Coffee Cake Cupcakes

Coffee Cake Cupcake

A New Year’s Day Brunch wouldn’t be complete without some coffee cake. I made these into cupcakes because I love when everyone can get their own individualized portion to nibble on. I was hoping they would turn out like a cute little cupcake, but the reality is that some of them got sunken in from the topping weighing them down. I didn’t take any pictures of those! I guess I ... forgot :) In the end, I realized coffee cake was easier to make when baked in a bigger pan {like it usually is}. So I’ve included instructions for baking in a 9 x 13 dish below if you choose to go the easier {& suggested} route.

XOXO....little j Y

Coffee Cake Cupcakes

Inspired by: The Pioneer Woman

Makes 2 dozen

Cake Batter:

1 ½ sticks of softened butter, unsalted

2 cups granulated sugar

3 cups flour, sifted

4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 ¼ cups milk

3 egg whiltes, beaten until stiff peaks form

Topping:

6 Tbsp butter, unsalted & cut into smaller cubes

1/3 cup flour

¾ cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

¾ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

*Optional: You may also bake the coffee cake in a 9 x 13 pan @ 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes. If you choose to do so, double the ingredients for the topping. Sprinkle topping over cake batter & swirl with a knife before baking.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine all topping ingredients & use a pastry cutter (or your hands) and work it until crumbs are formed. Set aside.

In a smaller bowl, use a hand mixer to whip up the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed. Also set aside.

Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter & sugar. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk. Mix only until combined. Use a spatula to fold in the prepared egg whites. Fill batter into cupcake liners & top with a couple spoonfuls of the topping. (Alternative Option: Fold half the topping into the cake batter. Fill cupcake liners & then top with remaining topping mixture.) Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool before serving.