If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dessert that tastes like you spent hours baking from scratch, this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is your new best friend. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a moist, tender cake layered with a perfectly spiced cinnamon streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness in every bite. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, and it promises to become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.

Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. The combination is simple but essential, making it easy for anyone to whip up this crowd-pleaser with confidence.

Yellow cake mix: The base of the cake providing a light, buttery crumb and excellent structure.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness, giving the cake a rich, luscious texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft without weighing it down.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise for a fluffy finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
Brown sugar: Brings a deep sweetness to the streusel, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the streusel, ensuring it bakes into a delightful crumbly topping.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic spiced warmth essential for a cozy coffee cake.
Unsalted butter: Softened to bind the streusel ingredients, it imparts richness and helps create the crisp topping.

How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly even bake from the moment your cake goes in. Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until it’s smooth and completely incorporated. This batter will be thick yet creamy, promising a moist and tender crumb once baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

In a smaller bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to work it in. The texture you want is crumbly with small clumps, which will bake into a crunchy and flavorful topping.

Step 4: Layer Batter and Streusel

Pour half of the prepared cake batter into your greased pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the batter. Then gently add the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it carefully to keep the streusel layer intact below. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel topping evenly over the surface for maximum cinnamon crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake starting around 30 minutes; if the top begins to darken too much, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack. This rest helps the cake firm up slightly so you can cut clean slices. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat paired perfectly with your morning coffee.

How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

While the Cinnamon Streusel topping is the star, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can take your coffee cake to the next level visually and flavor-wise. For an extra touch, a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon notes for added decadence.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a simple cup of coffee or tea, but you can also make it part of a bigger brunch by serving it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a side of scrambled eggs. The cake’s sweetness balances savory dishes beautifully, making it versatile beyond just dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into smaller squares and serving it on a pretty platter at gatherings, or layer crumbled pieces into parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for a fun twist. This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe can be dressed up beautifully for any occasion with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover the coffee cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, making it a convenient make-ahead treat.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cake for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap pieces individually or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen coffee cake lasts up to 3 months and thaws perfectly overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive the fresh-baked texture and aroma. A warm slice with melting butter is absolute comfort food at its finest.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, but the classic yellow cake mix is recommended because it provides the perfect neutral base for the cinnamon streusel. Chocolate or other flavored mixes may change the taste and texture balance.

Is sour cream necessary, or can I substitute it?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, but you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed. Just expect a slight difference in texture or tanginess.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour in the streusel with a gluten-free flour blend, this recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cake?

Layering half the batter first, then streusel, then the remaining batter helps keep the streusel distributed in layers rather than sinking completely. Avoid over-mixing once you add the streusel.

Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?

Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or two pans and increase baking time slightly. Keeping an eye on the cake as it bakes ensures it doesn’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

This Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is one of those kitchen gems that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit whether for weekday breakfasts or special occasions. I absolutely encourage you to try it out—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.