Coffee Cake Muffins – The Best Homemade Recipe

Introduction

Coffee cake muffins are the perfect combination of a soft, fluffy muffin and a deliciously sweet crumb topping. They offer the warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor of traditional coffee cake in a convenient, grab-and-go muffin form. Unlike their name suggests, coffee cake muffins don’t actually contain coffee—they’re just the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning cup!

In this article, we’ll cover everything from the history of coffee cake muffins to step-by-step instructions for making the best homemade version. We’ll also explore calorie counts, variations, common mistakes to avoid, and more.

What Are Coffee Cake Muffins?

The Origin of Coffee Cake Muffins

Coffee cake has been around for centuries, with roots tracing back to early European sweet breads. Traditional coffee cakes are crumbly, moist, and often include cinnamon, streusel topping, or a glaze. Coffee cake muffins take all the delicious elements of classic coffee cake and transform them into an easy-to-eat muffin form.

Difference Between Coffee Cake and Coffee Cake Muffins

While both share similar flavors and textures, coffee cake muffins differ from regular coffee cake in a few key ways:

Coffee cake muffins are a great alternative for those who love the taste of coffee cake but prefer a more portable and portion-controlled option.

If you’re a fan of unique chocolate creations, check out this Rice Chocolate Cakes for another delicious way to enjoy chocolate-based snacks.

Ingredients for Coffee Cake Muffins

A great coffee cake muffin starts with the right ingredients. Below, we’ll cover the essentials, along with variations for different dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients

To make soft, flavorful coffee cake muffins, you’ll need:

For the Muffin Batter

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and fluffiness.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with moisture.
• Brown sugar – Enhances the muffins with a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Essential for leavening and a light texture.
• Cinnamon – The key spice for the classic coffee cake flavor.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• Unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile.
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt) – Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• Milk – Helps achieve the right batter consistency.

For the Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar – Creates a sweet, caramelized crunch.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Helps form the crumbly topping.
• Butter (cold, cubed) – Ensures a crispy streusel texture.

For the Optional Glaze

• Powdered sugar – The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Milk or heavy cream – Creates the right consistency.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a hint of flavor.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions, here are some ingredient swaps:

How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making perfectly moist and flavorful coffee cake muffins from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

The crumbly streusel topping is what makes these muffins extra special! Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine the dry ingredients – In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
2. Cut in the butter – Add 4 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms small, crumbly pieces.
3. Set aside – Keep the streusel in the fridge while preparing the muffin batter to keep it cold and firm.

Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder
   • ½ teaspoon baking soda
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
3. Mix the wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk:
   • ½ cup melted unsalted butter
   • ½ cup granulated sugar
   • ¼ cup brown sugar
   • 2 eggs
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
   • ¼ cup milk
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients – Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Do not overmix—stop as soon as the flour disappears to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Fill the muffin tins – Scoop the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full.
2. Add the streusel topping – Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool – Let the muffins sit in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Optional Vanilla Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the muffins with a simple glaze:

1. Whisk together:
   • ½ cup powdered sugar
   • 1-2 tablespoons milk
   • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information and Calories in Coffee Cake Muffins

Coffee cake muffins are a delicious treat, but if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering how they fit into your diet. Here’s a breakdown of their calories, macronutrients, and healthier alternatives.

How Many Calories Are in a Coffee Cake Muffin?

The calorie count of a coffee cake muffin depends on the ingredients and portion size. Here’s an estimate for one homemade coffee cake muffin (standard size, without glaze):

Adding a vanilla glaze can increase the calorie count by 20-40 kcal per muffin, depending on the amount used.

How Many Calories Are in a Costco Coffee Cake Muffin?

If you’ve ever had a Costco coffee cake muffin, you know they’re much larger than homemade muffins. Here’s the estimated calorie breakdown for one Costco-sized muffin (about 5.8 oz / 164g):

Costco muffins are much higher in calories because they are almost twice the size of regular homemade muffins and contain more sugar and fat.

Healthier Alternatives for Lower Calories

If you want to enjoy coffee cake muffins with fewer calories, try these modifications:

These small tweaks can reduce the calorie count by 50-100 kcal per muffin without compromising flavor.

Variations and Customizations for Coffee Cake Muffins

Coffee cake muffins are versatile, and you can customize them to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Below are some popular variations, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and creative flavor twists.

1. Gluten-Free Coffee Cake Muffins

If you’re avoiding gluten, you can still enjoy these delicious muffins by making a few simple swaps:

Ingredients:

• Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (only if your flour blend doesn’t already contain it).
• Check that your baking powder and vanilla extract are gluten-free.

