There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of coffee cake to pair with your morning cup of coffee. This Easy Coffee Cake with Cake Mix recipe is the perfect treat for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe transforms a basic yellow cake mix into a moist, flavorful coffee cake with a deliciously crumbly streusel topping. If you’re looking for an effortless yet satisfying homemade baked good, this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses a store-bought cake mix, cutting down on measuring and prep time.
- Easy to Make – No fancy baking skills required!
- Customizable – Adjust the flavors, nuts, or even the type of cake mix.
- Perfect Texture – Moist, fluffy cake with a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ⅔ cup cake mix (reserved from the box)
- ¼ cup salted butter (cold, cubed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (omit for a vanilla version)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pecans (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. If you prefer a thicker coffee cake, use a 9×9-inch pan instead.
2. Make the Streusel Topping
In a large bowl, combine ⅔ cup of cake mix, cold cubed butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and pecans. Mix with a fork or pastry cutter until a crumbly texture forms. Place the streusel topping in the refrigerator while preparing the batter.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter
In another bowl, mix the remaining cake mix, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Stir until well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, covering the entire surface.
5. Bake
- 9×13-inch pan: Bake for 27-30 minutes.
- 9×9-inch pan: Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool before slicing. Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 or 9×9-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Fork or pastry cutter
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans or use rolled oats for added texture.
- Cinnamon-Free Option: Omit cinnamon and double the vanilla for a classic vanilla crumb cake.
- Different Cake Mixes: Try using spice cake mix for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted coconut flakes to the streusel topping.
FAQ
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! White, spice, or butter cake mix will all work beautifully.
How do I make it even more moist?
Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a richer texture.
What’s the best way to reheat coffee cake?
Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your homemade coffee cake with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A chai latte for a spicy twist
- Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert
Try This Easy Coffee Cake Recipe Today!
If you love quick, delicious baked goods, this Easy Coffee Cake with Cake Mix is a must-try! Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and subscribe for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes!
