As I stood in my kitchen, the comforting scent of cinnamon wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to my favorite coffee shop. Today, I'm sharing my delightful Bakery-Style Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins, and trust me, you're going to want these in your life. Not only are they a wonderful way to repurpose sourdough discard, but their fluffy texture combined with a crunchy cinnamon sugar filling makes them a crave-worthy breakfast option or afternoon pick-me-up. Best of all, they come together in under an hour, making them a perfect treat even for the busiest of bakers. So, are you ready to transform your mornings into something special? Let’s dive in!
Why are these muffins a must-try?
Deliciously Unique: The use of sourdough not only adds depth but also introduces a delightful tang that balances the sweetness.
Easy & Quick: Whip up these muffins in under an hour, making them a hassle-free addition to your morning routine or coffee breaks.
Customizable: With endless variations, such as adding fruit or nuts, you can easily personalize each batch to suit your taste!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These muffins are perfect for gatherings, impressing friends and family with their bakery-style charm.
Sourdough Savvy: Utilizing sourdough discard reduces waste and enhances flavor, making these muffins a deliciously responsible choice!
Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Ingredients
For the Batter
• Butter – Adds richness and moisture; for a dairy-free version, use vegan butter.
• White Sugar – Sweetens the muffins; consider coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor depth; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
• Eggs – Provides structure and moisture; swap for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water) for a vegan option.
• Milk – Contributes to moisture and richness; almond or oat milk works well as a dairy-free substitute.
• Sourdough Discard/Active Starter – Offers leavening and distinctive flavor; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Baking Powder – The essential leavening agent for rise; no substitutions required.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; a gluten-free blend can be used as an alternative.
For the Filling
• Brown Sugar – Adds depth of sweetness and moisture; you can use coconut sugar as a great alternative.
• Cinnamon – Enhances flavor for the filling; consider adding nutmeg for an extra warm note.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze; alternative powdered sweeteners can be used for a healthier option.
• Milk – Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the glaze; stick with non-dairy options if desired.
Get ready to enjoy a wonderful batch of sourdough coffee cake muffins that will not only impress but also satisfy your cravings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bakery-Style Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a muffin tin with large bakery-style liners. This ensures your sourdough coffee cake muffins have plenty of space to rise beautifully, creating those sought-after dome tops.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a delightful texture. Set this cinnamon sugar filling aside; it will add a sweet surprise to the heart of your muffins later on.
Step 3: Cream the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once creamy, add in vanilla extract, eggs, milk, and your sourdough discard or active starter. Mix until well blended, creating a rich batter for your sourdough coffee cake muffins.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add baking powder and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the muffins. The batter should be soft and slightly thick, ready to transform into delicious treats.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Liners
Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared liners, filling them about halfway full. This allows room for rising. Next, use a spoon to generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over each muffin, adding a delectable layer of sweetness right in the center.
Step 6: Top with Batter
Divide the remaining muffin batter evenly over the filled liners, covering the cinnamon sugar mixture completely. Ensure the batter is smoothed out on top for an even bake. This layer acts as a delicious crust for your sourdough coffee cake muffins.
Step 7: Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle any excess cinnamon sugar mix on top of the muffins. This final touch will create a delightful, crunchy topping that complements the soft, fluffy interior perfectly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 25-30 minutes. The muffins should turn a beautiful golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, signaling that they are ready to come out of the oven.
Step 9: Cooling Time
After baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This helps them set properly. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they remain fluffy and delicious.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze
While the muffins cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and slightly runny. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. This glaze will add an extra touch of sweetness to your sourdough coffee cake muffins.
Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over each one, allowing it to gently cascade down the sides. This beautiful touch not only adds sweetness but also enhances the visual appeal of your muffins.
Step 12: Let it Set
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This step ensures the glaze won't slide off and will stick perfectly to your muffins, creating a treat that's inviting to the eyes and the palate.
How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins
Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, cool completely, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, and place them in freezer bags. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen muffins, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating: For that fresh-baked taste, reheat thawed muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Bakery-Style Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins are ideal for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and spices) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Additionally, mix the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and sourdough discard) and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before you plan to bake. When you're ready to enjoy your muffins, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fill the muffin liners, and bake as directed. This efficient prep not only streamlines your process but also keeps your muffins just as delicious and fresh!
