The Fluffiest Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe You’ll Adore

Mornings call for something special, and this quick cake mix coffee cake hits the sweet spot between effortless and delicious.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create such a memorable breakfast treat.

Soft, crumbly layers mingle with a rich cinnamon swirl that promises pure comfort.

Each bite delivers warmth and nostalgia, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment.

The secret weapon?

A standard cake mix that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary morning delight.

Weekend breakfasts just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to brew a fresh pot of coffee and invite someone special to share this irresistible morning indulgence.

What Makes Cake Mix Coffee Cake Special

• Customize Your Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the number of chili seeds, making this sauce perfect for heat-lovers and mild-preference individuals.
• Simple Ingredient Lineup: Requires only a few basic pantry staples like chilies, garlic, vinegar, and oil, ensuring you can create this sauce without complex shopping.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Elevates countless dishes from Asian stir-fries to sandwiches, dips, marinades, and grilled meats with its bold, tangy flavor profile.
• Quick Kitchen Project: Blends and cooks rapidly, transforming raw ingredients into a professional-grade condiment that impresses friends and family with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients For Cake Mix Coffee Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a quick and easy foundation for the coffee cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a rich, tender texture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Chopped Pecans: Create a sweet, nutty, and aromatic crumb topping that adds crunch and flavor to the coffee cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to make a smooth, sweet drizzle that adds a final touch of sweetness and shine to the coffee cake.

Simple Steps For Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Cake Foundation

• Cake mix
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil

Whisk everything together until the batter looks silky and smooth.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Chopped pecans

Mix these ingredients until they’re well combined and crumbly.

Step 4: Build the Cake Layers

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel over this first layer.

Step 5: Add the Final Cake Layer

Carefully pour the remaining cake batter on top.

Spread it gently to cover the first streusel layer. Shower the remaining streusel mixture over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Let the Cake Rest

Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Step 8: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Gently drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm coffee cake.

Helpful Hints For Cake Mix Coffee Cake

• Use yellow, white, or spice cake mix for different flavor profiles that transform the coffee cake's taste.
• Coat chopped nuts in a little flour before adding to the streusel to help them stay suspended in the cake.
• Insert a toothpick at an angle near the center to ensure the cake is fully baked without creating large holes.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside sour cream for extra richness and tender crumb texture.
• Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling to prevent the glaze from completely absorbing into the cake's surface.

Different Takes On Cake Mix Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Coffee Cake: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to ensure celiac-friendly results.
• Vegan Coffee Cake Remix: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute. Select dairy-free cake mix for complete vegan experience.
• Low-Sugar Coffee Cake Alternative: Utilize sugar-free cake mix. Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Nutty Chocolate Variation: Add dark chocolate chips to streusel mixture. Incorporate chopped almonds or walnuts instead of pecans. Sprinkle extra chocolate shavings on top for rich, decadent touch.

Pairing Suggestions For Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Elevate Coffee Cake Pairing: Brew Rich Espresso Shots – Dark, intense espresso cuts through the cake’s sweetness, creating a balanced flavor explosion that highlights the cinnamon and nutty streusel notes.

Complement with Creamy Vanilla Latte – Smooth, velvety latte enhances the cake’s richness, with vanilla undertones matching the sweet glaze and providing a luxurious morning treat.

Serve Alongside Fresh Berries – Tart raspberries or blueberries offer a bright, refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet coffee cake, adding a light, fruity dimension to each bite.

Match with Almond Cream Cheese Spread – Whipped cream cheese mixed with toasted almonds creates a decadent spread that amplifies the cake’s nutty streusel and provides a creamy, indulgent accompaniment.

Tips To Store Cake Mix Coffee Cake Fresh

• Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

FAQs

• Is a cake mix the best option for this coffee cake?

Yes, it provides a convenient base that ensures a moist and consistent texture with minimal effort.

• Can I make this coffee cake without pecans?

Absolutely! The pecans are optional, and you can easily omit them or substitute with another nut like walnuts if desired.

• How do I know when the coffee cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done baking.

• What makes the streusel layer special in this recipe?

The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a rich, sweet, and aromatic layer that adds depth and texture to the coffee cake.

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cake mix coffee cake brings comfort and warmth to your morning routine, blending sweet simplicity with rich flavor profiles. Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this breakfast treat a delightful companion for coffee lovers seeking quick satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create the cake foundation by blending cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil until achieving a uniform, silky texture.
3. Craft the cinnamon streusel by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chopped pecans in a separate mixing vessel.
4. Distribute half the cake batter across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
5. Generously scatter half the streusel mixture over the initial batter layer.
6. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter on top, creating a smooth surface.
7. Liberally sprinkle the remaining streusel across the top layer.
8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest and settle for approximately 20 minutes.
10. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together to create a glossy glaze.
11. Drizzle the smooth glaze over the slightly warm coffee cake, allowing it to cascade across the surface.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor and increased protein content.
• Toast pecans before adding to the streusel to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Try adding spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the streusel for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the traditional coffee cake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg