Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Muffins

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cinnamon Pecan Coffee Cake Muffins.

1. Step 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.

2. Step 2

   Spread the chopped pecans on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast them in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until fragrant. Once done, transfer them to a medium bowl and mix with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well coated. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules, stirring until dissolved.

4. Step 4

   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition. Then, mix in the applesauce until smooth and creamy.

5. Step 5

   Gradually add the flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk mixture, and mix only until just incorporated.

6. Step 6

   Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin liner, ensuring it covers the bottom. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the pecan filling on top of each, then cover with the remaining batter and top with the remaining pecan filling.

7. Step 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.