If you’ve ever wished for a fuss-free, show-stopping treat to pair with your morning coffee or impress guests at brunch, this Mix Coffee Cake will become your new kitchen soulmate. With a beautifully tender crumb, gooey cinnamon streusel swirls, and that irresistible, homey aroma, this cake is pure comfort baked in a pan. Bonus: it comes together in a snap thanks to a handy cake mix shortcut, making it perfect for both spontaneous cravings and planned celebrations. I’m truly excited to walk you through every delicious step—let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mix Coffee Cake celebrates simple pantry-friendly ingredients coming together to create magic. Each component plays a special role, so don’t skip a thing—they’re all here to guarantee maximum flavor, texture, and that classic golden color that just begs to be sliced into. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and an irresistible softness with minimal effort.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds unbeatable moisture and tang that takes the flavor from basic to bakery-quality.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and lending a rich, fluffy texture.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps every bite tender and ensures the cake stays fresh longer.
- 1/4 cup water: Just enough to loosen the batter for easy mixing and even baking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic depth that complements every crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar: The foundation of that signature streusel swirl, bringing sweetness and a hint of molasses richness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Fills your kitchen with cozy fragrance and creates the heart of the coffee cake flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For crunch and a lovely nutty contrast—highly recommended if you’re a fan!
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps anchor the streusel topping so it stays soft but not soggy.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Ensures the streusel bakes up golden and beautifully crumbly.
How to Make Mix Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First, set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures every slice of Mix Coffee Cake comes out clean, leaving you with perfect edges and no sticky surprises.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a spacious mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. You want a luxuriously smooth, creamy batter—so mix until everything is just combined and lump-free. This is when the transformation from pantry staples to bakery star really happens!
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
Grab a second bowl and combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped nuts if you’re using them, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix until everything looks lusciously crumbly, with every little bit coated in buttery, cinnamon-kissed goodness. This streusel is the hallmark of every irresistible Mix Coffee Cake.
Step 4: Layer the Cake
Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Generously sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top, ensuring even coverage. Add the rest of the batter, spreading it gently over the layer beneath. Finish with the remaining streusel—this two-layer method ensures cinnamon sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your pan to the center rack and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to dive right in—let it cool for at least 15 minutes so the layers set and the flavors meld.
How to Serve Mix Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Dust your Mix Coffee Cake with powdered sugar for a classic finish, or drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the top once cooled. For a bit of sparkle, add a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a light snowfall of cinnamon, highlighting its home-baked charm.
Side Dishes
A slice of Mix Coffee Cake is pure comfort with a hot mug of coffee or tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, fresh berries, a bright fruit salad, or even creamy Greek yogurt on the side make for a beautifully balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Mix Coffee Cake warm and sliced generous enough for sharing. Try cutting it into squares before topping each with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For special occasions, stack slices in a circular pattern, dust between layers with cinnamon sugar, and garnish with whole pecans for bakery-worthy wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Mix Coffee Cake moist by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, pop it in the fridge to preserve freshness and texture.
Freezing
Want to savor a slice later? This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw on the counter or gently in the fridge before serving for best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked softness, heat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven until heated through. The brown sugar and cinnamon aroma will leap right back to life, making your kitchen smell amazing once again.
FAQs
Can I make Mix Coffee Cake without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts add texture and flavor, but the cake is just as delicious without them. Simply leave them out of the streusel for a nut-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
Is there a way to make this cake a little healthier?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for extra protein and a little less fat, or use a lighter cake mix. Experiment with whole wheat flour in the streusel for a slight nutty boost—it all works!
Can I use a different type Dessert
Yellow cake mix delivers that classic flavor, but white or French vanilla cake mix make delightful substitutes. The texture remains tender and the cinnamon swirl is always the star.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The Mix Coffee Cake is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep it nice and moist!
What’s the best way to add a glaze?
For a quick glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk until it’s pourable and smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake in zigzag patterns and let it set before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to pull this Mix Coffee Cake from your oven and serve up some serious smiles. The easy prep, warm spice, and classic crumb make it a treat that’s welcome at any table, anytime. Trust me—give it a try and watch it become your new favorite too!
Print
Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful mix coffee cake that combines the convenience of a cake mix with a homemade touch. This easy and flavorful breakfast treat features a moist yellow cake base with a cinnamon streusel topping for added texture and sweetness. Perfect for any morning or special occasion!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cake Batter: Combine yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, flour, and melted butter.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the batter in the dish, sprinkle half of the streusel, add remaining batter, top with the rest of streusel, and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *