Name: Cake Mix Coffee Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483597H48M48S
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

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If you’ve ever craved the comforting, warm goodness of a coffee cake but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, I’ve got a treat for you! Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a life-saver. This delightful cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with a sweet cinnamon swirl that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. The best part? It’s made with a cake mix to keep things simple while still delivering a homemade taste that’ll wow your family and friends. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or just a sweet treat, this coffee cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me—you’ll want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Here’s why Cake Mix Coffee Cake is about to become your new favorite recipe:

Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be an expert baker to make this cake. It’s made with a cake mix, so you can have it in the oven in just minutes!

Irresistible Flavor: The cinnamon swirl throughout the cake is a showstopper. Pair it with your morning coffee or serve it as an afternoon snack—it’s perfect either way.

Soft & Moist: Using a cake mix ensures a soft, tender crumb every time. Plus, the buttery topping adds a little extra richness!

Budget-Friendly: This coffee cake uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe to make it your own—add some nuts, throw in a handful of fruit, or even drizzle a glaze over the top.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cake Mix Coffee Cake:

Cake Mix: Any yellow cake mix works perfectly for this recipe. It’s your shortcut to a soft and moist cake.

Sour Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Eggs: To bind everything together and make the cake nice and fluffy.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender.

Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake and gives the topping a caramelized flavor.
Cinnamon: A must for that warm, cozy, cinnamon flavor running through the cake.
Butter: The perfect addition to the topping, making it crumbly and buttery.

Vanilla Extract: For a sweet and fragrant depth of flavor.
Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch to the topping, but you can skip this if you prefer a nut-free version.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you’ll make this easy and delicious Cake Mix Coffee Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the cake bakes evenly.

2. Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Add a splash of vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and flavor. Mix everything together until smooth—this should take about 2 minutes. The batter will be thick and creamy.

3. Make the Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. If you’re using nuts, chop them and add them to the mixture for that delightful crunch. Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Pour half of the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon topping over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and spread it out. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon topping over the top of the batter, making sure to cover it evenly.

5. Bake:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly puffed.

6. Cool & Serve:

Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it up. Serve warm, with a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%
Potassium: 100mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Cake Mix Coffee Cake is perfect for any time of day! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

For Breakfast or Brunch: It’s the perfect addition to a weekend brunch spread or a quick breakfast before running out the door.
Afternoon Snack: Pair it with your afternoon tea or coffee for a satisfying pick-me-up.

Dessert: Serve it as a sweet ending to dinner. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little glaze over the top!
With Ice Cream: Why not serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? You won’t regret it!

Additional Tips

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Make it Gluten-Free: You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
Add Fruit: Feel free to add fresh or frozen berries to the batter for a fruity twist. Just fold them in gently before adding to the pan.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this coffee cake without sour cream?
A1: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and tangy flavor.

Q2: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A2: Definitely! A spice cake or even a vanilla cake mix would work well in this recipe. It will change the flavor profile, but it’ll still be delicious!

Q3: Can I make this coffee cake in advance?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the coffee cake a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it’ll be just as tasty when you serve it.

Q4: Can I freeze Cake Mix Coffee Cake?
A4: Yes! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature.

Q5: Can I make this recipe with a gluten-free cake mix?
A5: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this coffee cake gluten-free. The flavor and texture will still be amazing.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the batter?
A7: Yes! You can fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch. Just make sure to chop them up to avoid large chunks.

Q8: How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
A8: The coffee cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The cake should also be golden brown on top.

Q9: Can I make a glaze for the coffee cake?
A9: Yes! You can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for added sweetness and a shiny finish.

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
A10: Yes! You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan or a larger baking dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to bring comfort and joy to your day. And with the simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!