Flavorful Butterscotch Muffins with Brown Sugar Pecan Streusel Recipe

Craving a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butterscotch with a crunchy pecan streusel topping? I’ve got just the recipe for you! These butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel are a perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.

With a moist butterscotch-infused batter and a generous layer of cinnamon-scented streusel on top, these muffins are a delightful twist on the classic morning pastry. The aroma of cinnamon and pecans wafting through your kitchen as these muffins bake is simply irresistible.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible butterscotch muffins that are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of butterscotch, brown sugar, and pecans creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

For the Muffin Batter

• 1 box yellow cake mix (dry, 15.25 ounces)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 small package instant butterscotch pudding mix (3/4 ounces)
• 1 small package instant vanilla pudding mix (3/4 ounces)

• 1 cup roughly chopped pecans (190 grams / 6 3/4 ounces)
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Required Tools and Equipment

For preparing these delightful butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel, you will need the following tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process:

Tools:

1. Stand Mixer (or Electric Mixer): A stand mixer or an electric mixer is essential for mixing the cake batter thoroughly.
2. Small Bowl: You will need a small bowl to combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans for the streusel topping.
3. 9×13-inch Cake Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray to bake the muffins.
4. Mixing Bowls: Have mixing bowls ready for preparing the batter and streusel.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurement is crucial when adding ingredients like water, oil, and sugar.
6. Whisk or Wooden Spoon: A whisk or a wooden spoon will be needed for mixing the streusel and glaze ingredients.
7. Oven: Preheat your oven to 325ºF to bake the muffins to perfection.

1. Muffin Liners (Optional): If you prefer using muffin liners, have them ready to line the muffin tin.
2. Toothpick: To check for doneness, keep a toothpick handy to insert into the muffins.
3. Cooking Spray: Use cooking spray to grease the cake pan for easy removal.
4. Cooling Rack: Once the muffins are baked, place them on a cooling rack to cool down before serving.
5. Spatula: A spatula will help you layer the cake batter evenly in the pan.
6. Knife: Use a knife to swirl the streusel into the batter for a marbled effect.
7. Baking Sheet: Place a baking sheet under the cake pan in the oven to catch any drips during baking.

Gathering these tools and equipment in advance will streamline the baking process and help you create these decadent butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel effortlessly.

Instructions

Preparing the Streusel

In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 cup of chopped pecans to make the delectable streusel topping.

Mixing the Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 box (15.25 ounces) of yellow cake mix, 4 large eggs, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 small package (3/4 ounces) of instant butterscotch pudding mix, and 1 small package (3/4 ounces) of instant vanilla pudding mix.

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

When it comes to making these delicious butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel, there are a few optional add-ins and substitutions you can consider to customize the recipe to your liking. Here are some suggestions to enhance or modify this delightful treat:

Optional Add-Ins:

1. Chocolate Chips: For a delightful twist, add a handful of chocolate chips to the muffin batter. The combination of butterscotch and chocolate is a match made in heaven.
2. Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile in every bite.
3. Toasted Coconut: Add a tropical flair by sprinkling some toasted coconut on top of the streusel before baking. It will add a unique crunch and nutty taste.

1. Different Nuts: Instead of pecans, you can swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to vary the nuttiness of the streusel topping.
2. Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Non-Dairy Alternatives: To make these muffins dairy-free, substitute the milk in the streusel with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.

Make-Ahead Tips

When preparing butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel, you can save time and simplify your baking process by following a few make-ahead tips. Here are some suggestions to help you effortlessly enjoy these delicious treats:

1. Prep the Streusel in Advance: To streamline the muffin-making process, consider preparing the brown sugar pecan streusel topping ahead of time. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a bowl, and store the mixture in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. This step will allow you to assemble the muffins more quickly when you’re ready to bake.
2. Make the Muffin Batter Ahead: Another time-saving tip is to prepare the butterscotch muffin batter in advance. Combine the dry cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and pudding mixes according to the recipe instructions. Store the batter in the refrigerator in a covered bowl or airtight container until you’re ready to bake the muffins. This way, you can easily bake fresh muffins in the morning or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.
3. Portion the Batter for Easy Baking: If you want to have freshly baked muffins at a moment’s notice, pre-portion the muffin batter into individual cups or muffin tins. Cover the portions with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This method allows you to pop the muffins in the oven right away, saving time and effort on busy mornings.

By following these make-ahead tips, you can conveniently prepare butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel in advance and enjoy freshly baked treats whenever the craving strikes. These strategies ensure that you have a delicious and satisfying snack or breakfast option ready to go in no time.

Storage Instructions

After baking these delicious butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel, you may find yourself with leftovers or wanting to enjoy them over several days. Here are some storage tips to keep your muffins fresh and flavorful:

Room Temperature Storage:

1. Once the muffins have cooled completely after baking, you can store them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
2. Place the muffins in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag to maintain their freshness.
3. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent moisture loss and keep the muffins moist.

Refrigerator Storage:

1. If you need to store the muffins for a longer period, you can refrigerate them.
2. Place the muffins in an airtight container or resealable bag before refrigerating.
3. Stored in the refrigerator, the muffins can last for up to a week.
4. Before serving, you can gently warm the muffins in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their fresh-from-the-oven taste.

1. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the muffins for future enjoyment.
2. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Place the wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
4. Frozen muffins can be kept for up to 2-3 months.
5. When ready to eat, thaw the muffins overnight in the refrigerator or microwave them on a low setting until heated through.

By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel remain fresh and delicious for an extended period, allowing you to savor them at your convenience.

Conclusion

I hope this article has inspired you to try out these delectable butterscotch muffins with brown sugar pecan streusel. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. With the provided storage tips, you can enjoy these muffins fresh and delicious for days to come. Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins and make-ahead options to suit your preferences. Happy baking!