If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in cake form, look no further than this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe. It’s cleverly simple yet incredibly satisfying—a perfect balance of moist, tender cake layered with a buttery cinnamon streusel that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or alongside your favorite cup of coffee, this cake offers both comfort and flavor without hours of fuss in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s about to become your go-to recipe when you want a homemade dessert that tastes like it took way more effort than just a few straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be humble, but each one plays a starring role. From the richness of sour cream to the sweet warmth of cinnamon in the streusel, they come together perfectly to create that soft, flavorful crumb you’ll adore.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base of your cake, providing structure and sweetness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and tanginess for a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake soft and moist without heaviness.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Sweetens and adds depth to the cinnamon streusel topping.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps create that crumbly streusel texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides the signature warm spice in the streusel.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Binds the streusel together with rich flavor and buttery goodness.
How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure the cake won’t stick and bakes evenly. Properly prepping your pan is the first step toward that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until smooth and fully incorporated – about two minutes of mixing gives you a silky batter that bakes up beautifully moist.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Next, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add the softened butter, then use a fork or your fingers to blend it all together until the mixture looks crumbly. This streusel will add that irresistible crunchy, cinnamon-scented layer that makes this coffee cake so memorable.
Step 4: Layer Batter and Streusel in the Pan
Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out gently. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel evenly over the batter’s surface. This layering creates the perfect balance of cake and streusel in every bite.
Step 5: Add Remaining Batter and Topping
Spread the rest of the batter on top of the streusel layer, smoothing it carefully. Then sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture over the top. You’ll see your cake is turning into a beautiful layered masterpiece ready for the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If the topping starts browning too fast, tent a piece of foil over the pan halfway through baking to protect the streusel.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. This is the perfect moment to breathe in the warm cinnamon aroma before slicing and serving either warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also bring vibrant color and creaminess to complement the cinnamon streusel flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming mug of coffee or tea, making it a classic breakfast or afternoon treat. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness with a bit of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe at a gathering, consider cutting it into small squares for easy finger snacks. Layering pieces on a decorative plate with cinnamon sticks and star anise creates a charming presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover coffee cake at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist while preserving the crispy streusel topping.
Freezing
To keep your coffee cake fresh longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep great for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (about 300°F) to bring back the soft texture and revive that wonderful cinnamon aroma without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is recommended for its classic flavor, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes to add interesting depth to this coffee cake. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version and make sure your flour for the streusel is gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
How can I make the streusel topping extra crunchy?
For a crunchier topping, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the streusel mixture. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them will enhance the flavor even more.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Be mindful the baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes.
What’s the best way to serve leftover coffee cake?
Leftovers are delicious served warm, so a quick reheat is ideal. Pair with a fresh cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a decadent dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is such a gem for anyone who loves simple baking with big, comforting flavors. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep handy for regular cozy moments or when you want to wow friends with little effort but lots of deliciousness. Go ahead—bake up a batch and watch how quickly it disappears!
Print
Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Cake Mix Coffee Cake combines the convenience of a boxed cake mix with rich, homemade streusel topping for a tender, moist cake perfect for breakfast or dessert. The yellow cake mix is enhanced with sour cream and vanilla, while the cinnamon-brown sugar streusel adds a delightful crumbly texture and flavor contrast. Easy to prepare and bake, this coffee cake is perfect for serving alongside your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon treat.
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 the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the softened unsalted butter, then use a fork or your fingers to blend everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Layer the Cake and Streusel: Pour half of the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter to create a flavorful layer.
- Add Remaining Batter and Streusel: Spread the remaining cake batter evenly over the streusel layer. Then sprinkle the rest of the streusel topping on top to finish layering for extra texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the pan into 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 begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil midway through the baking process.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a 9-inch round or square baking pan for best results.
- Allow the butter used in the streusel to soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- If the cake browns too fast during baking, cover lightly with foil to avoid burning.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a nutty variation, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
- Serve with coffee or tea for a classic pairing.