What to Serve with Bakery-Style Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins
Elevate your breakfast experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement the sweet, fluffy muffins you've just baked.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brightens your plate, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich muffins.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries offers a protein-packed side that balances sweetness with tangy goodness.
- Savory Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy eggs seasoned with herbs provide a savory contrast, making your breakfast more satisfying and indulgent.
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the muffins enhances their sweetness and adds a touch of floral flavor that pairs beautifully.
- Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea brings warmth, enhancing the overall cozy morning vibe.
- Maple Syrup Side: Serve a small dish of maple syrup for those who love a little extra sweetness; a natural complement to the muffins' flavor.
- Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon create a warm and comforting dish that echoes the muffin's filling while adding a fruity twist.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola brings crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the texture of your breakfast spread.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet touch, serve chocolate chip cookies alongside, inviting a delightful contrast to your muffin's cinnamon sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side transforms your breakfast into a delicious treat, perfect for a brunch gathering!
Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Customizations
Feel free to get creative with these muffins and make them uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute regular butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk for moisture.
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Sweetener Swap: Try coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
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Fruit Boost: Fold in diced apples or ripe bananas for added moisture and a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch and a rich flavor profile.
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Chocolate Twist: Replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to create a decadent chocolate version of your favorite muffins.
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Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens every bite.
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Jam Surprise: Swirl in your favorite fruit jam before baking to add unexpected bursts of flavor and sweetness.
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Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a warm and inviting flavor.
Every variation lends a personal touch while allowing you to enjoy these delightful muffins time and again. Enjoy the adventure of baking!
For more hearty breakfast options, check out our recipe for Savory Breakfast Muffins or explore delicious ways to use Sourdough Discard in your cooking.
Expert Tips for Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins
Avoid Overmixing: To ensure fluffy muffins, mix the batter gently just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins.
Proper Liners: Use large bakery-style muffin liners that allow for ample rise and create those beautiful domes on your sourdough coffee cake muffins.
Sourdough Freshness: Always use fresh sourdough discard or starter for optimum flavor and leavening. If your starter smells off, it's best to start fresh.
Cool Before Glazing: Let muffins cool completely before glazing. This helps the glaze adhere better and maintains a beautiful presentation.
Make-Ahead Convenience: For busy mornings, prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Combine them in an airtight container and store. Just add wet ingredients when you're ready to bake!
Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough discard should I use?
You're best off using fresh sourdough discard or an active sourdough starter, as older discard may not provide the same leavening effect or flavor. If your starter has an off smell or dark spots all over, it's time to refresh it before using!
How should I store my muffins?
Keep your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method preserves the soft texture and flavor. If you decide to refrigerate them, just a heads-up: that could make them a bit dense and dry.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely! Once cooled completely, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, take them out to thaw for about 30 minutes, then reheat for the best flavor and texture.
What should I do if my muffins are dense?
If you find your muffins are denser than you'd like, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Always mix until just combined to maintain a light texture. It’s also essential to ensure your baking powder is fresh; old leavening agents can lead to flat, dense muffins.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes! To create vegan Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins, substitute the butter with vegan butter, eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), and regular milk with almond or oat milk. These swaps will keep your muffins delicious while catering to dietary preferences!
Can I add ingredients to my muffins?
The more the merrier! You can fold in chopped fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Just remember not to add too much extra moisture, or it might throw off the baking time and texture.
Indulgent Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with large bakery-style liners.
- Combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until coarse crumbs form for the filling.
- Cream together softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in vanilla, eggs, milk, and sourdough starter.
- Gradually add baking powder and all-purpose flour, folding gently until just combined to form the batter.
- Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared liners, filling them halfway and sprinkling cinnamon sugar filling on top.
- Cover the cinnamon sugar layer with the remaining muffin batter and smooth the tops.
- Sprinkle any excess cinnamon sugar mixture over the muffins for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
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