Irresistible Coffee Cake Muffins You’ll Want to Bake Right Now!

Irresistible Coffee Cake Muffins You’ll Want to Bake Right Now!

Have you ever craved the comforting flavors of coffee cake but wished for a quicker, more portable option? Coffee cake muffins are the perfect solution, combining the rich taste of traditional coffee cake with the convenience of a handheld treat.

Ingredients List

Creating these delectable coffee cake muffins requires a blend of simple ingredients that come together to deliver a delightful experience. Here's what you'll need:

For the Muffins:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup 2% milk
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions:

  • Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Milk: Almond or oat milk can replace dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Nuts: If you have nut allergies, omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Timing

Preparing these coffee cake muffins is both quick and straightforward:

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

This is approximately 20% less time than the average coffee cake recipe, making it a convenient choice for busy mornings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to ensure tender muffins.

6. Assemble the Muffins

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the streusel mixture over the batter in each cup. Top with approximately 2 tablespoons of the remaining batter, then sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture evenly over the tops.

7. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Glaze

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.

Nutritional Information

Each coffee cake muffin contains approximately:

  • Calories: 215
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 17mg
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 19g
  • Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make these muffins a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor:

  • Reduce Sugar: Cut the granulated sugar by 25% to lower the overall sugar content.
  • Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Add Fruit: Incorporate fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the batter for added nutrients and natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These coffee cake muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

  • With Beverages: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
  • As a Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
  • With Fresh Fruit: Accompany with sliced fresh fruit like strawberries or apples to balance the sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your muffins turn out perfectly:

  • Overmixing the Batter: Mix until just combined to prevent dense muffins.
  • Incorrect Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
  • Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds a sweet