Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow kitchen adventurer! If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes the best recipes come from simple, humble beginnings. Enter the Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake – a cozy, comforting, and downright delicious treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This coffee cake isn’t fancy or complicated, but it sure packs a punch in the flavor and nostalgia departments.

• It’s a classic American staple, often found gracing breakfast tables and potlucks.
• Super quick and easy to whip up, perfect for those mornings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• Its crumbly, buttery streusel topping paired with a moist, tender crumb is basically perfection.
• Plus, using Jiffy Mix makes it so accessible, you only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have.

So, buckle up, because we’re about to make a coffee cake that’ll have your family and friends begging for seconds – or maybe even thirds!

Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s simple, straightforward, and seriously satisfying. The Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake is a lovely, tender cake layered with cinnamon sugar streusel topping that crisps up just right when baked. The combination of a moist base and crunchy topping makes it ideal for pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

• Prep time: about 10 minutes.
• Bake time: roughly 25-30 minutes.
• Yield: usually serves 8 hungry people or 12 modest snackers.

It’s perfect for beginners, but even seasoned bakers love how effortlessly delicious it turns out.

Ingredients Needed

Alright, here’s the shopping list for this magic coffee cake. What’s fantastic is that most of these ingredients are pantry staples or can be found in the fridge or cupboard already!

• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (1 box, about 8.5 oz): The base of our cake, yes, it’s corn muffin mix, but it works wonders for a slightly sweet, moist cake base.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter to that perfect cozy level.
• Eggs (2 large): They provide structure and richness.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
• Butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/3 cup softened): Butter is the hero here – part goes into the batter, and the rest is used in the streusel topping.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds that warm, inviting spice that defines coffee cake.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): For the streusel, giving a deep caramel flavor.
• Chopped nuts (optional, 1/2 cup; walnuts or pecans are best): Adds texture and a delightful crunch to the topping.

That’s it! Simple, right?

How To Make Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake

Now, here’s where the fun really begins. Follow along step-by-step, and I’ll walk you through each part:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect baking temperature.

2. Prepare The Batter

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, sugar, eggs, milk, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
   • Mix until smooth but don’t overmix – you want it just combined for a tender crumb.

3. Prepare The Streusel Topping

   • In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and chopped nuts if using.
   • Stir until crumbly and well combined.

4. Assemble The Cake

   • Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
   • Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle half the streusel mixture over the batter.
   • Pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing gently.
   • Finish with the remaining streusel mixture evenly on top.

5. Bake

   • Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool And Serve

   • Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

You’re going to love the cozy cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a second and break down why this cake works so well – it’s all about ingredient chemistry:

• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: Typically made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, it provides a slightly sweet and grainy base that’s different from a traditional flour cake. Cornmeal gives it texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Butter: Melting some butter into the batter adds moisture and richness. The softened butter in the streusel helps create those perfect crunchy crumbs when baked.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning, thanks to caramelization.
• Eggs: Provide structure by coagulating proteins when heated, which helps the cake hold together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and dissolves sugar and salt, distributing flavor evenly.
• Cinnamon: Contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that gives that signature warm, sweet-spicy aroma and taste.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep molasses note due to its molasses content.
• Nuts: Optional but add texture and flavor. The natural oils in nuts also contribute to a more complex mouthfeel.

Understanding these roles can help you tweak the recipe to your taste or troubleshoot if something doesn’t turn out quite right.

Expert Tips

I’m spilling the beans on pro tips that’ll make your Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake shine every single time:

• Don’t overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk: This helps everything combine smoothly and bake evenly.
• Butter matters: Use real butter, not margarine or oil substitutes – it makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
• Chop nuts roughly: If you’re adding nuts, keep them a bit chunky so you get a satisfying crunch rather than a dusty texture.
• Add a pinch of salt: Even if not in the original mix, a little salt in the batter enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
• Watch the oven closely: Every oven is different; start checking at 25 minutes to avoid drying out the cake.
• Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool enough so the streusel topping sets, making slices cleaner and less crumbly.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up and customize your coffee cake to keep it exciting:

• Add fruit: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
• Use maple syrup or honey: Substitute part of the sugar with natural sweeteners for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for extra warmth.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top once cooled for added sweetness and moisture.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap Jiffy Mix with a gluten-free corn muffin mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Go nut-free: Skip nuts for allergies or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
• Chocolate chip delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or streusel for a sweeter treat.

There’s no wrong way here – just delicious possibilities!

Final Words

If you’ve been intimidated by baking coffee cake before, this Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake recipe is your gateway to simple, scrumptious success. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing, your family smile wide, and your mornings a little brighter. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser that you can make on a whim.

It’s easy to whip up, versatile to customize, and absolutely delightful with a cup of your favorite brew. Plus, it’s proof that sometimes the simplest mixes yield the most satisfying results.

FAQs

What Is A Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?

A Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake is a simple and quick cake made using Jiffy brand cake mix, which is a pre-made baking mix that helps save time. It’s typically paired with a cinnamon sugar swirl and a crumbly topping, creating a delicious and easy-to-make treat.

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?

To make a basic Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake, you’ll need a box of Jiffy Yellow Cake Mix, eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, and butter. You can also add a crumb topping using flour, sugar, butter, and additional cinnamon.

Can I Use Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix For Coffee Cake?

While Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix is primarily used for making muffins or cornbread, it’s not an ideal substitute for a coffee cake. Jiffy Yellow Cake Mix, which has a lighter texture, is more appropriate for coffee cakes.

How Do I Make The Crumb Topping For My Coffee Cake?

To make a crumb topping, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of butter in a bowl. Mix until the mixture forms small crumbs. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavor.

Can I Add Fruit To My Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or apples to your Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake. Simply fold the fruit into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.

What Size Pan Should I Use For Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?

For a standard Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake, use a 9-inch round or square baking pan. If you’re making a larger batch, you can use a 13×9-inch baking dish.

How Long Should I Bake My Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?

Bake your Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Adjust the baking time based on the size and type of pan you’re using.

Can I Make Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. It stores well at room temperature for a day or two, or you can refrigerate it for longer freshness. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if needed.

How Can I Make My Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake Fluffier?

To make your coffee cake fluffier, try adding an extra egg to the batter or replace some of the milk with sour cream. These additions will add moisture and help the cake rise more evenly.

What Other Flavor Variations Can I Try With Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?

You can experiment with various flavors by adding vanilla extract, almond extract, or cocoa powder to the batter. For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar in the crumb topping instead of white sugar.