If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the ease of a box cake mix with the classic comfort of a cinnamon streusel topping, creating layers of buttery, sweet, and spicy goodness that melt in your mouth. Perfect for an early morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee, this coffee cake is foolproof, fuss-free, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for cozy gatherings and everyday indulgences alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe plays a vital role in bringing balance, flavor, and texture to the final masterpiece. From the cake mix providing the perfect base to the cinnamon streusel topping adding that iconic crunch and spice, here’s what you’ll need to gather before baking.
- Yellow cake mix: The trusty foundation offering sweet, tender crumb and perfect rise without any hassle.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the cake super tender and rich.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft without overpowering the flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, providing a warm, inviting aroma.
- Brown sugar: Key for the streusel topping, it brings deep caramel notes and lovely sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the streusel, ensuring a crumbly and satisfying texture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice in the streusel, giving that unmistakable cozy warmth.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Binds the streusel ingredients, making it rich and buttery without being greasy.
How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s fully heated and ready for your cake. Next, grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking and help the cake release easily when it’s done.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform. This usually takes about 2 minutes. This step creates a luscious batter that bakes into a tender and moist coffee cake base.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to combine until you have a crumbly texture. This streusel is what gives your coffee cake that addictive crunch and cinnamon-spiced sweetness.
Step 4: Layer the Cake Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a smooth layer. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the batter. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of tender cake and crumbly topping.
Step 5: Add Remaining Batter and Top with Streusel
Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer and smooth it out. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the streusel mixture on top. This double layer of streusel will bake into a beautifully textured, cinnamon-spiced topping that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Done
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent over-browning. This careful baking step guarantees a golden crust with a tender inside.
Step 7: Cool and Get Ready to Enjoy
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool a bit more. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly so it slices cleanly. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat anytime.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate the appearance and flavor of your coffee cake. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans can add a pop of color and extra texture, making it perfect for sharing at a brunch or gathering.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, naturally. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness. If you’re serving it for breakfast, a side of scrambled eggs offers a savory counterpoint that guests will appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your coffee cake into individual squares and serving in cupcake liners for a fun, portable treat. Or assemble a layered trifle using crumbled coffee cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries for an impressive dessert twist. This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is versatile enough to inspire your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover coffee cake keeps well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature or gently warm before serving to retain that wonderful softness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the fridge and warm them gently in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil. This will revive the cake’s tender crumb and bring back the comforting warmth that makes this coffee cake so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe, you can experiment with white or spice cake mixes for a twist. Just keep in mind that different mixes may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the streusel. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to ensure the best results.
What if I don’t have sour cream—can I substitute it?
Sure! You can replace sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. These substitutes will maintain the moistness and slight tang that sour cream brings to the cake.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this coffee cake dairy-free, use a dairy-free cake mix, replace sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt, and swap butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil in the streusel. The cake will still be delicious and moist.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking to the bottom?
Layer the batter and streusel just as described—pour half the batter, sprinkle half the streusel, add remaining batter, then top with streusel. This layering technique keeps the streusel nicely suspended throughout and on top, giving that perfect crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a coffee cake that tastes homemade but comes together effortlessly, and this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet weekend treat, this cake is bound to bring smiles and happy sighs all around. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your beloved staples in the kitchen!
Print
Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a deliciously easy-to-make dessert that combines the convenience of cake mix with a rich, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this coffee cake offers a moist yellow cake base layered with a buttery and cinnamon-spiced streusel. Ready in just over an hour, it’s an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the softened unsalted butter and blend everything with a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse.
- Layer the Cake and Streusel: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and level it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Add Remaining Batter and Streusel: Spread the remaining cake batter on top of the first streusel layer, smoothing it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice into 12 servings and serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Notes
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to ensure the cake batter is smooth without overmixing.
- Softening the butter for the streusel helps achieve the crumbly texture needed for topping.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix and flour accordingly.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container keeps the coffee cake fresh for up to 3 days.
- For added texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the streusel mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
