What makes these coffee cakes lighter?

Incorporating unsweetened applesauce and low-fat Greek yogurt reduces fat content while keeping the texture moist and tender.

How is the cinnamon swirl achieved?

The swirl is made by mixing brown sugar with ground cinnamon and gently swirling it into the batter before baking.

Dairy-free substitutions like plant-based yogurt and non-dairy butter can replace the yogurt and butter in the streusel topping.

The streusel adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the tender crumb of the coffee cake with a touch of cinnamon spice.

Store cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

For extra flavor and texture, chopped dried cranberries or walnuts can be gently folded into the batter before baking.

Tender, festive muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel lighter in calories but full of holiday flavor.

I have always loved baking these muffins during the holidays and sharing them with my family makes the season even more special.

Muffin Batter: 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar packed, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (60 ml) light olive oil or melted coconut oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-fat milk
Cinnamon Swirl: 2 tbsp (30 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping: 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp (25 g) light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp (28 g) cold unsalted butter diced

Preheat Oven:: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients:: In a large bowl whisk together flour granulated sugar brown sugar baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients:: In a separate bowl whisk applesauce Greek yogurt oil eggs vanilla and milk until smooth.
Combine Ingredients:: Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Prepare Swirl:: In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Fill Muffin Cups:: Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Sprinkle each with about 1/2 tsp of the cinnamon swirl then top with the remaining batter. Use a toothpick to gently swirl.
Make Streusel:: For the streusel combine flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins.
Bake:: Bake for 20 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

My family gathers every holiday morning to enjoy these muffins fresh and warm it creates such a cozy tradition.

Use room temperature eggs and dairy for better batter consistency.

Whole wheat flour can replace half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.

Enjoy these lightened festive muffins that bring warmth and delight to your holiday mornings.

→ What makes these coffee cakes lighter?: Incorporating unsweetened applesauce and low-fat Greek yogurt reduces fat content while keeping the texture moist and tender.
→ How is the cinnamon swirl achieved?: The swirl is made by mixing brown sugar with ground cinnamon and gently swirling it into the batter before baking.
→ Can these be made dairy-free?: Dairy-free substitutions like plant-based yogurt and non-dairy butter can replace the yogurt and butter in the streusel topping.
→ What is the purpose of the streusel topping?: The streusel adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the tender crumb of the coffee cake with a touch of cinnamon spice.
→ How should these be stored?: Store cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I add mix-ins to the batter?: For extra flavor and texture, chopped dried cranberries or walnuts can be gently folded into the batter before baking.