Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, real talk-who doesn’t love the idea of having cake for breakfast? It’s indulgent. It’s comforting. It’s got that cinnamon-sugar thing going on that just feels like home. Now, imagine all that goodness but with a nutritious, protein-rich twist that doesn’t leave you with that mid-morning crash. That’s where our star of the show comes in: Kodiak Cakes!

If you’ve never used Kodiak Cakes mix, oh honey, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t your average pancake mix. It’s a high-protein, whole grain blend that you can sneak into anything from muffins to waffles… and yes, even coffee cake. You get the comfort of a classic brunch favorite, but with the kind of nutritional boost that makes you feel a little less guilty going in for seconds (or thirds-this is a safe space, no judgment).

So, let’s pull out the mixing bowls, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and baked goodness.

Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the deal: this recipe gives you the tender, moist crumb of traditional coffee cake, a gooey cinnamon swirl, and a buttery streusel topping-but with Kodiak Cakes protein power baked right in.

Whether you’re meal-prepping breakfasts for the week or hosting Sunday brunch, this is the kind of recipe that checks every box:

• Sweet but not cloying ✅
• Satisfying and hearty ✅
• Easy to make (like, shockingly easy) ✅
• Looks impressive but secretly foolproof ✅✅✅

Ingredients Needed

Okay, let’s get everything you need lined up on your kitchen counter. Deep breath-don’t worry, nothing fancy here, just pantry basics and a few Kodiak twists!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk Power Cakes mix (you can use other flavors too-more on that later!)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (adds that molasses depth)
• 1 tsp baking powder (extra lift)
• ½ tsp baking soda (helps with tenderness)
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based, your call)
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for richness)
• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Streusel Topping (THE BEST PART)

• ¼ cup Kodiak mix
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
• Optional: a handful of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are )

How To Make Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake

Alright, apron on? Let’s do this step-by-step. You’re going to feel like a baking rockstar when this comes out of the oven.

Prep Your Oven And Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. (You can double the recipe for a 9×13 pan-just watch the bake time.)

Make The Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla.
• Stir wet into dry until just combined. Don’t overmix! (It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy.)

Create That Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
• Pour half the batter into your pan, then drizzle or dollop the swirl mixture over it.
• Swirl gently with a knife or toothpick-think marble, not mix.

Add The Rest Of The Batter

• Pour in the remaining batter, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.

Top It Off With Streusel

• Mix Kodiak mix, oats, brown sugar, and cold butter together with a fork or your fingers until crumbly.
• Sprinkle it generously over the top.

Bake It Up

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs).
• Let it cool slightly before slicing. It smells like a bakery exploded in your kitchen, I know. Patience!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a second-because behind every moist crumb and cinnamon ripple, there’s science doing the heavy lifting.

• Kodiak Cakes Mix: This blend includes whole wheat flour and whey protein isolate. That’s how you get that fluff and structure plus the protein without needing extra flour tricks.
• Greek Yogurt: Acidic + creamy = tenderness! It also reacts with baking soda to give rise.
• Brown Sugar: Contains molasses, which adds moisture and a richer, caramel-y flavor.
• Oats in the streusel: Adds texture and heartiness. Plus, they toast up beautifully on top.

Expert Tips

Want to absolutely nail this coffee cake? Here’s what the pros (and your obsessive recipe developer friends) want you to know:

• Don’t skip the swirl – It’s what makes it ’coffee cake’ and not just a muffin in disguise.
• Use room-temperature eggs and dairy – Helps everything mix smoothly and evenly.
• Add mix-ins sparingly – A handful of blueberries or chopped apples can be fun, but too much moisture can affect the bake.
• Use a metal pan if you have one – Glass works, but metal gives a better rise and golden edges.
• Double the streusel if you’re feeling wild – You won’t regret it. Ever.

Recipe Variations

Once you master the base, there’s a whole universe of Kodiak Cake Coffee Cakes to explore:

• Apple Cinnamon – Add ½ cup finely diced apples to the batter. A dash of nutmeg wouldn’t hurt either.
• Pumpkin Spice – Swap yogurt for canned pumpkin and up the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves).
• Berry Burst – Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl – Mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl and thank me later.
• Protein-Boosted – Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and add a splash more milk if needed.

Final Words

Here’s the thing-this coffee cake is more than just a baked good. It’s a vibe. It’s something you bake on a slow Sunday morning when you want your kitchen to smell like sweet memories and cinnamon hugs. And yet, thanks to the genius of Kodiak Cakes, it’s also a smarter, more satisfying treat that won’t leave you in a sugar slump.

Whether you’re feeding a crew or just treating yourself (highly recommend with a hot cup of coffee and a quiet moment), this recipe is a keeper.

You will be making this again. Possibly tomorrow. Possibly twice tomorrow. ️

FAQs

What Is A Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake?

A Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake is a healthier twist on the traditional coffee cake. It uses Kodiak Cakes pancake and waffle mix, which is made from whole grains and high-protein ingredients. The cake is typically made with a cinnamon swirl and crumbly streusel topping, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Can I Use Regular Flour Instead Of Kodiak Cakes Mix In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Kodiak Cakes mix with regular flour, but you will need to adjust the recipe by adding baking powder or baking soda for the leavening, as well as adjusting the protein content to match that of the Kodiak Cakes mix. This may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Is Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake Suitable For Those On A High-protein Diet?

Yes, Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake is a good option for those on a high-protein diet. The Kodiak Cakes mix is made with whole grains and added protein, which makes the cake higher in protein compared to a traditional coffee cake. It’s an excellent choice for a healthier breakfast or snack.

Can I Make The Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of the Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake by using Kodiak Cakes Gluten-Free Power Cakes mix. This will provide a similar texture and taste while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake?

To make Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake, you will typically need Kodiak Cakes pancake mix, eggs, milk, cinnamon, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and optionally, a streusel topping made from flour, oats, brown sugar, and more butter. Some recipes may include yogurt or applesauce for added moisture.

How Do I Make The Cinnamon Swirl In The Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake?

To create the cinnamon swirl, mix together cinnamon and sugar. After preparing the batter, pour half into the baking dish, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, and then cover it with the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife to create the signature ribbon of cinnamon throughout the cake.

Can I Use Non-dairy Milk For The Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can easily substitute non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for regular cow’s milk in the recipe. The flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of non-dairy milk you use, but it will still work well in the cake.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the ingredients together until the mixture forms crumb-like clumps. Sprinkle this streusel topping over the batter before baking.

How Long Should I Bake Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake?

The Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish, so keep an eye on it.

Can I Freeze Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake For Later?

Yes, Kodiak Cake Coffee Cake can be frozen for later use. After baking and cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven or microwave.