Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
There’s something magical about whipping up a tender, bakery-style Cake Mix Coffee Cake with minimal effort, and this recipe brings all the warm, cinnamon-swirled goodness right into your kitchen. With a few pantry staples, a box of cake mix, and a buttery crumb topping, you’re just under an hour away from a slice that tastes like it took all morning to make. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting brunch for friends or simply craving a show-stopping treat to perk up your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake keeps things wonderfully simple without sacrificing flavor or texture. Each ingredient has a special job, from the moistness of sour cream to the irresistible crunch of the crumb topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a thing:
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The shortcut base that brings structure, sweetness, and a golden hue to our coffee cake.
- Large Eggs (3): Essential for binding the batter and giving the cake its lovely, fluffy crumb.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds creamy richness and moisture that creates a soft, tender interior.
- Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Helps keep the cake moist and delicate without overpowering flavors.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Boosts sweetness and encourages that beautiful golden crust.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Delivers warm, aromatic notes that define classic coffee cake.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup, for crumb): Forms the sturdy base of the crumbly topping.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, for crumb): Brings caramel depth and a subtle molasses flavor to the topping.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for crumb): Infuses the crumb with extra cozy spice.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, cold and cubed, for crumb): Responsible for that irresistible, crisp crumb.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, optional glaze): Sweetens up a simple glaze for a pretty (and tasty) finish.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon, for glaze): Adds fragrant vanilla notes to the glaze.
How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to make sure that gorgeous Cake Mix Coffee Cake slides out with ease, every single time.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
Grab a large bowl and combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, granulated sugar, and that wonderfully aromatic tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, thick batter that looks silky and inviting. No need to overmix—just blend until incorporated!
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, packed brown sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mash and blend everything until you have a chunky, crumbly mixture with visible buttery bits.
Step 4: Layer Batter and Crumb
Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Then, sprinkle half the crumb mixture across the top, covering every corner so each bite has that signature sugary crunch.
Step 5: Add Remaining Batter and Crumb
Next, pour the rest of the batter on top and spread it out gently—you might want to use a spatula for an even layer. Finish by scattering the remaining crumb topping over the surface, pressing it in ever so slightly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Your kitchen will smell like a dream! Let your Cake Mix Coffee Cake cool slightly on a rack so the crumbs set up nicely.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
If you’re adding the optional glaze, quickly whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle the sweet glaze over the still-warm cake, letting it seep into the crumb for an extra treat. Slice and serve either warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s pure comfort.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a light dusting of cinnamon make beautiful (and tasty) finishes. For special occasions, add a handful of toasted nuts or some thin slices of fresh fruit to give your Cake Mix Coffee Cake an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your coffee cake with fresh berries, a yogurt parfait, or a simple fruit salad for a balancing act between indulgence and freshness. And, of course, don’t forget a hot mug of coffee or chai on the side—it brings out the warm spices in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Cake Mix Coffee Cake into small squares and serving on a tiered platter for brunch get-togethers, or cut generous rectangles and wrap individually in parchment for on-the-go treats. This coffee cake looks beautiful on a cake stand with just a few decorative touches, like edible flowers or a scattering of berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cake Mix Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. If your house is anything like mine, you’ll find the cake disappears long before that, but it stays moist and delicious even on day three!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer-safe bag. Your Cake Mix Coffee Cake will maintain its lovely texture and flavor for up to two months—perfect for emergency dessert cravings!
Reheating
To bring chilled or frozen coffee cake back to its cozy, fresh-baked self, simply microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven until warm. The crumb topping will revive and become just as comforting as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Spice cake mix gives a wonderful warm, autumnal feel, while chocolate or butter cake mixes create new, delicious twists on the traditional Cake Mix Coffee Cake. Mix and match to find your favorite!
What’s the best way to ensure a crumbly topping?
Use cold, cubed butter and resist overmixing—it should resemble coarse crumbs, not a paste. This helps the topping stay crisp and distinct after baking, which is key for a fabulous coffee cake.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts in the topping add perfect crunch, while a handful of blueberries or diced apples in the batter brings a pleasant burst of sweetness and texture. Just don’t overload it so the cake bakes evenly.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Definitely—it’s delicious with or without. The glaze gives an extra dose of sweetness and a pretty finish, but the cake stands on its own thanks to that crumbly cinnamon top.
Can I make this Cake Mix Coffee Cake ahead of time for a party?
Yes, it bakes up beautifully the day before. Just store it covered, and add the glaze just before serving for best texture. This makes it a fuss-free addition to your brunch or dessert spread.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Cake Mix Coffee Cake wafting through your kitchen, and sharing it with people you love makes it even sweeter. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to favorite, inspiring easy mornings and cozy moments anytime you need them.
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Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cake Mix Coffee Cake made with a yellow cake mix base, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Pour half the batter into the dish.
- Make the Topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle half over the batter.
- Layer and Bake: Pour remaining batter, top with the rest of the crumb mixture. Bake 35–40 mins.
- Glaze (Optional): Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This recipe is delicious with spice cake mix for a fall variation.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
