Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These coffee cake muffins are a great twist on traditional coffee cake. They are not only easy to make but also versatile. You can prepare them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them whenever you like. The cinnamon-sugar swirl and crumbly streusel topping elevate them to bakery-style perfection. Plus, they’re perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)

Muffin Batter

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)

• 2 tablespoons milk (room temperature)

Cinnamon Swirl

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Icing

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt

• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.

2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add cold butter and incorporate it into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until it forms crumb-sized pieces. Set the streusel aside in the freezer.

3. In a large bowl, beat together melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt).

6. In another bowl, mix sour cream and milk together.

7. Gradually add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

8. For the cinnamon swirl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt in a small bowl.

9. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture, then top with more batter until each cup is about ¾ full.

10. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the muffins and gently press it into the batter.

11. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. For the icing, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt, and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled muffins before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 18 minutes

Variations

• Add fruit such as blueberries or diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.

• Swap the cinnamon swirl for chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different flavor profile.

• Try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to infuse a rich coffee flavor.

• For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and yogurt alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

How can I change up my coffee cake muffins?

You can add fresh fruit, such as blueberries or apples, or even chocolate chips to the batter. Experiment with different spices or add espresso powder for a deeper flavor.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes! These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but sour cream provides the best texture and flavor.

How do I make sure my muffins turn out fluffy?

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Resting the batter in the fridge for at least an hour can also help the muffins rise better.

How can I make these muffins extra moist?

Using both butter and oil helps create a moist crumb. The addition of sour cream or yogurt also keeps the muffins soft and tender.

Can I use cake flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour, particularly in the streusel topping, to make it even lighter and crispier.

Can I make a larger batch?

You can easily double the recipe to make more muffins. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Do I have to add the icing?

The icing is optional but adds a nice sweet finish to the muffins. If you prefer, you can skip the icing or use a glaze instead.

What can I do if I don't have muffin liners?

If you don’t have liners, grease the muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze the batter?

It’s not recommended to freeze the muffin batter, as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the baked muffins for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

These coffee cake muffins are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an irresistible treat. With a buttery cinnamon streusel topping and a moist, fluffy interior, they’re sure to be a hit for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead snack, these muffins will always satisfy your cravings for coffee cake.

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