Why Make This Recipe

Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cake with the satisfying texture of muffins. They are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. This recipe utilizes sourdough discard, making it an excellent way to reduce waste while creating something delicious. The combination of cinnamon and a sweet glaze adds to the charm of these muffins, making them a favorite in many households.

How to Make Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

Making Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins is simple and fun. The process involves creating a cinnamon sugar filling, mixing the muffin batter, and finishing off with a tasty vanilla glaze. Follow these steps to make your muffins.

Ingredients

½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
1½ cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup milk
¾ cups sourdough discard or active starter
4 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cup brown sugar
5 tablespoons flour
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons butter (melted)
⅔ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½-1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Cinnamon Sugar Filling + Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1½ cups of brown sugar, 5 tablespoons of flour, and 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Sourdough Coffee Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter, 1½ cups of white sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth. Beat in 2 eggs, followed by the 1 cup of milk and ¾ cup of sourdough discard. Gradually stir in 4 teaspoons of baking powder and 3 cups of all-purpose flour until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with liners or grease them.
Fill each muffin cup about half full with the batter, then add a spoonful of the cinnamon sugar filling. Top with more batter until the cups are about ¾ full.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top of each muffin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ⅔ cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½-1 tablespoon of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.

How to Serve Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

These muffins are best served warm. You can enjoy them plain, or with a cup of coffee or tea. They also go well with butter or cream cheese spread on top for an extra special treat.

How to Store Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

To keep the muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
Don’t overmix the batter; you want it to be just combined for fluffy muffins.
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different fruits like blueberries or cranberries, or by swapping the cinnamon for other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice.

FAQs

1. Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter! Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly since active starters can be thicker.

2. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready.

3. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake them fresh in the morning for a warm treat.