Lightened Christmas Coffee Cake (Print Version)

Tender muffins with cinnamon swirl and crunchy streusel, perfect for a light holiday treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Muffin Batter

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
10 - 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
11 - 1/4 cup light olive oil or melted coconut oil
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/4 cup low-fat milk

→ Cinnamon Swirl

15 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Streusel Topping

17 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
19 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
20 - 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk applesauce, Greek yogurt, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
04 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Mix light brown sugar and cinnamon for swirl in a small bowl.
06 - Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter, sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon swirl mixture, then add remaining batter on top. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers.
07 - Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in cold butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over batter in muffin cups.
08 - Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Lightened to reduce calories
  • Full of holiday flavor
02 -
  • These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Adding dried cranberries or walnuts gives extra festive flair.
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
  • Use a toothpick to create the cinnamon swirl without overblending.
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