Cake Mix Coffee Cake: Easy Recipe for Irresistible Treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of coffee cake wafting through your home on a lazy weekend morning. This Cake Mix Coffee Cake recipe transforms a simple box of cake mix into an irresistible treat that tastes completely homemade. I discovered this shortcut years ago when hosting an impromptu brunch, and it’s been my secret weapon ever since.

With its buttery crumb topping and moist, tender center, this cake mix coffee cake delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a novice baker or simply short on time, this recipe promises to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Coffee Cake

• Incredibly Simple: Uses a box cake mix as the base, cutting prep time in half
• Foolproof Results: Even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results every time
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cake flavors and mix-ins
• Time-Saving: Ready for the oven in just 10 minutes
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples alongside an inexpensive cake mix
• Perfect Texture: Achieves that ideal balance of tender cake and crisp topping
• Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults alike

This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the best homemade cake mix coffee cake recipe that tastes completely from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thick and luxurious.

Step 3: Create the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle about one-third of the streusel mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, carefully spreading it to cover the streusel layer. Top with the remaining streusel mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

While the cake cools, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before drizzling with the optional glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and sour cream to come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure a tender cake.
• Cinnamon Varieties: Try different types of cinnamon like Saigon or Ceylon for unique flavor profiles.
• Cake Mix Options: While yellow cake mix is traditional, white or spice cake mix works beautifully too.
• Streusel Technique: Keep your butter cold and work quickly when making the streusel for the best texture.
• Layering Method: Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the second layer of batter without disturbing the streusel beneath.

Common Questions About Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Can I make this cake mix coffee cake ahead of time? Yes! This coffee cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt works perfectly as a one-to-one substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g

This recipe makes 15 servings. For a lighter version, you can use light sour cream and reduce the oil to ⅓ cup.

Storage and Leftovers

This delicious cake mix coffee cake stays fresh longer than you might expect! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Counter Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: This coffee cake freezes beautifully! Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave: 15-20 seconds for a single slice
• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for about 10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This versatile cake mix coffee cake shines in many settings:

• Breakfast Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit and hot coffee for a complete breakfast
• Brunch Star: Makes a perfect centerpiece for weekend brunch gatherings
• Dessert Option: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
• Holiday Morning: Perfect for Christmas morning or other special occasions
• Gift Giving: Bake in disposable pans for heartwarming homemade gifts

Top 4 FAQs About Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Is cake mix coffee cake actually made with coffee?

Despite its name, traditional coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee in the recipe. It’s called “coffee cake” because it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Our easy cake mix coffee cake follows this tradition, focusing on cinnamon and streusel flavors that complement your morning brew.

Can I make this cake mix coffee cake recipe in a bundt pan?

Yes! This recipe adapts beautifully to a bundt pan. Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly, layer as directed, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. The cake should also spring back when lightly touched in the center.

Can I add fruit to this cake mix coffee cake recipe?

Absolutely! Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, diced apples, or even chocolate chips into the batter before baking. If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them first to prevent bleeding into the batter.

Variations to Try

This quick and easy cake mix coffee cake recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of diced apples and increase cinnamon to 2 teaspoons
• Pumpkin Spice: Use a spice cake mix and add ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Lemon Blueberry: Use a lemon cake mix and fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries
• Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter
• Maple Pecan: Add 1 teaspoon maple extract to the batter and use pecans in the streusel

Conclusion

This cake mix coffee cake recipe proves that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create an irresistible treat that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The combination of moist, tender cake and buttery cinnamon streusel creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, weekend brunch, or afternoon coffee break, this easy recipe delivers impressive results every time. The best part? No one will ever guess it started with a box mix!

Give this delicious cake mix coffee cake a try and discover your new go-to recipe for those moments when you need something special without the fuss. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds – and your secret to this easy yet irresistible treat is safe with us!

Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share your results with us. Happy baking!

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