Delicious Coffee Cake Muffin Recipe | Easy Breakfast

As I enter my kitchen on a crisp morning, the smell of freshly baked coffee cake muffins greets me. It takes me back to my childhood. I remember the joy of sharing these treats with my family.

These muffins are perfect for starting the day. They have a moist, buttery crumb and a sweet streusel topping. It’s a combination that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re planning a brunch or just want a cozy breakfast, these muffins are ideal. They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients. And in no time, you’ll have a batch that everyone will love.

Why Coffee Cake Muffins Are the Perfect Breakfast Treat

Coffee cake has been a favorite breakfast for many years. Mixing its classic flavors with a muffin makes it a great morning treat. These treats are perfect for home or any brunch or coffee shop.

History Behind Coffee Cake

Coffee cake started in the 17th century as a coffee side dish. The “coffee” in its name means it’s best with a hot cup of coffee. Today, it’s still a sweet, tender cake with a cinnamon-sugar topping.

Benefits of Homemade Muffins

Making coffee cake muffins at home has many benefits. You get freshness, can customize, and save money. Homemade muffins also ensure quality ingredients for a tasty breakfast or snack. Plus, they’re easy to take on the go.

No Coffee in Coffee Cake

Even though it’s called coffee cake, it doesn’t have coffee. The name comes from serving it with coffee, not from coffee being in the cake. It’s a sweet, cinnamon treat that goes well with any hot drink.

Coffee cake muffins mix the beloved flavors of coffee cake into a handy muffin. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or adding to brunch. Enjoy the classic taste of coffee cake in a convenient form.

Essential Ingredients for Coffee Cake Muffin

Making delicious coffee cake muffins starts with choosing the right ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. These ingredients give the muffins their crumb cake texture and taste.

Unsalted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract add moisture and richness. Baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise and stay tender.

The streusel topping is what makes coffee cake muffins special. It’s made with butter, sugars, flour, and cinnamon. This topping adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

If you’re gluten-free or dairy-free, you can still make these muffins. Just use gluten-free flour and plant-based milk and butter. With the right ingredients, you’ll make muffins that taste amazing.

For the streusel topping, you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

“The secret to the perfect coffee cake muffin lies in the careful selection and combination of these essential ingredients.”

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Baking muffins, like coffee cake, needs some key tools and equipment. These tools help get the best texture and flavor. From muffin tins to measuring cups, the right tools are crucial.

Muffin Tins and Liners

A good 12-cup muffin tin is essential for baking coffee cake muffins. Choose heavy-duty, non-stick tins for even baking and easy muffin release. Use paper liners or silicone baking cups for a neat look and easy cleanup.

Mixing Bowls and Utensils

You’ll need mixing bowls of different sizes for muffin baking. A large bowl for wet ingredients, a medium for dry ingredients, and a small for streusel topping. A whisk, rubber spatula, and wooden spoon are key for mixing the batter well.

Measuring Equipment

Accurate measurements are vital for muffin baking. Get a set of liquid and dry measuring cups, and various measuring spoons. This ensures you measure ingredients correctly for the batter and streusel topping.

Keep your baking tools clean and in good shape for the best results. Rinse them right after use. Soak them in hot, soapy water for easy cleanup.

Making the Perfect Streusel Topping

Elevate your coffee cake muffins with a delicious streusel topping. This topping adds a nice crunch and a burst of cinnamon flavor. It makes your homemade treats even more special.

To make the streusel, mix 1¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Then, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter and let it cool a bit. Slowly add the butter to the dry ingredients, folding gently until it looks like wet sand. Don’t overmix to keep it crumbly.

Once the streusel is made, you can chill it while you make the muffin batter. This way, it stays cool and doesn’t melt during baking. You’ll get 2 cups of topping, perfect for one 8-inch or 9-inch coffee cake, a 9-inch pie, 12 muffins, or a 9×5-inch loaf cake or quick bread.

For extra flavor, try adding pumpkin pie spice, mini chocolate chips, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or crystalized ginger to the streusel. A bit of citrus zest, like 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon, can also add a nice twist.

When it’s time to bake, sprinkle the streusel over the muffin batter. Press it down a bit so it sticks during baking. You’ll get a topping that’s both crumbly and full of cinnamon flavor, making your coffee cake muffins even more delicious.

Step-by-Step Muffin Batter Preparation

Making the perfect coffee cake muffin batter is easy. Start by mixing the wet ingredients – melted butter, sugars, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Then, add the eggs and sour cream, mixing gently until they’re just combined.

In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, avoiding overmixing.

Wet Ingredients Mixing

First, melt the butter and let it cool a bit. In a big bowl, whisk together the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, mixing until it’s all one smooth mix.

Dry Ingredients Combination

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This mix will help your muffins rise and give them structure.

Proper Mixing Technique

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the muffins tough. Use a light touch and mix just until everything is combined.

For the best results, let the batter rest for 15 minutes before baking. This resting time can make your muffins rise better and be fluffier.

“The secret to perfectly tender and fluffy coffee cake muffins is all in the mixing. Gently fold the dry and wet ingredients together, being careful not to overmix. This step ensures your muffins will rise beautifully.”

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Take your coffee cake muffin to the next level with the cinnamon sugar swirl. This technique adds a sweet and spicy burst to the muffin’s center. It contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet breakfast treat.

To make the swirl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar (3.5 oz) and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk until the cinnamon is evenly spread in the sugar.

Start by adding a layer of coffee cake batter to the muffin cups. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Finish with another layer of batter. This creates a stunning swirl of cinnamon and sugar in the muffin.

The cinnamon sugar swirl makes your coffee cake muffins look and taste amazing. It adds a warm, comforting flavor to each bite. The cinnamon sugar melts into the batter, making the muffins even more delicious.

Add this simple yet impactful technique to your coffee cake recipes. It will make your homemade muffins incredibly tasty. Enjoy the perfect mix of moist cake and cinnamon sugar swirl in every bite.

Baking Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Muffins

Getting your muffin baking tips just right for easy baked goods is key. Follow these tips to make your coffee shop treats moist, tender, and full of flavor every time.

Temperature and Timing

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high heat gives your muffins a beautiful dome. Then, after 5 minutes, lower the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 16-18 minutes. This method ensures your muffins are cooked evenly without drying out.

Testing for Doneness

To see if your muffin baking tips are spot on, use a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, as this makes muffins dry and dense. The ideal internal temperature is around 200°F (93°C).

Watch your muffins closely in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. With these muffin baking tips, you’ll make easy baked goods that everyone will love at any coffee shop treats event.

“Baking is like washing dishes, you just have to do it. It’s not a hobby, it’s a job.” – Paul Hollywood

Sweet Icing Drizzle Recipe

To add the perfect finishing touch to your homemade coffee cake muffins, consider whipping up a simple yet delectable icing drizzle. This sweet topping not only enhances the flavors of the muffins but also gives them a professional, bakery-style appearance. It’s sure to impress your guests or family members.

The key to creating a creamy, pourable icing is to combine powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or heavy cream, along with a dash of pure vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture reaches a smooth, easily drizzleable consistency. Adjust the proportions as needed. Once your freshly baked coffee cake muffins have cooled for about 10 minutes, use a small spoon to carefully drizzle the icing over the tops. Let it cascade down the sides for a visually appealing presentation.

The beauty of this icing recipe is its versatility. You can customize the flavor by substituting almond extract or maple syrup for the vanilla. Or, add a touch of cocoa powder or instant coffee for a mocha-inspired twist. Whether you prefer a thicker, richer icing or a lighter, more delicate drizzle, this simple topping is the perfect way to transform your homemade coffee cake muffins into sweet breakfast or coffee shop treats that are sure to delight the senses.

FAQ

What are coffee cake muffins?

Coffee cake muffins are soft, fluffy muffins. They have a cinnamon sugar swirl and a crunchy streusel topping. They’re perfect with coffee, but don’t have any coffee in them.

What are the key ingredients in coffee cake muffins?

You’ll need flour, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cinnamon, unsalted butter, eggs, and milk are also important. Vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt are key too. For the streusel, you’ll need more butter, sugars, flour, and cinnamon.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make coffee cake muffins?

You’ll need a 12-cup muffin tin and liners or silicone cups. You’ll also need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, and a rubber spatula. An oven is a must. A food processor or pastry cutter helps with the streusel.

How do you make the perfect streusel topping for coffee cake muffins?

Mix sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Whisk in melted butter, then stir in flour until it’s like wet sand. Or, use a food processor to get a crumbly texture. Chill the streusel while you make the batter.

What is the key to creating the cinnamon sugar swirl in coffee cake muffins?

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Fill muffin cups with batter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Top with more batter for a tasty swirl.

How should coffee cake muffins be baked for best results?

Preheat to 425°F (218°C) and bake for 5 minutes. Then, reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 16-18 minutes. This method gives a nice top. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

How do you finish the coffee cake muffins with a sweet icing drizzle?

Mix powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract for the icing. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins for a sweet finish and a bakery look.