Coffee Cake Muffins – The Best Recipe for Moist, Sweet Crumb Muffins

Looking for the ultimate breakfast treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee? These coffee cake muffins deliver the best of both worlds—rich, tender muffin bases topped with buttery crumb topping. Whether you love traditional coffee cake or are exploring new muffin recipes using sour cream or yogurt, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

From the best coffee cake muffin recipe, calorie counts, and caffeine content to mouthwatering variations like blueberry muffin recipe with yogurt, we’ve got all the details. You’ll even learn how to make muffins that are bakery-worthy right from your own kitchen.

Check out this detailed coffee cake recipe for even more baking inspiration

Coffee Cake Muffins

Lilia Karin

Moist, cinnamon-swirled muffins topped with buttery crumb topping — these coffee cake muffins are a bakery-worthy breakfast treat made easily at home using sour cream or yogurt for unbeatable tenderness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• spoon or scoop
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

  

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• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, for crumb topping)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick baking spray.
• In a small bowl, mix all crumb topping ingredients (brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter) until crumbly. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in sour cream and milk.
• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
• Top each muffin generously with crumb topping.
• Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For fruit lovers, try adding blueberries or raspberries. For a nutty crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 580IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Keyword bakery style muffins, cinnamon crumb muffins, coffee cake muffins, sour cream muffins

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What Are Coffee Cake Muffins?

History and Origin of Coffee Cake Muffins

Despite their name, coffee cake muffins don’t usually contain coffee. The name comes from the tradition of serving crumb-topped cakes with a cup of coffee, especially in the morning or during breaks. These muffins are inspired by classic American coffee cake, which features a dense, moist crumb and a sweet streusel topping made with cinnamon, sugar, and butter.

As individual portions gained popularity, bakers began transforming the traditional sheet cake into single-serve muffins, making them perfect for breakfast on-the-go or brunch spreads. Their popularity grew not just for their taste, but also for their irresistible texture and convenience.

What Makes Them Different From Regular Muffins or Cake?

What separates a coffee cake muffin from your standard muffin or cake?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Coffee cake muffins are also typically made with sour cream or yogurt, which adds incredible moisture and tang that balances the sweet topping. That creamy base is what makes them stand out, especially compared to basic muffin recipes.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Perfect Coffee Cake Muffins

Core Ingredients You’ll Need (Flour, Eggs, Sugar, etc.)

Every great coffee cake muffin recipe starts with a reliable base. If you’re aiming for fluffy, flavorful muffins with that signature crumb topping, here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure. Sift it for lighter muffins.
• Baking powder + baking soda – Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become airy.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and supports browning. You can use light brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Eggs – Essential for binding and creating a rich crumb.
• Butter – Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt content. Melted butter gives a softer texture.
• Vanilla extract – For warmth and sweetness. Don’t skip it.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors. Just a pinch does the trick.

Let’s not forget the all-star: streusel topping.

Basic Crumb Topping Recipe:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted butter

Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over each muffin before baking.

Why Sour Cream Is the Secret Weapon in Muffins Using Sour Cream

If you’ve ever bitten into a muffin and marveled at how moist it is—there’s a good chance sour cream was involved. In fact, some of the best muffins using sour cream owe their rich texture and tangy flavor to this one ingredient.

Here’s what sour cream does for coffee cake muffins:

• Moisture-Rich Texture: Sour cream helps keep muffins soft without making them heavy or greasy.
• Flavor Depth: It adds subtle tanginess that complements cinnamon and brown sugar.
• Stabilization: Helps muffins rise evenly without collapsing.

Some bakers prefer to substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or full-fat plain yogurt. Both work, but sour cream delivers a creamier finish and a slightly richer taste, perfect for coffee cake muffins.

Want something fruity and rich at once? Discover great ideas like this blueberry muffin recipe with yogurt for a flavorful variation.

Step-by-Step Coffee Cake Muffin Recipe Guide

How to Make Coffee Cake Muffins at Home – Full Instructions

Ready to bake soft, tender muffins topped with a golden cinnamon crumble? Follow this foolproof coffee cake muffin recipe that uses sour cream for an ultra-moist texture.

Ingredients:

For the Muffin Batter

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk

For the Crumb Topping

• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter (melted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick baking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix all crumb topping ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a second bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Stir in sour cream and milk to the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix gently—don’t overmix. Batter should be thick but scoopable.
7. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
8. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each muffin.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Don’t miss our tiramisu cupcakes guide for another dessert twist on classic cakes.

Crumb Topping and Filling – The Signature of Any Coffee Cake Muffin

The soul of any good coffee cake muffin is its topping. That crisp, cinnamon-sugar layer should melt slightly into the muffin and bake into golden chunks on top.

Pro Tip: For added decadence, swirl some of the crumb mixture into the batter before baking. You’ll get layers of flavor with every bite.

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Mini chocolate chips
• Thin cinnamon swirl made from brown sugar and melted butter

If you’re looking for more rich options, check out this chocolate mousse cake recipe for your next baking adventure.

Blueberry and Yogurt Variations

Blueberry Muffin Recipe With Yogurt: A Fruity Twist on Coffee Cake Muffins

If you’re a fan of fruity bakes, then adding blueberries into your coffee cake muffins is a brilliant way to boost flavor and texture. Blueberries not only add bursts of juiciness, but they also blend beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon crumb topping that defines these muffins.