📝 Tip: Gluten-free muffins tend to dry out faster, so increase the Greek yogurt or sour cream by 2 tablespoons for extra moisture.

2. Dairy-Free Coffee Cake Muffins

If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, substitute:

• Unsalted butter → Coconut oil or vegan butter
• Milk → Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk
• Sour cream/Greek yogurt → Coconut yogurt or dairy-free yogurt

The texture may be slightly different, but the muffins will still be soft and flavorful.

3. Vegan Coffee Cake Muffins

To make these muffins completely vegan, replace:

• Eggs → Flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg)
• Butter → Vegan butter or coconut oil
• Milk → Oat milk or almond milk
• Sour cream → Dairy-free yogurt

📝 Tip: Vegan muffins may be denser, so add ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar to the batter to help them rise.

4. Healthier Coffee Cake Muffins

For a lighter version with less sugar and fat:

• Swap half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace butter with unsweetened applesauce (this reduces calories and fat).
• Add chopped nuts for healthy fats and extra crunch.

This version is lower in calories but still moist and flavorful.

5. Fun Flavor Variations

Want to try a unique twist on classic coffee cake muffins? Here are some creative ideas:

Each variation gives a unique flavor and texture while keeping the classic coffee cake experience.

Serving Suggestions – What to Pair with Coffee Cake Muffins

Coffee cake muffins are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right drink or side can make them even better. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, here are the best ways to serve them.

1. Best Drinks to Pair with Coffee Cake Muffins

Since these muffins have a sweet, cinnamon-flavored crumb, they pair well with a variety of beverages:

2. Toppings and Add-Ons

If you want to elevate your muffins, try adding:

• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• A dusting of powdered sugar – Enhances the visual appeal and taste.
• A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt – Balances sweetness with a creamy texture.
• Fresh berries – Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries add freshness and color.
• A side of nut butter – Almond or peanut butter provides extra protein and a nutty twist.

If you’re a fan of unique chocolate creations, check out this Chocolate Mousse Cake  for another delicious way to enjoy chocolate-based snacks.

3. How to Store and Reheat Coffee Cake Muffins

To keep your muffins fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days)

• Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Add a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days)

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Before eating, microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature to soften.

Freezing (Up to 3 Months)

• Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.
• To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

📝 Tip: If freezing, skip the glaze and add it after reheating for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Coffee Cake Muffins

Even experienced bakers can run into issues when making coffee cake muffins. To ensure soft, moist, and perfectly crumbly muffins, avoid these common mistakes.

1. Overmixing the Batter

🔴 The Mistake: Stirring the batter too much makes muffins dense and tough.
✅ The Fix: Mix the ingredients just until combined—stop as soon as the flour disappears. A few lumps in the batter are fine!

2. Not Using Cold Butter for the Streusel Topping

🔴 The Mistake: Using melted or softened butter makes the streusel topping melt into the muffins instead of creating a crunchy crumb.
✅ The Fix: Use cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry cutter to form pea-sized crumbs.

3. Skipping Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

🔴 The Mistake: Some recipes suggest using only milk, which can lead to dry muffins.
✅ The Fix: Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture and tenderness. If substituting, opt for buttermilk instead of regular milk.

4. Overfilling the Muffin Cups

🔴 The Mistake: Filling muffin liners to the top can cause overflow, leading to misshapen muffins.
✅ The Fix: Fill each cup ¾ full to allow space for rising while keeping a nice, rounded shape.

5. Baking at the Wrong Temperature

🔴 The Mistake: Baking at a lower temperature can result in dense muffins, while baking at too high of a temperature can burn the streusel topping.
✅ The Fix: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.

6. Removing Muffins from the Pan Too Soon

🔴 The Mistake: Taking muffins out immediately can cause them to break apart.
✅ The Fix: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

7. Not Storing Muffins Properly

🔴 The Mistake: Leaving muffins uncovered causes them to dry out, while sealing them in a plastic bag can make them soggy.
✅ The Fix: Store muffins in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. If freezing, wrap individually and reheat as needed.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get perfect coffee cake muffins every time!

FAQ Section – Answering Common Questions About Coffee Cake Muffins

Conclusion – Final Thoughts on Coffee Cake Muffins

Coffee cake muffins are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and sweet, crumbly streusel topping. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or with your favorite coffee, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In this guide, we covered:
✔️ How to make coffee cake muffins from scratch
✔️ Ingredient variations for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options
✔️ Nutritional information, including a comparison with Costco’s coffee cake muffins
✔️ Serving suggestions and storage tips
✔️ Common baking mistakes to avoid

Now it’s time to bake your own delicious homemade coffee cake muffins! Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with different flavors like blueberry, pumpkin spice, or nutty streusel toppings.