These Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Muffins are moist and tasty! They use leftover sourdough starter, which adds a unique flavor that makes them special.
Trust me, the crumbly streusel topping is the highlight! I can never have just one muffin— they’re perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Grab your coffee, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This recipe thrives on unfed sourdough starter. It adds flavor and helps keep the muffins moist. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use a store-bought plain yogurt or a bit of buttermilk instead, but you’ll miss out on that unique sourdough taste!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect for sweetening the muffins. You can swap it with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor or use a sugar alternative like stevia if you want to reduce sugar intake.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness. For a vegan option, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help your muffins rise. Make sure both are fresh; otherwise, they won’t provide the lift you need. If you’re out of one, you can combine 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to replace the baking powder.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel ending is what makes these muffins special with a crunchy topping! Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Mix your flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon well before adding the butter.
- Use cold butter and cut it into small pieces. This keeps the topping crumbly.
- Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until you get coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—small lumps are okay!
By perfecting the streusel, you’ll add that delightful crunch that pairs so wonderfully with the soft muffins. Enjoy making these delightful treats!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake, totaling around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat or a delightful snack anytime during the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, you can line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, granulated sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps to aerate the flour and ensure even distribution of the baking agents.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Gently stir the two together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay!
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping. Then, cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until you have a crumbly mixture resembling coarse crumbs.
6. Portion the Batter:
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with batter. Then, generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin. This will create a delicious crunchy topping once baked!
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to get your desired thickness for drizzling.
9. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the muffins have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a fun presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are delightful warm or at room temperature. Feel free to enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea!
These muffins have a tender crumb with a cinnamon spiced streusel topping and a sweet glaze finish, making them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may make the muffins denser. For the best results, consider using a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.
Can I Make These Muffins Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens) for a great egg-free alternative!
What Can I Serve These Muffins With?
These muffins are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with a cup of coffee or tea. For a bit of fun, try pairing them with a smear of butter or cream cheese, or enjoy them alongside fresh fruit!