If you’ve been searching for a quick yet irresistibly delicious treat to brighten your mornings or satisfy that afternoon craving, this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the ease of a boxed cake mix with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon streusel, this cake offers a moist, tender crumb with a crunchy, sweet topping that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a breeze to whip up but tastes like you’ve been baking from scratch all day long—perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for a cozy slice of happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in harmony here, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe. From the tang of sour cream to the rich butter in the streusel, every element counts.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a buttery vanilla base.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a tender crumb texture that keeps the cake soft.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Enhances moistness without weighing down the cake.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor with a warm, classic aroma.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Sweetens and caramelizes in the streusel, adding depth.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Gives the streusel its crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that signature spicy-sweet note to the topping.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Binds the streusel and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure your coffee cake releases easily once baked. This step is simple but critical for a perfect presentation.
Step 2: Make 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 a whisk to beat the ingredients together until smooth and fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. This batter is the base that keeps your coffee cake irresistibly moist and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
While the batter rests, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Add the softened butter, then use a fork or your fingertips to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly. This streusel topping will add the perfect crunchy, sweet-spiced texture to your cake.
Step 4: Layer the Cake and Streusel
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the batter for a burst of flavor within. Then add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out, finishing with the rest of the streusel sprinkled generously over the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake the Coffee Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your coffee cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing. This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is delightful when served warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to shine through perfectly.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a little extra sweetness to your coffee cake slices. For a more indulgent twist, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also brighten up each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a big mug of freshly brewed coffee, tea, or your favorite latte. For a wholesome brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and create a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the coffee cake into small squares or triangles and arrange on a decorative platter with sprigs of mint or edible flowers. You can also layer slices in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning dessert twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and freshness. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is a good option, but bring it to room temperature before enjoying to recapture its soft texture.
Freezing
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick, ready-to-eat treat.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes that just-baked feeling and brings the cinnamon aroma back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix creates a classic base, vanilla or butter flavor also works well. Just avoid mixes with added fillings or frostings to maintain the perfect balance with the cinnamon streusel topping.
Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?
Sour cream is key for a moist, tender cake and adds a pleasant slight tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a good substitute in equal amounts.
Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the streusel topping a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and before using, give it a quick mix with your fingers to break up any clumps.
What if my coffee cake isn’t cooking evenly?
If the edges bake faster than the center, try using an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature. Cover the cake loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning on top.
How do I make the coffee cake more festive for holidays?
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch. Drizzle cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for a richer flavor that’s perfect for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe truly brings together simplicity and delight in one easy-to-make dessert. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying quietly with a cup of your favorite brew. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own new favorite—once you do, there’s no turning back!
Print
Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Cake Mix Coffee Cake combines a moist yellow cake base with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it features a simple mix-and-layer method followed by baking to golden perfection.
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 prepare for 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 by hand until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, approximately 2 minutes.
- 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, then use a fork or your fingers to blend everything together until crumbly and evenly mixed.
- Layer the Cake and Streusel: Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter layer for a sweet and crunchy texture.
- Add Remaining Layers: Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the streusel layer, smoothing it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the top to create a double layer of crumbly cinnamon sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the cake top browns too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter mixing.
- Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Ensure the butter for streusel is softened to easily blend with dry ingredients.
- Cover with foil mid-bake if top browns too quickly to avoid burning.
- This coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days.
- Slice carefully with a serrated knife for clean pieces.
