Coffee Cake Muffins are an inviting and delightful treat that can easily turn a mundane morning into a special occasion. The combination of moist muffin base and crisp, sweet streusel topping offers a comforting flavor reminiscent of a classic coffee cake, making it an ideal companion for your morning brew or an afternoon snack. Having made these muffins countless times, I’ve come to appreciate their foolproof nature and the warm aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself during a quiet moment, these muffins will quickly become a favorite.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The charm of Coffee Cake Muffins lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Not only are they a budget-friendly option, but they also deliver a homemade touch that store-bought options can’t match. These muffins work wonderfully for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or even as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
“These muffins were a hit at our brunch! The texture was spot-on and the streusel took them to another level. I’ll definitely be making them again!”
The Cooking Process Explained
Preparing Coffee Cake Muffins is a breeze! First, you’ll gather your ingredients and preheat the oven. Then you’ll mix your dry ingredients and separately combine the wet ones before folding them together. Don’t forget the delicious streusel topping, which elevates the muffin experience. With just a bit of baking time, you’ll have warm, flavorful muffins ready to enjoy in no time.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick ingredient list to gather before diving in:
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For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Feel free to substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the muffin batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Coffee Cake Muffins are exquisite on their own, but you can enhance your experience in various ways. Pair them with a cup of coffee, hot tea, or even milk. They’re also perfect alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a more balanced breakfast. Consider serving them warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Coffee Cake Muffins, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze them! Place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Make sure to combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before incorporating them. This helps create a fluffier muffin.
- Chill Your Butter: For an extra-crisp streusel topping, make sure your butter is cold when mixing.
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize your Coffee Cake Muffins! Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the streusel for added crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or fresh fruits, like blueberries or diced apples, for a delightful twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, in the muffin batter.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time for making these muffins is about 30 minutes, with 18-22 minutes of baking time.
Can I substitute the eggs?
Yes! To make these muffins egg-free, you can use a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup for each egg).
How can I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?
Make sure to grease the liners lightly, or use a non-stick muffin tin. If you see any sticking, allow the muffins to cool completely before trying to remove them.
These Coffee Cake Muffins are more than just a recipe; they’re a sweet experience that will bring joy to your kitchen and home. Enjoy, and happy baking!
Coffee Cake Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole milk Can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- 2 large eggs Can substitute with flaxseed meal or applesauce for an egg-free version.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces Ensure butter is cold for a crisp topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the muffin batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
