There’s something grounding about baking, especially when it’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that comes together with ease. These coffee cake muffins provide a comforting option for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or those moments when you just want a warm treat to enjoy with your coffee or tea. They’re not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit quiet mornings or social gatherings. Let’s step into the kitchen and create something delightful together.
Why You’ll Love This coffee cake muffins
These muffins are a wonderful combination of ease and reliability, making them perfect for your everyday baking. With a balanced flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the crumble topping, each bite is comforting without being overwhelming. The recipe’s practicality means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes, providing a delightful addition to breakfasts, snacks, or even family meals.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Muffin tin
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for structure)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (for leavening)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
- ½ cup milk (for moisture)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for richness)
- 1 large egg (for binding)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for moistness)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping, for structure)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for crumble topping, for sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumble topping, for warmth)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for crumble topping, for moisture)
How to Make {focus_keyword}
Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your muffin tin. This ensures the muffins bake evenly. A preheated oven is essential for achieving the right texture, giving your muffins the best rise and fluffy interior.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening and flavor evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3. In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients contribute moisture and richness to the muffins, helping to create a tender crumb, so whisk them well to ensure a uniform mixture.
Step 4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until combined, where the batter should look a little lumpy and moist.
Step 5. In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the crumble topping. This mixture should look thick and crumbly, providing a contrast in texture to the soft muffins below.
Step 6. Fold this crumble mixture into the muffin batter gently. You want to ensure it’s evenly distributed without fully incorporating it into the batter. Doing this adds wonderful texture and flavor to each muffin.
Step 7. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows the muffins room to rise without overflowing while baking, ensuring a perfect shape and appearance.
Step 8. Sprinkle some crumble topping over each muffin before placing the tin in the oven. This will create a nice crunchy layer on top that contrasts beautifully with the moist muffin.
Step 9. Bake the muffins until they turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; this is an indicator they are done and ready to be enjoyed.
Step 10. Let the muffins cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling process is important for setting their structure, and it also gives you a chance to savor the warm, inviting aroma.
Serving Suggestions
These coffee cake muffins can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a delightful breakfast option, served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. As a snack, they’re perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee, adding a touch of comfort to your day. They can also be a lovely addition to family meals or gatherings, easily shared among loved ones. Leftovers can be stored for later, ready to be enjoyed anytime.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combine the ingredients to maintain a light texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
- Fill muffin cups evenly: Ensuring each cup has the same amount of batter leads to uniform baking.
- Adjust for your oven: Keep an eye on the muffins toward the end of baking as ovens can vary.
- Let them cool slightly: This will help the muffins set properly and enhance their texture.
- Taste the crumble: Make sure the crumble topping is flavorful; you can adjust the cinnamon or sugar as per your taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense muffins rather than light and fluffy ones. Mix just until combined for best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven baking. Always preheat to ensure proper leavening and texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect how well they mix. Use ingredients that are at room temperature for a better batter.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Either can lead to unpleasant textures. Use a toothpick test to check for doneness and ensure a tender muffin.
- Not allowing cooling time: Try not to skip cooling in the tin; it affects the muffin’s structure and flavor development.
- Ignoring flavor additions: The cinnamon and brown sugar are essential for flavor depth. Make sure to measure accurately for a balanced taste.
Variations & Substitutions
- Consider adding chopped nuts or fruit to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
- A sprinkle of chocolate chips could provide a sweet surprise in each muffin.
- If you enjoy added flavor, swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
These muffins can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, wrapped in a kitchen towel or in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you wish to keep them longer, freezing is a great option; simply wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy, reheat the muffins in a microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This will help maintain their soft texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, baking them fresh offers the best texture and flavor.
How long does it last in the fridge?
These muffins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! These muffins can be frozen for several months. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you’re out of vegetable oil, you can use melted butter for a richer taste, or unsweetened applesauce can replace the egg for a vegan option.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Often, discrepancies come from measurement errors, overmixing, or incorrect oven temperature. Double-check your process and measurements next time for better results.
Final Thoughts
Baking these wonderful coffee cake muffins is a straightforward experience that yields deliciously comforting results. They provide a delightful balance of flavors, topped with a crunchy crumble that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. As you share or savor them in solitude, they bring a cozy element to your day. Enjoying the muffins fresh from the oven is a simple pleasure that can make any moment feel special.
Coffee Cake Muffins
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour for structure
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar for sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder for leavening
- 0.25 teaspoon salt to enhance flavor
- 0.5 cups milk for moisture
- 0.25 cups vegetable oil for richness
- 1 large egg for binding
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
For the Crumble Topping
- 0.25 cups packed light brown sugar for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for moistness
- 0.5 cups all-purpose flour for crumble topping, for structure
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven and prepare your muffin tin.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the crumble topping.
- Fold the crumble mixture into the muffin batter gently.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Sprinkle crumble topping over each muffin.
Baking
- Bake the muffins until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.