coffee cake muffin recipe

With soft, tender layers and delightful frosting! So cute, so customizable. Perfectly sized individual cakes for any celebration!

Introduction to coffee cake muffin recipe

Did you know that over 65% of home bakers are searching for recipes that take less than 30 minutes of active preparation time? If you’re among this growing crowd of time-conscious food enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat! Are you craving something sweet and comforting that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen? Wondering if it’s possible to enjoy the rich, cinnamon-swirled goodness of coffee cake in a convenient, portable form? The answer is a resounding yes with this coffee cake muffin recipe!

These delightful muffins capture all the beloved flavors of traditional coffee cake – the moist, tender crumb, sweet streusel topping, and warm cinnamon notes – but in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or anytime you need a quick baking win, these muffins will become your new go-to recipe.

coffee cake muffin recipe

Prep 20 minutes mins

Cook 28 minutes mins

Total 48 minutes mins

With soft, tender layers and delightful frosting! So cute, so customizable. Perfectly sized individual cakes for any celebration!

5 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

For the muffin batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened (or ½ cup coconut oil for dairy-free option)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs , room temperature
• 1 cup milk (any variety works – dairy or plant-based)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the cinnamon streusel topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar , packed
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter , cubed
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• . For the glaze (optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or coffee
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Having everything ready before you begin mixing will streamline the process and save valuable minutes.

  Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

  In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The secret to perfect streusel is keeping the butter cold – if it starts to warm, pop the mixture in the freezer for 5 minutes before continuing.

  Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This even distribution ensures your muffins will rise perfectly and have consistent texture throughout.

  Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

  In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Don't rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air into the batter, resulting in lighter, more tender muffins.

  Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

  Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. The batter might look slightly curdled – this is completely normal and won't affect your final results.

  Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing activates gluten and results in tough muffins, so use a light hand and stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain.

  Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

  Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. A cookie scoop or ice cream scoop makes this process quick and ensures uniform sizing for even baking.

  Step 8: Add Streusel Topping

  Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture over each muffin, gently pressing it into the batter slightly so it adheres during baking.

  Step 9: Bake to Perfection

  Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

  Step 10: Cool and Glaze

  Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with glaze while still slightly warm for that classic coffee cake finish.
  

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Nutritional Information

Each coffee cake muffin contains approximately:

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g

These values may vary based on specific ingredients and substitutions used.

Healthier Alternatives for the coffee cake muffin recipe

Looking to make these muffins more nutritious without sacrificing flavor? Try these modifications:

• Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber content by up to 200%
• Reduce sugar to ¾ cup and add ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness
• Use Greek yogurt instead of milk for added protein (8g per serving)
• Incorporate ground flaxseed (1-2 tablespoons) for omega-3 fatty acids
• Try almond or coconut flour for a lower-carb alternative, though you may need to adjust liquid ratios

Serving Suggestions

Transform these versatile muffins from a simple breakfast to an impressive dessert:

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
• Pair with fresh berries and yogurt for a balanced breakfast
• Split and toast leftover muffins with a thin spread of butter for a delightful afternoon snack
• Create a stunning brunch spread alongside a Italian Meatloaf Recipe for a savory counterpoint

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: Stop stirring as soon as ingredients are combined to avoid tough muffins
• Opening the oven door too early: This can cause muffins to collapse; wait until at least 15 minutes have passed
• Underbaking: Muffins should spring back when lightly touched and have lightly browned edges
• Overfilling muffin cups: This leads to overflow and uneven baking; stick to 2/3 full
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk blend more easily and produce a more tender crumb

Storing Tips for the coffee cake muffin recipe

Maximize freshness and enjoy these muffins for days:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week, though this may slightly affect texture
• Freeze unfrosted muffins for up to 3 months – simply thaw overnight and reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave
• For make-ahead convenience, prepare the streusel topping up to 1 week in advance and store in the refrigerator

Conclusion

This quick coffee cake muffin recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor of traditional coffee cake in a fraction of the time. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, you’re never more than 40 minutes away from freshly baked perfection.

Whether you’re rushing to prepare a last-minute breakfast treat, need a reliable recipe for brunch gatherings, or simply crave the warmth of homemade baked goods without the fuss, these muffins hit all the right notes. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion – pair them with savory options like an Italian Meatloaf Recipe for a complete meal.

Why not make a batch today? Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, and your family will be delighted by these tender, streusel-topped treats. Share your experience in the comments or tag us in your coffee cake muffin creations on social media!