Save to Pinterest Soft, tender muffins with a hint of brown sugar, topped with a sweet maple glaze and crunchy pretzel pieces. These Maple Glazed Pretzel Cake Muffins are a delightful sweet-and-salty treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. They combine classic dessert flavors with a playful twist that will brighten any morning.
I first baked these muffins for a weekend brunch with friends, and they were an instant hit. The maple glaze and crunchy pretzel topping provided just the right texture and flavor contrast—everyone asked for the recipe!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed salted pretzels: 1/2 cup (60 g), plus extra for topping
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted and cooled
- Light brown sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g), packed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Whole milk: 2/3 cup (160 ml)
- Pure maple syrup: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g), sifted
- Additional pure maple syrup: 3 tbsp (for glaze)
- Milk: 1-2 tbsp (for glaze, as needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt: for glaze
- Additional crushed salted pretzels: for topping
Instructions
- Prepare muffin tin:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 cup crushed pretzels.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in milk and maple syrup until fully combined.
- Combine mixtures:
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill muffin cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins:
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make maple glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Add milk as needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
- Decorate:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled muffins and sprinkle immediately with additional crushed pretzels. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these muffins with family on Sunday mornings always brings smiles to the table. The sweet maple aroma and salty pretzel crunch make them a favorite for cozy breakfasts together.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, wire rack, spoon or piping bag for glazing.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin has approximately 265 calories, 9 g total fat, 42 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with a cup of coffee or a maple-sweetened latte for a delicious start to the day.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these maple-glazed muffins for breakfast or as a sweet snack anytime. The pretzel topping sets them apart for a truly irresistible treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a tender muffin texture?
Mix wet and dry ingredients gently, avoiding overmixing, to keep the muffins soft and light.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for a healthier option?
Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber while keeping muffins moist.
- → What makes the glaze taste so rich?
Pure maple syrup and powdered sugar create a silky, flavorful glaze that complements the pretzel crunch.
- → How do I add extra crunch?
Use pretzel sticks or twists, roughly chopped, for more texture on top of each muffin after glazing.
- → Can these be made ahead?
Yes! Bake, cool, glaze, and store airtight. Add pretzel topping just before serving for optimal crunch.
- → Are these muffins suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, but always check the pretzel packaging for additives.