One trending twist? Using yogurt instead of sour cream in your muffin base.

Here’s how to make a simple blueberry muffin recipe with yogurt that still honors the structure of a true coffee cake muffin:

Blueberry Yogurt Coffee Cake Muffins:

• Dry ingredients: 1½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, pinch of salt
• Wet ingredients: ½ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, 2 eggs, ½ cup melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla
• Add-ins: ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (tossed in flour to prevent sinking)
• Crumb topping: Standard cinnamon-brown sugar-butter mix

Instructions:

1. Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls.
2. Fold the wet into dry gently.
3. Add blueberries.
4. Scoop into muffin tin and top with crumb.
5. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

This combo creates coffee cake muffins that are ultra-moist with a slight tang from the yogurt—and that juicy fruit flavor that makes every bite special.

Looking for inspiration? Try this strawberry matcha cake twist for fruit + cake combos that break the mold.

Mix-Ins, Swaps, and Yogurt vs. Sour Cream in Muffins

When it comes to crafting the perfect coffee cake muffins, choosing between sour cream and yogurt is more than a swap—it’s a flavor choice.

Let’s break it down:

Other amazing mix-ins for next-level coffee cake muffins:

• Chopped apples and a pinch of nutmeg
• Raspberries with lemon zest
• Toasted pecans in the crumb layer
• A swirl of cinnamon sugar in the middle of the muffin

These ideas not only add variety but keep your coffee cake muffins exciting and bakery-worthy.

Don’t miss our angel food cake guide for a deep dive into light and airy desserts that pair beautifully with fruit.

Nutritional Value and Calorie Count

How Many Calories in a Coffee Cake Muffin?

While coffee cake muffins are a delicious treat, it’s important to know what you’re biting into, especially if you’re watching calories. These muffins are typically rich due to butter, sugar, and the signature crumb topping.

Here’s an average calorie range for a standard homemade coffee cake muffin:

Calories can vary depending on portion size, ingredients like sour cream or yogurt, and whether there’s added fruit, glaze, or chocolate.

Want to cut some calories? Try using Greek yogurt instead of butter or sour cream, and reduce the crumb topping by half.

Learn more about balancing flavor and health with this vegan coffee cake recipe.

Costco Coffee Cake Muffin Calories – What You Should Know

Costco muffins are legendary for their size—and their calorie content. Their coffee cake muffins are no exception.

So, how many calories are in a Costco coffee cake muffin? Roughly 690 to 750 calories per muffin, depending on the batch and regional variety. That’s more than double a homemade version.

If you’re watching your intake, consider cutting a Costco muffin in half or sharing it. Better yet, make your own using this easy coffee cake muffin recipe and control your ingredients.

Check out this lightened-up lady linda coffee cake for inspiration on keeping things indulgent but not excessive.

Common Questions About Coffee Cake Muffins

Do Coffee Cake Muffins Have Caffeine?

The name coffee cake often causes confusion. But no, coffee cake muffins do not usually contain caffeine—unless coffee is added intentionally to the batter.

Here’s the truth:

• Traditional coffee cake muffins are named because they are served with coffee, not made with coffee.
• Unless the recipe specifically includes espresso powder or brewed coffee, your muffins are caffeine-free.

So, if you’re worried about giving them to kids or avoiding caffeine, homemade or store-bought coffee cake muffins are generally safe.

That said, some creative recipes may use coffee or mocha flavoring in the streusel or filling. Always check the label or recipe notes if caffeine is a concern.

How Long Do Coffee Cake Muffins Stay Fresh and How to Store Them?

Homemade coffee cake muffins are best eaten within a few days, but they can stay fresh longer with proper storage.

Pro Tip: If freezing, skip the crumb topping and add it fresh when reheating.

Don’t miss our matcha cake recipe for another flavorful treat that keeps well in storage.

Serving, Pairing, and Coffee Choices

Perfect Coffee Pairings for Your Coffee Cake Muffins

As the name implies, coffee cake muffins are all about complementing your coffee. But not all brews pair equally. Here’s what works best:

Want to take it further? Drizzle a bit of espresso glaze over your muffin for a caffeinated upgrade.

Serving Ideas: Breakfast, Brunch, or Anytime Treat

Coffee cake muffins aren’t just for mornings. They shine at brunch spreads, afternoon tea, or even casual dessert tables.

Here are a few creative serving suggestions:

• With whipped cream and berries for a café-style presentation
• Warmed and buttered—especially when fresh out of the oven
• As part of a breakfast platter with fruit, nuts, and Greek yogurt
• Mini muffins served with coffee flights for brunch parties

Check out this chocolate cake and espresso combo for the ultimate coffee-dessert pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coffee Cake Muffins

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for brunch, prepping snacks for the week, or just craving something sweet with your morning coffee, coffee cake muffins offer everything you need in a single, crumbly bite. With their moist interior (thanks to sour cream or yogurt), sweet cinnamon topping, and endless variation options, these muffins are a win every time.

Want more baking brilliance? Don’t miss our guide on vegan coffee cake or this decadent chocolate mousse cake if you’re looking to turn up the indulgence.

Homemade coffee cake muffins aren’t just delicious—they’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for every occasion. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and make your kitchen smell like your favorite bakery.

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