Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake – that glorious, crumbly, buttery delight that’s basically the best excuse to have cake with your morning coffee (or afternoon coffee, or anytime really). But here’s the kicker: making a coffee cake from scratch can sometimes feel like a mini baking project with a million ingredients and steps. Enter cake mix coffee cake-the ultimate hack for a moist, tender, and super tasty treat without all the fuss.

I mean, who doesn’t want to whip up something indulgent, impressive, and comforting in under an hour? Whether you’re hosting brunch, want a quick dessert fix, or just want something cozy to nibble on with your cup of joe, this recipe is your new best friend. We’ll walk through every detail, share some kitchen science, and sprinkle in expert tips and variations to make it your own.

Ready? Let’s bake!

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe takes a simple boxed cake mix and transforms it into a dreamy coffee cake with a tender crumb, buttery cinnamon streusel, and that perfect hint of sweetness that keeps you going back for more. Here’s a snapshot of what makes it great:

• Quick prep, perfect for last-minute baking
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Streusel topping that crisps up beautifully
• Moist crumb that stays fresh for days
• Easily customizable to your flavor preferences

Now, onto the nitty-gritty – the ingredients and how to bring it all together.

Ingredients Needed

Alright, here’s the shopping list for this simple yet fabulous cake. Don’t worry, most of these are probably lurking in your pantry right now:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (or white, vanilla, or even spice cake mix for a twist)
• 1 cup sour cream (this is the secret to moistness, trust me)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (keeps the cake tender)
• 3 large eggs (for structure and richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, aromatic hint)

For the streusel topping (the crowning glory!):

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, because brown sugar brings moisture and that deep caramel flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (can’t skip this – cinnamon + coffee cake = true love)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps bind the streusel)
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (makes it crumbly and buttery)

Optional add-ins (if you’re feeling fancy):

• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, about 1/2 cup)
• Mini chocolate chips
• A pinch of nutmeg in the streusel

How To Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Ready for the hands-on part? Here’s how you turn those simple ingredients into a spectacular coffee cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thicker than usual cake batter because of the sour cream – that’s perfect!
3. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, toss them in here.
4. Assemble: Pour half of the batter into the pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle about half of the streusel on top. Then pour the remaining batter over, spreading carefully so you don’t disturb the streusel layer too much. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel over the top.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up and keeps the crumbs from falling apart.

Pro tip: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out a bit! Why does this recipe work so well with cake mix?

• Cake mix already has flour, sugar, leavening agents (like baking powder), and salt perfectly balanced. This means the base flavor and texture are on point.
• Sour cream is the MVP for moisture and tenderness. The acidity in sour cream reacts with the baking powder to create extra rise and a soft crumb.
• Butter in the streusel is cold and solid to create that crumbly, sandy texture. When baked, the butter melts, creating pockets of deliciousness that contrast the tender cake beneath.
• Cinnamon isn’t just for flavor – it has antioxidants and a warming aroma that tricks your brain into craving the cake more!

Expert Tips

Want to bake like a pro? Here are some insider nuggets:

• Don’t overmix the batter – just combine until smooth. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Use cold butter for the streusel to get the best crumbly texture.
• For an extra moist cake, try swapping half of the oil for melted butter – richer flavor alert!
• Bake in the middle rack for even heat distribution.
• Let the cake cool before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• If you want that crunchy top, toss the finished cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes-but watch it carefully!

Recipe Variations

Because why stick to the basics when you can jazz it up? Here are some fun ways to customize:

• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Fold in 1 cup chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Blueberry Streusel: Toss fresh or frozen blueberries with the batter, and add a lemon zest to the streusel.
• Chocolate Swirl: Mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder into half the batter and swirl it through before adding streusel.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and gluten-free flour in the streusel.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flax eggs, use vegan sour cream, and vegan butter for the streusel.

Final Words

Honestly, this cake mix coffee cake is a total game-changer for anyone who loves baking but wants to keep things simple and foolproof. It’s the kind of recipe that invites experimentation, can easily fit into busy schedules, and produces that ’homemade’ warmth we all crave.

Whether you eat it fresh from the oven, pack it in lunchboxes, or serve it for company, it’s a winner every time. And the best part? You can tweak it endlessly with your favorite flavors or mix-ins.

FAQs

What Is A Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe?

A cake mix coffee cake recipe is a simple and quick method of making a coffee cake using a store-bought cake mix as the base. It typically involves combining the cake mix with additional ingredients like eggs, oil, sour cream, and sugar, then topping it with a streusel or crumb topping before baking.

Can I Use Any Type Of Cake Mix For A Coffee Cake?

While you can technically use any flavor of cake mix, a yellow cake mix or a plain white cake mix is most commonly used for coffee cake. These flavors provide a neutral base that pairs well with the traditional cinnamon-streusel topping.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For A Cake Mix Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture, then sprinkle it on top of the batter before baking.

Can I Add Fruit To My Cake Mix Coffee Cake?

Yes, adding fruit like blueberries, sliced apples, or raspberries is a great way to enhance the flavor of your cake mix coffee cake. Gently fold the fruit into the batter before adding the streusel topping.

What Size Cake Mix Should I Use For A Coffee Cake Recipe?

For a typical coffee cake, use a standard 15.25 oz (432g) box of cake mix. This size is perfect for an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake or a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream In A Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even crème fraîche. These alternatives will provide the same moistness and tanginess that sour cream typically adds to the recipe.

Do I Need To Follow The Directions On The Cake Mix Box?

For the coffee cake, you should still follow the general directions on the box but make slight adjustments to include ingredients like sour cream, eggs, and oil (if required in your coffee cake recipe) rather than the ingredients listed for a standard cake. The extra moisture will help create the classic coffee cake texture.

How Do I Know When The Cake Mix Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

To check if the coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. The edges should also be golden brown, and the top will have a slight bounce when lightly pressed.

Can I Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, cake mix coffee cake can be made ahead of time. You can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months, then thaw and serve.

Can I Make The Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. There are many gluten-free options available, and substituting them in your recipe will allow you to enjoy a gluten-free version of cake mix coffee cake.