Muffin Recipe Coffee Cake: The Ultimate Easy Brunch Treat

If you’re looking for a muffin recipe coffee cake that’s soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich cinnamon crumble—this guide gives you the answer immediately. These muffins are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

To make coffee cake muffins, mix a basic muffin batter, add a cinnamon swirl layer, top with a crumbly streusel, and bake until golden and fragrant.

Although they’re called “coffee cake” muffins, there’s no actual coffee in the ingredients. The name simply reflects how well they pair with a cup of coffee, especially in the morning.

The real magic comes from the combination of textures: the moist interior of the muffin, the crunchy topping, and the sweet cinnamon swirl in the middle. With just a few pantry staples and a simple method, you can make a batch that rivals anything from the bakery.

Why This Muffin Recipe Coffee Cake Works So Well

What sets this recipe apart is its reliable structure and balanced sweetness. It delivers:

• A soft, moist vanilla muffin base
• A rich cinnamon swirl layer inside
• A crispy, buttery crumb topping
• Optional vanilla glaze to finish

Each bite gives you sweetness, spice, and softness—all in one perfectly portioned muffin.

Muffin Recipe Coffee Cake: The Ultimate Easy Brunch Treat

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Soft, bakery-style coffee cake muffins with a cinnamon swirl and crumb topping. These one-bowl muffins are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1½ cups flour

½ cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup milk

¼ cup yogurt or sour cream

⅓ cup melted butter or oil

1 egg

1½ tsp vanilla

¼ cup brown sugar

1½ tsp cinnamon

¼ cup flour

¼ cup sugar

2 tbsp cold butter

½ cup powdered sugar

1–2 tsp milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tin.
2. Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then combine gently.
3. Layer batter and cinnamon swirl in liners.
4. Top with crumb topping.
5. Bake 18–20 minutes.
6. Cool and glaze if desired.

• Author: Noureddine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

What You’ll Need (And How to Customize It)

The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar (white, brown, or a mix)
• Baking powder and salt
• Eggs
• Milk or yogurt
• Melted butter or oil
• Cinnamon and vanilla extract

You can easily customize it:

• Swap milk for almond or oat milk
• Use coconut oil instead of butter
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom
• Stir in chopped apples or walnuts for extra texture

The base recipe is flexible—adapt it to fit your pantry and taste preferences.

How to Make the Muffin Recipe Coffee Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl
2. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl
3. Combine the two gently—don’t overmix
4. Layer muffin cups: add batter, cinnamon swirl, more batter
5. Top with a crumb mixture made from flour, sugar, and cold butter
6. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
7. Cool and drizzle with optional glaze

Chilling the crumb topping briefly before baking helps it stay crisp and defined.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with an easy recipe like this, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins
• Using melted butter in the crumb topping will make it sink
• Filling muffin liners too high can cause overflow or sunken centers
• Skipping room temperature ingredients can affect texture and rise

Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations

This muffin recipe coffee cake is a great base for experimentation. Try:

• Adding diced apples or pears for a fruity twist
• Replacing cinnamon with pumpkin spice in the fall
• Swirling in nut butter or maple syrup
• Using whole wheat flour for a heartier version

You can even bake the same batter in a loaf tin for a sliceable breakfast bread.

If you prefer a lighter, fluffier base, take a cue from why pancakes turn out fluffier in diners and consider incorporating some of those pro tips into your baking.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Want to enjoy these muffins all week? Here’s how:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 5 days)
• Freeze in single layers for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the oven to restore crispness in the crumb topping

Microwaving is fast but can soften the topping—reheating in the oven is best.

FAQs About Coffee Cake Muffins

Serving Ideas to Make It Extra Special

These muffins are great on their own, but they also shine in a brunch spread. Consider serving them with:

• Fresh fruit or fruit compote
• A chai latte or spiced tea
• A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
• Whipped cream for a dessert-style finish

They’re versatile enough for every part of your day—from a morning treat to an evening indulgence.

These muffins are a perfect addition to a cozy breakfast spread alongside a classic breakfast like this eggs benedict recipe or a seasonal fruit salad.

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving comfort but don’t want to bake a full cake, this muffin recipe coffee cake hits the sweet spot. It’s fast, flexible, and full of rich cinnamon flavor. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the easy variations, this muffin recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Get your muffin pan ready—because once you bake these, they won’t last long.

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