These Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the comfort of coffee cake with the convenience of muffins. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins feature a moist and tender crumb topped with a crunchy streusel. Their sweet and spicy flavor profile makes them a favorite among family and friends, ensuring they will be enjoyed on any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a rich, comforting taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or pack them as a sweet snack when you’re on the go.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at gatherings, parties, or simply with your loved ones at home.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or fruits to the batter for an extra twist!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe for Coffee Cake Muffins, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Essential for shaping your muffins perfectly, ensuring they bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Large bowls allow you to combine ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: A whisk helps blend wet ingredients smoothly, avoiding lumps in your batter.

Ingredients
These Coffee Cake Muffins are moist and tender, topped with a crunchy streusel that adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
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
How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together:
1. Flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Ground cinnamon
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Combine melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk together until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture:
1. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl:
1. Mix flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Add cold butter pieces.
3. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until coarse crumbs form.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin:
– Fill each cup about 2/3 full.
Step 7: Add Streusel Topping
Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over each muffin cup filled with batter.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes:
– Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Step 9: Cool
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful Coffee Cake Muffins fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins
Serving Coffee Cake Muffins can elevate your breakfast or snack time. These muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your taste and occasion.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve the muffins alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast. The fruit adds natural sweetness and complements the cinnamon flavor.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair the muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages enhance the cozy experience, making it perfect for a morning treat.
Topped with Cream Cheese
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top for a rich, creamy addition. This pairing adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the muffin.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey over the muffins provides extra sweetness. It enhances the flavor while keeping your snack light and enjoyable.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Include these muffins in a brunch buffet alongside other dishes like quiche or fruit salad. They make an excellent addition to any festive gathering.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Muffins
To ensure your Coffee Cake Muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer if needed. An accurate oven temperature ensures that your muffins bake evenly.
- Cool Before Serving – Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture variations.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Muffins
Coffee Cake Muffins can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their appeal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate, balancing the sweetness of the muffins.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side that contrasts nicely with the muffin’s texture.
- Scrambled Eggs – Soft scrambled eggs provide protein, making your meal more balanced and satisfying alongside the sweet muffins.
- Granola – Serve crunchy granola on the side for added texture and health benefits; it pairs well with coffee or tea.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of soft cheeses can provide a savory contrast, creating an enjoyable mix of flavors.
- Smoothies – Blend up a refreshing smoothie with greens and fruits for a nutritious drink that complements your sweet treat.
- Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits can be a hearty addition, making breakfast more filling.
- Vegetable Sticks with Dip – Fresh veggies served with hummus or ranch dip add crunch and variety, balancing out the muffin’s sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple mistakes when baking Coffee Cake Muffins that can affect their outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Boldly overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Boldly neglecting ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can result in uneven baking. Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature.
- Boldly skipping the streusel topping: The crunchy topping is essential for flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; it’s what sets these muffins apart!
- Boldly ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven can lead to undercooked or burnt muffins. Use an oven thermometer to check the heat!
- Boldly not checking for doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Always use a toothpick to test if your muffins are done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Coffee Cake Muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Coffee Cake Muffins
- Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy reference.
Reheating Coffee Cake Muffins
- Boldly using the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake muffins for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Boldly utilizing the Microwave: Heat one muffin on high for about 15-20 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary.
- Boldly trying the Stovetop: Place a muffin in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Coffee Cake Muffins.
How do I make my Coffee Cake Muffins extra moist?
To ensure your Coffee Cake Muffins stay moist, avoid overbaking and consider adding an extra egg or using buttermilk instead of whole milk.
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Muffins?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover Coffee Cake Muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but this may create denser muffins.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Muffins are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their perfect blend of sweetness and spice makes them an ideal breakfast treat or snack. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins!
Coffee Cake Muffins
Indulge in the delightful taste of Coffee Cake Muffins, where the comforting flavors of traditional coffee cake meet the convenience of muffins. These treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, featuring a moist and tender crumb with a crunchy streusel topping. The sweet and spicy notes from cinnamon and brown sugar make them a hit with family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed warm with coffee or packed for a busy day, these versatile muffins are sure to please any crowd. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing bakers of all levels to create this delicious treat at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for streusel
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed for streusel
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces for streusel
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for streusel
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients; mix gently until just combined.
- Prepare the streusel by mixing flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold butter until coarse crumbs form.
- Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter and sprinkle streusel on top.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg