Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Are you craving a sweet, tender, and utterly comforting coffee cake but don’t want to haul out a million fancy ingredients or spend hours in the kitchen? Well, you’re in for a treat today because I’m going to share a delightful Coffee Cake with Pancake Mix recipe that’s incredibly easy, surprisingly scrumptious, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a cozy snack with your favorite cup of joe.

Why pancake mix, you ask? Great question! Using pancake mix as the base simplifies the baking process, saves time, and adds a unique fluffy texture to the coffee cake. It’s like giving your cake a little pancake-style hug-soft, moist, and light, with a perfect crumb.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, the science behind why this recipe works so well, step-by-step instructions, and even some fun twists to customize your cake. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix Recipe

This coffee cake is a wonderful balance of moist cake layers with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s sweet but not overly so, and it pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or tea.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

• Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
• Requires minimal effort with just one bowl for mixing.
• Results in a tender crumb thanks to the pancake mix.
• The cinnamon sugar streusel topping adds that classic coffee cake charm.

Ingredients Needed

Alright, before we get to the fun part (mixing and baking!), here’s the rundown of everything you’ll need:

For The Cake

• 2 cups pancake mix (any brand will do, but a basic, all-purpose mix is best)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (adds richness and moisture)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for best texture)
• 2 large eggs (binds and enriches the batter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that warm, inviting aroma)

For The Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (deep molasses flavor)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (helps create that crumbly texture)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (classic spice for coffee cake)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (key for the perfect crumbly topping)

Optional Add-ins

• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Fresh or frozen berries
• Mini chocolate chips

How To Make Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix

Now, let’s get your hands messy and your kitchen smelling heavenly! Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix and granulated sugar. Stir to blend evenly.
3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
5. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out a bit about why this recipe works so wonderfully:

• Pancake Mix: This mix is essentially pre-mixed flour, baking powder, salt, and sometimes sugar. The baking powder gives the cake a light, airy lift, much like pancakes, but since you bake it, the crumb sets tender and moist.
• Butter and Milk: Butter adds fat, which tenderizes the gluten in the flour, leading to a soft texture. Milk hydrates the batter and adds richness, while also reacting with the baking powder to help the cake rise.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture; the proteins set as they bake, holding the cake together but keeping it tender.
• Streusel Topping: The cold butter in the topping creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, forming a crumbly, buttery crust-contrast is key here for texture!
• Brown Sugar: Contains molasses, which adds moisture and a deeper flavor compared to white sugar, enhancing the topping’s richness.

Expert Tips

To get your coffee cake absolutely perfect, here are some insider tricks:

• Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing activates gluten in the flour and can lead to a tougher cake.
• Keep your butter cold when making the streusel. Warm butter will clump and won’t create that signature crumbly texture.
• Use a toothpick test to check doneness; every oven is different, so keep an eye after 30 minutes.
• Let it cool slightly before cutting. It helps the cake set and slices cleanly.
• If you want extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon into the batter itself, not just the topping.
• For an ultra-moist cake, consider swapping half the milk for sour cream or yogurt.

Recipe Variations

Feel like getting creative? Here are some fun twists:

• Berry Bliss: Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity surprise.
• Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans both in the batter and sprinkled on top.
• Chocolate Swirl: Mix 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cake.
• Pumpkin Spice: Swap the milk for pumpkin puree and add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal vibe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free pancake mix and substitute milk with almond or oat milk.

Final Words

This Coffee Cake with Pancake Mix recipe is a total winner for so many reasons: quick prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a texture that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just looking for a fuss-free treat, this cake delivers the perfect blend of softness and crumbly sweetness that makes coffee cake so beloved.

Give it a try on a lazy weekend morning or bring it along to your next brunch gathering – I promise it’ll disappear fast!

FAQs

Can I Use Pancake Mix To Make Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use pancake mix as a base for coffee cake. The pancake mix provides a quick and easy way to create a fluffy and moist coffee cake without the need for flour, baking powder, or soda.

How Do I Make Coffee Cake Using Pancake Mix?

To make coffee cake with pancake mix, combine the pancake mix with sugar, eggs, milk, and a bit of cinnamon. Pour the batter into a greased pan, then top with a crumbly streusel topping made of flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Bake until golden brown.

Can I Use A Different Flavor Of Pancake Mix For The Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! You can use flavored pancake mixes like buttermilk, blueberry, or cinnamon to add a unique twist to your coffee cake recipe.

What Can I Substitute For The Eggs In This Coffee Cake Recipe?

If you need to replace eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for each egg. You can also use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).

Can I Make Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix In A Bundt Pan?

Yes, a bundt pan works great for coffee cake. Just make sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking, and check the cake for doneness as baking times may vary based on pan size.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix?

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds.

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

To make the streusel topping, mix together 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Use a fork or your hands to combine until crumbly, and sprinkle over the batter before baking.

Can I Add Fruit To My Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix?

Yes, you can add fruits like blueberries, sliced apples, or strawberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Gently fold the fruit in to avoid overmixing.

Is Coffee Cake With Pancake Mix A Good Option For Breakfast?

Yes, coffee cake made with pancake mix is a great breakfast option due to its light and fluffy texture. You can also add nuts, fruits, or yogurt for extra nutrition.

How Can I Make The Coffee Cake Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar in both the batter and the streusel topping. You can also replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.