Coffee Cake Muffin
Hey, um, I’m so excited to talk about my Coffee Cake Muffins! They taste sweet and have a yummy coffee flavor. They’re really easy to make, and they make my kitchen smell so, so good! I always feel happy when I eat them for breakfast or even as a snack. I can’t wait to share how I make these muffins with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Coffee Flavor: Dissolving instant coffee in hot milk infuses every bite with a warm, aromatic taste.
- Easy to Make: Basic ingredients and a straightforward mixing method mean you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect Texture: Melted butter and eggs keep the muffins soft and tender.
- Versatile Base: Leave them as is for classic coffee muffins, or customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- Great Any Time of Day: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a late-night snack.

Required Kitchen Tools
- Muffin Tin (12-cup capacity)
- Mixing Bowls (2 – one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
- Whisk and/or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Paper Liners or Nonstick Spray
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients for the Coffee Cake Muffins
Below are the essentials (exact measurements are in the Recipe Card at the end):
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the muffins.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Hot Milk + Instant Coffee: The star that gives these muffins their coffee essence.
- Melted Butter: Brings richness and moisture to the batter.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the muffins rise to a fluffy, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: A delightful burst of sweetness in every bite (optional but highly recommended).
Variations for Coffee Cake Muffins
- Add a Streusel Topping: Mix a bit of flour, brown sugar, and cold butter for a crumbly finish.
- Use White Sugar: Substitute half or all of the brown sugar for a slightly lighter flavor.
- Extra Coffee Kick: Increase the amount of instant coffee for a bolder taste.
- Swap Chocolate Chips: Use cinnamon chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped nuts if you prefer.
- Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple icing (powdered sugar + milk) for an even sweeter treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Dissolve Instant Coffee
- In a separate container, stir instant coffee into the hot milk until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly (so it doesn’t scramble the eggs when mixed).
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Slowly whisk the dissolved coffee mixture into the bowl until combined.
5. Make the Batter
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined (overmixing can result in dense muffins).
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Fill and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
7. Cool and Enjoy
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving and Decoration
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle adds an elegant finish.
- Add a Streusel: As mentioned, a crumb topping can take these muffins to a new level.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Intensify the coffee flavor by enjoying these muffins with a freshly brewed cup of joe or your favorite tea.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Muffins

- Breakfast On-the-Go: Wrap one up for a quick work or school morning snack.
- Brunch Spread: Place them on a platter with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon.
- Tea Time Treat: Perfect complement to a warm cup of tea or latte.
- Dessert Option: Drizzle with a simple coffee glaze (powdered sugar + brewed coffee) for a decadent finale.
Storing Coffee Cake Muffins
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them chilled for up to 5 days if you prefer a longer shelf life. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze muffins (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the microwave.
Nutrition (Per Muffin)
Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~180-220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | ~25-30 g |
Protein | ~3-4 g |
Fat | ~8-10 g |
Saturated Fat | ~5 g |
Fiber | ~1 g |
Sugar | ~12-15 g |
Sodium | ~180-220 mg |
(Estimates vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Coffee Cake Muffin
Course: Muffins RecipesAbout 12 muffins
servings15
minutes18
minutes~180-220 kcal
kcalIngredients
1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) hot milk (any type)
1 tablespoon instant coffee (adjust to taste)
1/3 cup (75g) melted butter, slightly cooled
1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat & Line: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Dissolve Coffee: Stir the instant coffee into the hot milk until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Add the coffee-milk mixture, whisking to combine. - Form Batter: Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Fill & Bake: Divide batter among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coffee Cake Muffin FAQs
- Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Absolutely. You can replace hot milk + instant coffee with an equal amount of strongly brewed coffee. Adjust the liquid temperature accordingly. - Do I have to add chocolate chips?
Not at all! Omit them, or swap in nuts, dried fruit, or other flavored chips if you’d like. - Why dissolve the coffee first?
Dissolving the instant coffee in hot milk ensures it distributes evenly, resulting in a uniform coffee flavor. - How do I know when the muffins are done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs or be clean. Overbaking can make them dry. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and bake in two batches or use multiple muffin tins.
Conclusion
Coffee Cake Muffins are your ticket to a deliciously simple, sweet, and aromatic treat. They capture the essence of coffee in a tender, moist crumb, enhanced by the richness of melted butter and a touch of brown sugar. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or savor them over the next few days, these muffins make any morning or midday break feel special.