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
Scale
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