Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Coffee Cake
When you crave a warm, comforting dessert that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, this Cake Mix Coffee Cake is the answer. Made with a yellow cake mix, sour cream, and a cinnamon streusel topping, this cake combines the best of both worlds – a tender, fluffy cake base with a sweet, crunchy streusel topping. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, this coffee cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. And because it’s made with a cake mix, the preparation is incredibly easy, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you want something homemade but without all the hassle.
The cinnamon streusel and rich glaze give this coffee cake a decadent finish, while the cake itself stays moist and flavorful. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the addition of optional chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch.
Let’s get into why you’ll love making and enjoying this Cake Mix Coffee Cake:
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be on your table in no time.
- Delicious texture: The cake is soft and tender, while the cinnamon streusel adds a satisfying crunch.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a cozy coffee date, or looking for a treat to share with friends and family, this coffee cake fits the bill.
- Customizable: With a few ingredient swaps and variations, you can tailor this recipe to your personal taste.
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious Cake Mix Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (typically 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Streusel:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients are easily available in most grocery stores, and you likely already have some of them in your kitchen, making this recipe even more convenient.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your very own Cake Mix Coffee Cake:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter, and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and well-combined. The batter will be thick.
- Make the cinnamon streusel: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans (if using). Stir until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the cake: Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture on top of the batter. Add the remaining cake batter on top of the streusel and smooth it out. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon streusel mixture over the top of the cake.
- Bake the coffee cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined. Set the glaze aside.
- Cool and glaze the cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan. Drizzle the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the glaze has set, slice the coffee cake into squares and serve.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a denser texture. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother batter and ensure a uniform texture.
- Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check the cake at the 35-minute mark with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
- Add a pinch of salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the cake batter enhances the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Let it cool before glazing: While it’s tempting to add the glaze right after baking, letting the cake cool for a few minutes will help prevent the glaze from melting too quickly and running off the cake.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this cake mix coffee cake is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add fruit: For a fruity twist, add fresh or frozen fruit to the cake batter, such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples. Just be sure to lightly dust the fruit with flour before adding it to the batter to prevent it from sinking to the bottom.
- Swapping nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using walnuts or almonds instead. You can even toast the nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cream cheese filling: For a richer cake, swirl in a layer of cream cheese filling in between the layers of batter and streusel. Simply combine cream cheese, sugar, and an egg, then swirl it into the batter before baking.
- Pumpkin version: During the fall season, swap the yellow cake mix for a spiced cake mix or add a cup of canned pumpkin to the batter for a pumpkin coffee cake. You can also add some pumpkin spice to the streusel for an extra kick.
- Chocolate chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a touch of chocolatey goodness. Milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips would all work well in this cake.
Storing and Reheating
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake can be stored and enjoyed for a few days after baking. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storing: Once the cake has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will ensure the cake stays moist and the streusel remains crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate, spice, or vanilla. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, but it can still be delicious! - Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before covering it and storing it in an airtight container. Add the glaze just before serving. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this coffee cake. After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up before serving. - Is there a substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. This will alter the flavor slightly, but the cake will still turn out moist and delicious. - Can I skip the glaze?
While the glaze adds a nice finishing touch, you can skip it if you prefer. The cake will still taste wonderful without it.
The Final Word
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a simple yet delicious treat that can be made in a flash. With its moist, flavorful cake and crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is perfect for any occasion. With the flexibility to adjust the recipe to suit your tastes, it’s a versatile and satisfying choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful homemade treat that’s sure to impress!