Description: Delight in these moist and tender Coffee Cake Greek Yogurt Muffins, bursting with a delightful combination of cinnamon-spiced crumb topping and a tangy, yet subtly sweet muffin base. The addition of Greek yogurt ensures a light and fluffy texture, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. These muffins are easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat, low-fat, or full-fat all work well)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, or melted coconut oil also work)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the muffins bake evenly and rise properly. While the oven is preheating, prepare your muffin tin. You can either line it with paper liners for easy removal and cleanup or spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. If you opt for cooking spray, be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the muffins from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture. The sugars provide sweetness and contribute to the muffins’ browning.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or alternative), 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang, while the oil adds richness and helps to keep the muffins moist. The eggs provide structure and bind the ingredients together, and the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or spoon, stir the mixture until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine. The goal is to incorporate the wet and dry ingredients without creating a dense batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, prepare the crumb topping. Mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Once these ingredients are well combined, add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. The melted butter binds the dry ingredients together, creating the signature crumbly texture of the topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins: Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Once the muffin cups are filled, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each muffin. The amount of topping is generous, ensuring that each muffin has a delicious, crunchy top.
Step 7: Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the muffins for doneness. The muffins should be golden brown on top, and the crumb topping should be nicely browned and crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy: Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. This helps the muffins to set slightly before removing them. After a few minutes, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. However, for the best experience, enjoy the muffins warm.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe for Coffee Cake Greek Yogurt Muffins is guaranteed to become a household favorite for several compelling reasons:
- Moist and Tender Texture: The inclusion of Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient that ensures these muffins are incredibly moist and tender. Unlike some muffin recipes that can result in dry or crumbly textures, these muffins remain soft and delectable for days.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of granulated and brown sugar in both the muffin batter and the crumb topping creates a depth of flavor that is both sweet and slightly caramelized. The hint of cinnamon in the crumb topping adds warmth and spice, complementing the tangy flavor of the Greek yogurt.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can whip up a batch of these muffins in no time.
- Versatile: These muffins are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. They are also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or as a homemade gift.
- Healthier Option: By using Greek yogurt, this recipe provides a healthier alternative to traditional muffin recipes. Greek yogurt is packed with protein and calcium, making these muffins a more nutritious option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with a pat of butter: Serve the muffins warm with a pat of butter for a truly indulgent experience. The butter will melt into the muffin, adding richness and flavor.
- Alongside a cup of coffee or tea: These muffins are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a satisfying and comforting treat.
- As part of a brunch spread: Include these muffins as part of a larger brunch spread, alongside other breakfast favorites like eggs, bacon, and fruit.
- As a dessert: Serve the muffins as a simple and satisfying dessert. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Reheat them: Reheat the muffins in the microwave or toaster oven.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Pack flour correctly: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in dry muffins.
- Store properly: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Add Nuts: add walnuts or pecans in the recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 33-35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per muffin, approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
These Coffee Cake Greek Yogurt Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of coffee cake with the added benefits of Greek yogurt. They are moist, tender, and perfectly balanced in flavor, making them a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings. With their easy-to-follow recipe and versatile nature, they are a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use flavored Greek yogurt in this recipe?
A: While plain Greek yogurt is recommended for its neutral flavor that allows the coffee cake elements to shine, you can experiment with flavored Greek yogurt. Vanilla or honey-flavored Greek yogurt could be a good substitute and add a touch more sweetness. However, be mindful that using flavored yogurt might alter the overall taste profile of the muffins, so adjust the amount of added sugar accordingly. Avoid fruit-flavored yogurts, as they might not complement the coffee cake flavor as well.
Q2: What if I don’t have brown sugar?
A: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel-like flavor and moistness to both the muffins and the crumb topping. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with molasses. For every ¼ cup of packed brown sugar required, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of molasses. Mix well until the molasses is evenly distributed. While this substitution works well, keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture and depth of flavor compared to using authentic brown sugar.
Q3: Can I freeze these muffins?
A: Absolutely! These muffins freeze exceptionally well. To freeze them, allow the muffins to cool completely on a wire rack after baking. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This pre-freezing step helps prevent the muffins from sticking together. After the muffins are partially frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the muffins at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also reheat them in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm, freshly-baked taste.
Q4: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with other types of oil. Canola oil and sunflower oil are excellent neutral-flavored options that work well in this recipe. Melted coconut oil is another good choice, but be aware that it might impart a subtle coconut flavor to the muffins. You could also use melted butter for a richer flavor, although this may slightly alter the texture. Avoid using strong-flavored oils like olive oil, as they can overpower the other flavors in the muffins.
Q5: What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
A: If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can still bake these muffins, but you’ll need to use muffin liners placed on a baking sheet. This will provide the necessary support and shape for the muffins as they bake. Alternatively, you can use individual silicone baking cups, which are reusable and easy to clean. Keep in mind that the baking time might be slightly different depending on the size and shape of the liners or baking cups you use, so be sure to check the muffins for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
