Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, the smell of freshly baked cake wafting through the house, and a warm cup of coffee in hand. Now, picture making that cake yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, I’m about to make that dream a reality with this Cake Mix Coffee Cake! Trust me, this cake is so good that it’ll quickly become your new favorite. With a tender, cinnamon-spiced crumb, a buttery streusel topping, and the easiest recipe ever, this coffee cake will have your friends and family asking for seconds. And the best part? It starts with a simple cake mix, so you can make it with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This is the kind of recipe that will have everyone thinking you spent hours baking, when in reality, it’s all about the magic of a few clever shortcuts. Get ready to enjoy the fluffiest, most comforting coffee cake you’ve ever had—let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Coffee Cake
This isn’t just any coffee cake—this is a recipe that will make you the hero of breakfast, brunch, or any gathering. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:
Versatile:
Whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, a cozy breakfast, or as a sweet treat for an afternoon pick-me-up, this coffee cake works for any occasion. Imagine serving it to guests and watching their faces light up with delight—they’ll never guess how easy it was to make.
Budget-Friendly:
With a box of cake mix as your base, this coffee cake is incredibly affordable. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to create this showstopper, which means you can enjoy something that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy:
This recipe is a breeze. All you need to do is mix a few ingredients, toss together a quick streusel topping, and bake. It’s perfect for when you want something homemade without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great go-to when you’re in a rush but still want something impressive!
Customizable:
Feel free to get creative with this cake! Want to add a handful of chocolate chips or berries? Go for it! You can switch up the flavor to make this coffee cake your own. It’s all about what you love.
Crowd-Pleasing:
This cake is always a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. The combination of cinnamon, buttery goodness, and that perfect crumbly top is a surefire way to win hearts and stomachs.

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Ingredients in Cake Mix Coffee Cake
The beauty of this coffee cake is that you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to make something fantastic. Let’s take a look at what goes into making this easy and delicious treat:
Cake Mix:
The foundation of this coffee cake is a simple box of cake mix. It’s the perfect shortcut to getting that fluffy, tender texture without all the extra effort.
Cinnamon and Sugar:
A warm, cozy combo of cinnamon and sugar that fills every bite with sweetness and spice. This is the magic that turns your basic cake into a coffee cake sensation.
Butter:
The butter helps make this cake moist and adds that rich flavor that makes every forkful melt in your mouth. Plus, it’s what gives the streusel topping that irresistible crunch.
Eggs and Milk:
The eggs bind everything together while the milk ensures that the cake comes out tender and perfectly moist. These ingredients add to the cake’s smooth texture and lightness.
Streusel Topping:
Here’s where it gets fun. A simple mix of sugar, butter, and a little extra cinnamon creates that dreamy, crumbly streusel topping. It’s the perfect contrast to the soft cake underneath, adding texture and a little sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make this delicious coffee cake step by step:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to [temperature]. This step is key to ensuring the cake bakes evenly and turns out perfect every time.
2. Prepare the Cake Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth—no need to overmix, just enough to make everything come together into a beautiful batter.
3. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until crumbly. This is the topping that’s going to add that irresistible crunch!
4. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into a greased pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Make sure to cover the entire top for that perfect crunchy finish.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for about [time duration], or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your house is about to smell amazing!
6. Let it Cool:
Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This brief cooling time helps the cake set so it slices more easily.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Slice yourself a piece (or two) and enjoy the comforting, cinnamon-infused goodness. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ways you can serve it up:
With Coffee or Tea:
What better way to enjoy this cake than with a hot cup of coffee or tea? The warmth of the beverage complements the cinnamon-spiced cake beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Fruit:
Add some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of freshness and indulgence. The sweet fruit balances out the rich, buttery cake.
As a Sweet Snack:
Serve it up as a sweet snack during the day. It’s perfect for grabbing a slice when you need a little pick-me-up!
With Ice Cream:
For a truly decadent treat, serve a warm slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s a total game-changer!
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the cake batter and streusel topping ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little extra flavor? Try mixing in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of vanilla extract for a personal twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the milk for a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’ll stay soft and delicious, ready for the next time you want a sweet bite.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the cake mix with a homemade cake batter?
A1: Yes, you can! If you prefer to make your own cake batter, just make sure it’s a simple, light cake batter that can support the streusel topping.
Q2: Can I freeze this coffee cake?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can also freeze individual slices.
Q4: Can I add fruit to the cake batter?
A4: Yes, you can! Berries or sliced apples would be fantastic mixed into the batter. Just make sure not to overload it, or it might affect the texture.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the cake?
A5: To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or you can heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking time if necessary. Keep an eye on it to make sure it cooks evenly.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: With a gluten-free cake mix, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients on your cake mix to ensure it’s truly gluten-free.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this coffee cake?
A8: This cake is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a savory breakfast like scrambled eggs.
Q9: How can I make this coffee cake healthier?
A9: You could use a low-fat cake mix, replace some of the butter with applesauce, or add extra fruit to the batter for a little nutritional boost.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A 9×9-inch square pan works great for this recipe, but you can also use a round cake pan if that’s what you have on hand.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new favorite go-to recipe for a coffee cake that’s as easy as it is delicious! With minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert or breakfast that feels like a treat every time you slice into it. Enjoy!
PrintCake Mix Coffee Cake
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. With a soft, moist cake base, cinnamon streusel swirl, and a sweet glaze, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Streusel:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth. -
Make the Cinnamon Streusel:
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans (if using). -
Layer the Cake and Streusel:
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the batter.
Add the remaining cake batter on top and spread it out smoothly.
Sprinkle the rest of the streusel mixture on top. -
Bake and Cool:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. -
Make and Add the Glaze:
In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm coffee cake.
Notes
- Feel free to add more or less cinnamon to the streusel depending on your preference.
- Pecans are optional, but they add a nice crunch. You could also substitute with walnuts or leave them out entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg