Coffee Cake Muffins

Each muffin delivers a delightful sensory experience, the crackly crumb topping gives way to soft, pillowy cake studded with pockets of warm cinnamon sweetness. The vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of decadence without being overwhelming. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to create these bakery-quality muffins at home, from ingredient tips to storage solutions. Let’s dive into this show-stopping recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Layers of Flavor and Texture: You get three distinct components, fluffy muffin, cinnamon swirl, and crumb topping, creating an incredible eating experience in every bite.
2. Easier Than Traditional Coffee Cake: No need for a bundt pan or complicated assembly. These individual portions bake evenly and look professionally made with minimal effort.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or hosting, these muffins can be made the night before and stay fresh for days.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: From kids to grandparents, everyone loves these bakery-style treats that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
5. Customizable Base: The recipe provides a versatile foundation that welcomes additions like berries, nuts, or different spice combinations.

These muffins turn ordinary mornings into something special without requiring professional baking skills.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: Approximately 55 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes (5 minutes at 425°F, then 15 minutes at 375°F)
Cooling time: 15 minutes before glazing

Please note that times may vary depending on your oven and altitude. Always check for doneness by ensuring muffins spring back when gently touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the muffins:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon sugar swirls:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the buttery crumb topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 6 Tablespoons butter, melted

For the glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2-3 Tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease 10 standard-size muffin tins and line with cupcake liners. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, beating until combined. Add the eggs in one at a time. Add the sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until it begins to come together (not fully incorporated). Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the brown sugar swirl. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients for the crumb topping. Add the butter and mix together until the mixture clumps together. Set aside.

Step 6: Layer the Muffins

Use a large spoon to drop coffee cake muffin batter into prepared muffin tins, filling them up about 1/2 of the way. You can use a small cookie scoop or drop 2 Tablespoons to keep things consistent. Drop a large spoonful of the brown sugar mixture over the bottom layer of the muffins. Top the brown sugar middle with the same amount of muffin batter to fill the muffins up about 3/4 of a way.

Step 7: Add Crumb Topping

Top each muffin with a large spoonful of crumb topping, gently pressing into the top of the muffin so that it sticks.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then turn oven down to 375°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until muffins are golden brown and spring back to the touch. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes.

Step 9: Glaze

While the muffins cool, make the glaze. Combine all of the glaze ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the crumb topping. Enjoy!

How to Serve

1. Presentation Perfection: Arrange muffins on a tiered cake stand or rustic wooden board, letting the glaze cascade down the sides for an Instagram-worthy display.
2. Perfect Accompaniments: Serve alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or Greek yogurt for added richness and a pop of color.
3. Portion Planning: One muffin makes a satisfying breakfast or snack, while two can serve as a decadent dessert when paired with vanilla ice cream.
4. Beverage Pairing: These muffins shine alongside freshly brewed coffee, chai lattes, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.

These treats are best enjoyed slightly warm when the crumb topping is at its most tender.

Additional Tips

• Enhance the Cinnamon Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the muffin batter itself for an even more pronounced warm spice throughout, or experiment with cardamom for a sophisticated twist.
• Room Temperature Matters: Bringing eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature ensures proper emulsification and creates a smoother, more tender crumb in your finished muffins.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see a few flour streaks remaining. Overmixing develops gluten and results in tough, dense muffins instead of light, fluffy ones.

Recipe Variations

1. Blueberry Cinnamon Muffins: Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter after mixing, then proceed with the cinnamon swirl and crumb topping. The fruit adds moisture and a beautiful purple hue throughout.
2. Nutty Coffee Cake Muffins: Mix 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch and richness. You can also fold chopped nuts into the cinnamon-sugar swirl layer for texture in every bite.
3. Maple Glaze Variation: Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple version by substituting pure maple syrup for the milk and adding 1/4 teaspoon of maple extract. This creates a warm, autumn-inspired flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The glaze may soften slightly in the refrigerator, but the muffins will stay fresh and moist.

Freezing: Freeze unglazed muffins in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then glaze before serving. You can also freeze individual muffins wrapped in plastic wrap for grab-and-go convenience. For best results, apply the glaze after thawing to maintain its glossy appearance.

Special Equipment

You’ll need these essential tools for success:

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper cupcake liners
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium and small mixing bowls
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Cookie scoop or large spoon for portioning

Having these items ready before you begin ensures a smooth, enjoyable baking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these muffins without buttermilk?

Absolutely! Create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/4 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This creates the same tangy flavor and tender texture.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

The layering method in this recipe prevents sinking. Make sure your bottom layer of batter is thick enough (about halfway full), and don’t thin the cinnamon mixture with any liquid. The batter layers encapsulate the swirl perfectly.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For best results, bake the muffins immediately after mixing. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients and the cinnamon swirl mixture the night before. Store them separately at room temperature, then combine everything in the morning for quick assembly.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes! Fill the muffin tins completely with all layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the total baking time.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

You can reduce the granulated sugar in the muffin batter by up to 1/4 cup, though this will affect the sweetness and moisture. The brown sugar in the swirl and crumb topping is essential for proper texture and shouldn’t be reduced.

Conclusion

These Coffee Cake Muffins deliver bakery-quality results with straightforward home baking techniques. The combination of moist vanilla cake, cinnamon-sugar swirl, buttery crumb topping, and sweet glaze creates an unforgettable treat that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a special breakfast, or simply want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, this recipe delivers every time. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create something truly special. Your kitchen is about to become everyone’s favorite gathering spot!

Clara W.Pawel

Coffee Cake Muffins

These coffee cake muffins are soft, buttery, and topped with a thick cinnamon streusel. They combine everything you love about classic coffee cake in an easy, bakery-style muffin form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 muffins

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold (for streusel)

Equipment

• muffin tin
• paper liners
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• oven

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, mix the streusel ingredients until crumbly and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry muffin ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients until smooth.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Divide the batter into the muffin liners and generously top with streusel.
7. Bake for 22–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat briefly to refresh the crumb topping before serving.