Cake Mix Coffee Cake: A Delicious Shortcut to Homemade Flavor

If you’re craving the cozy warmth of homemade coffee cake but don’t have time to make everything from scratch, you’re in luck. The cake mix coffee cake is the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. With just a few pantry staples and a boxed cake mix, you can create a bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for brunches, dessert spreads, or afternoon coffee breaks.

Learn more about the origins of coffee cakes and their evolution in this coffee cake.

What Is a Cake Mix Coffee Cake?

The term cake mix coffee cake refers to a coffee cake recipe made using a boxed cake mix most often yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix combined with a few additional ingredients to mimic the texture and flavor of a scratch-made treat.

Coffee cake, contrary to its name, doesn’t contain coffee. It earned the title because it’s commonly enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee. It typically features:

• A tender cake base
• A cinnamon-sugar swirl or layered filling
• A crumbly, buttery streusel topping

The cake mix version simplifies the entire process without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Why Use Cake Mix?

Using a boxed cake mix gives you the ultimate shortcut. It removes the need to measure flour, sugar, baking powder, or salt—letting you focus on customizing the flavor and texture.

Advantages of using cake mix:

• Time-saving and convenient
• Consistent results
• Easy to customize with add-ins like sour cream, yogurt, or fruit
• Great for beginner or occasional bakers

When paired with ingredients like sour cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon, boxed mix creates an incredibly moist, rich cake that feels anything but generic.

Essential Ingredients for Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to make your cake mix coffee cake a success:

For the cake base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup oil (vegetable or melted butter)

For the cinnamon swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional for texture)

For the streusel topping:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup butter (cold and cubed)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

You can swap sour cream with yogurt, add a splash of vanilla, or toss in chopped apples or berries depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Preheat oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the base

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cake mix
• Sour cream (or yogurt)
• Eggs
• Oil

Mix until the batter is smooth.

3. Make the swirl

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside.

4. Layer the batter and swirl

• Pour half the cake batter into the pan.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar swirl evenly over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter on top and gently spread it.

5. Add the streusel topping

In another bowl:

• Combine flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
• Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in nuts, if using.

Sprinkle this over the top layer of batter.

6. Bake

Bake for 35–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for a Perfect Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Getting the right flavor and texture depends on how you treat your ingredients. Here are pro tips to ensure your coffee cake is top-tier:

• Use room-temperature eggs and sour cream to help the batter mix evenly.
• Don’t overmix once the wet and dry ingredients are combined—keep it gentle.
• Replace water with milk or buttermilk for a richer, bakery-style texture.
• Add a splash of vanilla for a homemade flavor boost.
• Chill the streusel before baking—it helps keep the crumble distinct.

Popular Variations

The beauty of a cake mix coffee cake is how easy it is to change up the flavors. Try these creative twists:

Apple Cinnamon

• Fold in 1 cup diced apples into the batter.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top.

Berry Burst

• Add blueberries or raspberries.
• Top with lemon glaze.

Mocha Infused

• Mix 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder into the batter.
• Drizzle with chocolate glaze post-bake.

Bundt Style

• Bake in a Bundt pan for an elegant presentation.
• Grease the pan thoroughly and add an extra 5–10 minutes to baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Cake mix coffee cake is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some simple and elevated ways to enjoy it:

• With a hot cup of coffee or espresso
• Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar
• Drizzled with a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk
• With fresh fruit on the side

For brunch parties, consider slicing into small squares and serving on a platter with fruit and whipped cream.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Make the most of your coffee cake with proper storage:

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate:

• Lasts up to 5–6 days when refrigerated.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Freeze:

• Cool the cake completely.
• Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

FAQs About Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Conclusion

Cinnamon-laced, buttery, and impossibly easy, this Cake Mix Coffee Cake proves you don’t need to start from scratch to create something spectacular. With just a few smart additions to a boxed cake mix and a generous layer of crumbly streusel, you’ll have a warm, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion—from laid-back mornings to festive brunch spreads.

Easy Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Streusel

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is buttery, fluffy, and filled with swirls of cinnamon sugar and a crisp crumble topping. It’s the easiest way to make bakery-style coffee cake using a box of yellow cake mix. Whether for brunch gatherings or lazy mornings, it’s a go-to crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

3. Make the Cinnamon Filling

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside.

4. Layer the Batter & Filling

• Pour half the cake batter into the pan.
• Sprinkle all the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter.
• Spread the remaining batter on top (a spatula helps smooth it out).

5. Make the Crumb Topping

• In a bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add melted butter and mix until large crumbs form.
• Sprinkle evenly over the cake.

6. Bake

• Bake for 38–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool & Glaze

• Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes.
• Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top before serving, if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 340kcal
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg