What is a coffee cake muffin?

A coffee cake muffin combines the flavors of classic coffee cake with the shape and convenience of a muffin. It features a soft vanilla batter, a cinnamon sugar swirl, and a crumb topping. Many versions also include a light glaze. So you get the taste of coffee cake in a portable form.

What exactly is a muffin?

A muffin is a small, single serving quick bread baked in a muffin tin. Unlike yeast breads, muffins rely on baking powder for lift. They often contain fruit, nuts, or spices. Because you mix them quickly and bake right away, they come together fast.

Why is it called a coffee cake?

Coffee cake gets its name because people traditionally serve it with coffee. The cake itself usually does not contain coffee. Instead, it features sweet batter and a crumb topping. Over time, bakers turned that cake into Coffee Cake Muffins for easier serving.

What makes a muffin different from a cake?

Muffins have a denser texture and less sweetness than most cakes. You also mix muffin batter less to keep it tender. Cakes often require more mixing and frosting, while Coffee Cake Muffins focus on crumb topping and simple glaze.

Coffee Cake Muffins Ultimate Cozy Breakfast Treat

Name: Coffee Cake Muffins Ultimate Cozy Breakfast Treat
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large 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; 1/2 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirl); Pinch of salt (for swirl); 1/3 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for crumb topping); 6 tablespoons butter, melted (for crumb topping); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); Pinch of salt (for glaze); 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Description

Soft and tender Coffee Cake Muffins with a sweet cinnamon swirl center, buttery crumb topping, and vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large 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

1/2 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirl)

Pinch of salt (for swirl)

1/3 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)

6 tablespoons butter, melted (for crumb topping)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Pinch of salt (for glaze)

2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line or grease 10 standard muffin cups.

2. Whisk melted butter and granulated sugar together until combined. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.

3. Stir in sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt just until incorporated. Do not overmix.

5. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the swirl in a small bowl.

6. Prepare crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until clumps form.

7. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.

8. Top with more batter until about three-quarters full. Add crumb topping and lightly press into batter.

9. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F. Reduce temperature to 375°F and bake about 15 more minutes until golden and set.

10. Cool for at least 15 minutes.

11. Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Notes

Makes 10 muffins.

Total time is about 45 minutes including 25 minutes prep and 20 minutes baking.

Muffins have a tender interior with a crisp crumb topping and cinnamon swirl center.

Allow muffins to cool before glazing so icing sets properly.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze unglazed muffins for longer storage.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Oven-baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg