There’s something satisfying about whipping up a batch of muffins that feel a little special, yet are simple enough for a weeknight treat. These delightful coffee cake muffins are perfect for those quiet moments at home or for sharing during weekend gatherings. Their tender texture and comforting flavors make them ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re on your way to creating a comforting classic. Let’s dive into the recipe.
Why You’ll Love ThisSour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins
These sour cream coffee cake muffins deliver ease and reliability in the kitchen, making them a favorite for busy mornings or family snacks. The combination of sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the sugar. With their comforting texture and delightful flavor, these muffins are perfect for everyday enjoyment and are sure to satisfy.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Muffin tin
- Liners (optional)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping, for texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping, for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for crumb topping, for warmth)
- 1/8 tsp salt (for crumb topping, basic flavor balance)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for crumb topping, adds richness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for crumb topping, for flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for muffins, provides structure)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for muffins, contributes sweetness)
- 1 tsp baking powder (for muffins, helps muffins rise)
- 1 tsp baking soda (for muffins, aids in leavening)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for muffins, for flavor)
- 1/3 cup milk, at room temperature (for muffins, adds moisture)
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature (for muffins, adds moisture and richness)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (for muffins, improves texture)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for muffins, binds ingredients)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for muffins, enhances flavor)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar ribbon, adds sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar (for cinnamon sugar ribbon, contributes depth)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar ribbon, adds warmth)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for vanilla glaze, adds richness)
- 1/8 tsp salt (for vanilla glaze, balances sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla glaze, for flavor)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for vanilla glaze, provides sweetness)
- 2 Tbsp milk (for vanilla glaze, adjusts consistency)
How to Make Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins (Bakery Style)
Step 1. Begin by preparing the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until combined. Pour in the melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside while you make the muffins.
Step 2. Moving on to the muffins, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature and prepare the muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with muffin liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until everything is well blended.
Step 3. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: 1/3 cup milk, 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup melted and slightly cooled butter, the lightly beaten egg, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until smooth and uniform in consistency.
Step 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using a rubber spatula to gently fold them together. Be mindful not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined, with a few lumps remaining for texture.
Step 5. Spoon half of the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Then, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the muffin batter in each cup to create a delightful cinnamon sugar ribbon.
Step 6. Top the cinnamon sugar layer with the remaining muffin batter, filling each muffin cup about two-thirds full. Finally, sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly across the muffins, ensuring each muffin has a nice layer on top.
Step 7. Bake the muffins in your preheated oven, keeping a close eye on them as they rise and turn golden. They’re done when they spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5–10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, you can prepare the vanilla glaze if desired.
Step 9. For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a lovely finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins make a fantastic choice for breakfast, offering a comforting start to the day. They can also serve as delightful snacks for the kids after school or be enjoyed during family meals. The muffins preserve well and can be savored throughout the week—simply store them in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, they’re a lovely option to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more even batter.
- Do not overmix once the wet ingredients are added to the dry—this helps keep the muffins tender.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, bake the muffins a minute or two longer for added texture.
- Feel free to use a toothpick to check for doneness, looking for a few moist crumbs, indicating a tender muffin.
- Allow the muffins to cool before glazing for a smoother application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense, tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix just until the batter is combined and a few lumps remain.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Measuring flour can vary significantly. Use a spoon to fill the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dry or dense muffins.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: The muffins should cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them. Letting them cool prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Oven Temperature Issues: An inaccurate oven temperature can result in undercooked or overbaked muffins. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking conditions.
- Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can disrupt the texture of the batter, resulting in inconsistent muffins. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature beforehand.
- Ignoring Baking Times: Keeping the muffins in the oven too long can make them dry. Check them a few minutes before the suggested time to catch them at their best.
Variations & Substitutions
You might consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or nuts to the muffin batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. For a twist, try using different types of sugars, such as brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, to add depth to the sweetness. If you’re feeling creative, adding a touch of citrus zest can brighten the overall flavor of the muffins.
Storage & Reheating
These muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week. For freezing, wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a muffin, simply reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh its tender texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these muffins in advance. They store well and can be eaten throughout the week. Just ensure they’re kept in an airtight container.
How long does it last in the fridge?
These muffins will last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored properly. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to keep them fresh for up to three months.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute. It offers a similar moisture and tang you need for the muffins.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common issues include inaccurate measurements or overmixing the batter. Make sure your ingredients are measured correctly and handle the batter gently to maintain its light texture.
Final Thoughts
Making sour cream coffee cake muffins is a simple process that yields comforting results perfect for any occasion. You’re left with tender, flavorful muffins that are easy to enjoy at any time of day. Sharing them with family or savoring them on your own during a quiet moment can bring a small sense of joy. Trust the process and enjoy your time in the kitchen—these muffins are sure to become a beloved recipe.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins
Ingredients
For the crumb topping
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour for texture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon for warmth
- 1/8 tsp salt basic flavor balance
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted adds richness
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
For the muffins
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar contributes sweetness
- 1 tsp baking powder helps muffins rise
- 1 tsp baking soda aids in leavening
- 1/2 tsp salt for flavor
- 1/3 cup milk, at room temperature adds moisture
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature adds moisture and richness
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled improves texture
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten binds ingredients
- 2 tsp vanilla extract enhances flavor
For the cinnamon sugar ribbon
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar adds sweetness
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar contributes depth
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon adds warmth
For the vanilla glaze
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted adds richness
- 1/8 tsp salt balances sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
- 1 cup powdered sugar provides sweetness
- 2 Tbsp milk adjusts consistency
Instructions
Prepare the Crumb Topping
- In a medium bowl, mix together the crumb topping ingredients until combined. Set aside.
Make the Muffins
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the muffins.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Fold wet ingredients into wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Spoon half of the batter into the muffin tin and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Top with the rest of the batter and sprinkle with the crumb topping.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled muffins.