Coffee Cake Muffins

Whether you're looking for a sweet start to the day or an easy afternoon pick-me-up, these coffee cake muffins are sure to satisfy. The muffin base is tender and buttery while the streusel topping adds an irresistible cinnamon-y, crunchy finish.

If you're planning ahead, these homemade muffins are perfect for freezing. To thaw, simply place in your microwave on low power for a minute, and zap–you've got a quick, pre-made breakfast for a busy weekday morning that you can even take on the go.

If you're looking to get creative, you could also add blueberries or chocolate chips to the muffin batter for a different texture. But we think these coffee cake-inspired muffins make a pretty great quick bite all on their own.

Ingredients for Coffee Cake Muffins

To make these muffins, you'll need:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the muffins and streusel; the medium protein content of all-purpose flour makes for a light but hearty muffin.
• Light brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel topping; can be substituted for granulated if needed, but you'll lose out on that hint of molasses.
• Pecans: Mixed into the streusel topping for a nutty crunch; can be substituted with other types of nuts or left out.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice to the streusel topping.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the topping and the muffin batter.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the streusel and beaten to add tenderness to the muffin batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter.
• Large eggs: Binds the muffin batter and helps add volume.
• Baking powder: Leavening for the muffins.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor.

How To Make Coffee Cake Muffins

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin pan with baking spray with flour.
• Step 2. Prepare the Streusel: Stir together dry ingredients. Add melted butter; stir until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Step 3. Prepare the Muffins: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Whisk together dry ingredients; beat into butter mixture alternatively with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in vanilla. Portion evenly into muffin cups, and top each with 4 teaspoons streusel.
• Step 4. Bake muffins: Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and top evenly with remaining streusel, pressing gently to adhere. Bake 8 to 10 minutes more. Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

What To Serve with Coffee Cake Muffins

In spite of the name, coffee cake muffins do not actually contain coffee—they're meant to be served with coffee! You can also enjoy these with tea, milk, juice, or alongside eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast or on their own for a quick snack.

How To Store Coffee Cake Muffins

Store baked muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Place a paper towel over the muffins to help absorb excess moisture.

Freeze for longer storage (up to three months), and reheat in the microwave for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.

More of our Favorite Muffin Recipes

Whether you're a fan of savory or sweet muffins, this collection of Tasty Muffin Recipes to Make Your Morning Better is sure to have a recipe you'll love. The best part? Most can be prepped in advance and baked fresh in the morning, or baked, frozen, and warmed to serve.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.