fruit – Berries or sliced apples balance the sweetness.
• With Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream makes them even more indulgent.
• Toasted with Jam – Slightly toasting the muffins and adding jam creates a unique flavor.
• As a Dessert Base – Use crumbled muffins as a base for parfaits or trifles.

How to Keep Muffins Fresh for Days

Proper storage ensures that coffee cake muffins stay soft and flavorful. Here are the best ways to keep them fresh.

Storage Tips

• Use an Airtight Container – Keeps moisture inside and prevents drying.
• Avoid the Fridge – Refrigeration can dry out muffins, so only use if necessary.
• Reheat Before Eating – Microwaving for 10-15 seconds revives their texture.
• Add a Slice of Bread – Storing muffins with a slice of bread prevents them from becoming stale.

Freezing and Reheating Tips

Freezing coffee cake muffins is a great way to enjoy them later. Follow these steps for the best results.

How to Freeze Muffins

1. Cool Completely – Ensure muffins are at room temperature before freezing.
2. Wrap Individually – Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Store in a Freezer Bag – Label with the date for easy tracking.
4. Lay Flat to Freeze – Keeps muffins from getting squished.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Warm for 15-20 seconds for a quick reheating.
• Oven – Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Toaster Oven – Adds a slight crisp to the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Perfect Drink Pairings for Coffee Cake Muffins

Pairing the right drink enhances the flavor of coffee cake muffins. Here are some of the best choices:

Best Drink Choices

• Coffee – A classic choice that complements the cinnamon and sweetness.
• Chai Tea – The spices in chai blend well with the muffin’s flavors.
• Milk – Balances the richness and makes the treat even more satisfying.
• Hot Chocolate – A sweet and cozy pairing for an indulgent snack.
• Iced Latte – Perfect for warm days when you want a refreshing drink.
• Green Tea – A light and slightly bitter contrast to the muffin’s sweetness.

How to Make Muffins Look More Professional

Want your coffee cake muffins to look bakery-perfect? Follow these simple tips:

• Use Muffin Liners – Creates a uniform and clean appearance.
• Fill the Batter Evenly – Use an ice cream scoop for equal portions.
• Top with Extra Streusel – Adds a bakery-style look and extra crunch.
• Bake at the Right Temperature – Ensures even rising and a golden top.
• Cool Properly – Let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
• Add a Glaze or Dusting of Sugar – Finishing touches make muffins look professional.

For more delicious muffin recipes, check out this guide.

Coffee Cake Muffins: The Perfect Sweet Breakfast Treat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

 

These coffee cake muffins combine the rich, cinnamon-sugar flavors of traditional coffee cake with the convenience of a muffin. Topped with a delicious streusel, they are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack with coffee.

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Muffins:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
• Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, using a fork to create a crumbly texture. Place in the freezer while preparing the batter.
• Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In another small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Prepare the Muffin Batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix melted butter, sour cream, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together. Do not overmix.
• Assemble the Muffins: Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle with the cinnamon swirl mixture. Add the remaining batter and top with streusel.
• Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Optional Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Notes

 

• For extra moisture, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• These muffins freeze well for up to 3 months.

• Author: Elian Cove
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: coffee cake muffins, cinnamon muffins, bakery-style muffins

FAQS

Coffee cake muffins offer a delightful and versatile treat for any occasion. Serve them warm with butter or fresh fruit, pair them with coffee or tea, and store them properly to keep them fresh. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert, these muffins are a delightful choice for any occasion.