Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to have cake for breakfast, these Coffee Cake Muffins are about to become your new morning obsession. Imagine all the cinnamon-spiced, buttery glory of classic coffee cake, but in grab-and-go muffin form — complete with a tender crumb, crunchy streusel topping, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze. They’re the kind of treat that makes even an ordinary weekday feel a little bit special, and they absolutely shine at brunches or cozy weekend mornings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Coffee Cake Muffins is delightfully simple, and you’ll find the magic is in how basic pantry staples come together to create something truly memorable. From the irresistible crumb topping to the moist, flavorful base, every ingredient adds its own personality to these muffins.

• Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Gives the crumb topping its signature deep, caramel-like sweetness and lovely color.
• All-purpose flour (⅓ cup for crumb + 1½ cups for muffins): Forms the backbone for both the topping and the muffins, ensuring a perfect, tender crumb.
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon for crumb + ½ teaspoon for muffins): Adds cozy warmth and that classic coffee cake flavor in every bite.
• Cold unsalted butter, cubed (3 tablespoons): Creates those melt-in-your-mouth buttery clumps in the streusel.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the muffin batter with a clean, delicate flavor.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the muffins beautiful lift and a fluffy interior.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with the sour cream to enhance rise and tenderness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors of all the components.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives a rich, golden hue to the batter.
• Sour cream (½ cup): The secret to super-moist, rich muffins that stay soft even days later.
• Milk (¼ cup for muffins + 1–2 teaspoons for glaze): Loosens the batter for perfect texture, and helps thin the glaze to drizzling consistency.
• Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Adds moisture while keeping the crumb light.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for muffins + ¼ teaspoon for glaze): Infuses both the muffins and glaze with comforting, aromatic sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup, optional glaze): Whisked into a dreamy glaze that takes the muffins over the top.

How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Muffin Tin and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your muffin batter is ready to go. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light coating of nonstick spray. This quick prep step makes sure your Coffee Cake Muffins pop out perfectly golden and never stick.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use a fork or pastry cutter to work it in until you have deliciously buttery, pea-sized clumps. This is your signature crumb topping — it will bake into irresistibly crisp, cinnamony nuggets that make every bite sing.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Muffins

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend is the secret to perfectly spiced, fluffy muffins with just the right balance of sweetness.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix the egg, sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. The tangy sour cream and richness of the egg will guarantee your Coffee Cake Muffins stay incredibly moist.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Make a well in your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — don’t worry about a few lumps, and whatever you do, don’t overmix. This is the trick to that ideal, tender muffin crumb.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin and Add Crumb Topping

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Generously sprinkle that dreamy crumb topping over each one. Don’t hold back — the more, the better!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden with a crisp crown of streusel. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Optional Vanilla Glaze

If you’re feeling extra, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glossy glaze over completely cooled muffins for that bakery-style finish.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect touch, finish Coffee Cake Muffins with a delicate shower of powdered sugar, a few extra crystals of cinnamon sugar, or a scattering of toasted chopped nuts. Of course, the vanilla glaze is always a fan favorite — it glistens beautifully and adds a hint of creamy sweetness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with your favorite morning beverage — hot coffee, creamy lattes, or even a robust cup of black tea work wonders. For a heartier breakfast, consider serving with fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a simple scramble of eggs. Coffee Cake Muffins are versatile and play well with many breakfast classics.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving them on a pretty cake stand for brunch gatherings, or pop each muffin into festive parchment wrappers for a grab-and-go treat at picnics or bake sales. Stack them in a basket with a linen napkin for a cozy, inviting feel, or wrap each muffin individually as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Coffee Cake Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crumb topping crisp and the center beautifully soft. If you want to extend their life a bit, you can tuck the container in the fridge for another two days — just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully! Arrange completely cooled muffins in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. To prevent sticking, you can wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or parchment before freezing. This way, you can easily grab one for a quick breakfast any time.

Reheating

If your muffins have chilled or been frozen, simply thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave (about 15–20 seconds). Popping them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes also refreshes the crumb and re-crisps the topping beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Coffee Cake Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the standard flour. The results are still moist and flavorful, with a great crumb.

Do Coffee Cake Muffins actually contain coffee?

Nope — the “coffee” in the name refers to the tradition of enjoying this style of sweet, streusel-topped cake with a cup of coffee. There’s no coffee in the batter, but nobody’s stopping you from enjoying them with your favorite brew!

Can I add fruit or nuts to the muffins?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, raisins, or even swirls of jam make lovely additions. Simply fold them gently into the batter before filling the muffin cups. Mini chocolate chips are another fun twist for extra indulgence.

Why is sour cream important in this recipe?

Sour cream brings an unbeatable tenderness and moisture to these muffins, and its subtle tang balances all that cinnamon sugar sweetness. If needed, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a similar effect.

What’s the secret to the perfect crumb topping?

Cold, cubed butter is the trick — it helps form those irresistible, buttery clumps that stay crunchy after baking. Don’t overwork it; a few uneven bits are just what you want for authentic Coffee Cake Muffins.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Coffee Cake Muffins instantly adds a comforting, homemade touch to any morning. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these little gems deliver all the best parts of coffee cake in every bite. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

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