Coffee Cake Gems
Delicious coffee cake gems feature a tender crumb with a cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or coffee breaks, appealing to all who enjoy sweet, flavorful treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream 1/2 cup sugar and shortening; add beaten egg, vanilla, and salt. Beat well.
- Add 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and milk; mix well.
- Pour batter into well-greased muffin tins.
- Mix remaining ingredients until crumbly; sprinkle over muffins.
- Bake at 375°F until well done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you're out of milk, you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a unique twist. To make the topping even crunchier, add chopped nuts or oats. Ensure your muffins are well-greased to prevent sticking, and try not to overmix the batter for light, fluffy gems.
Serving Suggestions
These coffee cake gems are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch spread, consider serving alongside Mother'S Blackberry Jam Cake and fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coffee cake gems in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coffee Cake Gems contains roughly 296 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 689mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these coffee cake gems gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture. The flavor may vary slightly, but they'll still be delicious!
How can I make these coffee cake gems more flavorful?
Adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile. You can also mix in chocolate chips or fruit like blueberries for a twist. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, slowly add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a pourable consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as that can affect the texture of the muffins.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).