There’s something irresistible about Coffee Cake Muffins emerging warm from the oven, the buttery aroma, the crumbly streusel, the soft cinnamon-vanilla crumb. I first fell in love with them in a tiny neighborhood bakery where the baker insisted muffins should taste like comfort in handheld form. These muffins recreate that moment beautifully, and they’re ready in just minutes. Throughout this article, you’ll find step-by-step guidance, visual cues (like suggested images and video references), and professional tips to help your muffins rise tall, bake evenly, and taste stunning every time.
Table of Contents
Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
Suggested Image Placement: “coffee cake muffins streusel topping”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Estimated Calories: ~260 per muffin
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (80ml) neutral oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream
For the Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup (56g) melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.
- Prepare the streusel: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients gently, stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
- Fill muffin cups ¾ full. Top generously with the streusel mixture.
- Bake 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack. Serve warm.
Suggested Image Placement: “inside crumb shot of coffee cake muffins”
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or oat milk; use vegan butter in the streusel.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar by ¼ cup; muffins will be slightly less tender.
- Oil-Free: Use equal amounts of melted butter or applesauce (texture will be denser).
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined to keep the crumb tender.
- Use room-temperature ingredients. Ensures tall, even-domed muffins.
- Chill the streusel. 10 minutes in the fridge prevents it from melting.
- Double the topping. For bakery-style height and crunch.
- Rotate the pan halfway. Promotes even browning.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
To make ahead, mix dry ingredients and streusel a day early. Store separately and combine wet ingredients just before baking.
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration is possible but may dry out the crumb.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to revive softness.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Muffins too dense: Overmixed batter or expired leavening agents.
- Sinking streusel: Batter filled too high or topping too fine.
- Dry texture: Overbaking or insufficient fat/moisture.
- Flat tops: Oven not preheated fully or wet ingredients too cold.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Serve these Coffee Cake Muffins with a cappuccino, chai latte, or cold brew. A drizzle of vanilla glaze elevates them for brunch. They’re also excellent split and toasted lightly with a smear of butter.
Pairing Recipes From Our Website
FAQs
Can I freeze Coffee Cake Muffins?
Yes! freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Can I add fruit?
Blueberries or diced apples work well; toss in flour before folding in.
Can I bake them without liners?
Yes, but grease the cups thoroughly with butter or spray.
How do I get tall, domed muffins?
Start with fully preheated oven and room-temperature ingredients.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! bake 10–12 minutes and reduce streusel slightly.
Can I reduce the cinnamon?
Absolutely; adjust to taste without affecting structure.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself on a quiet morning, these Coffee Cake Muffins deliver a bakery-level experience with minimal effort. Their buttery crumb and fragrant streusel make them an irresistible, reliable favorite, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Enjoy and bake them often!