If you’re craving a comforting, delightfully tender treat that’s just bursting with cinnamon spice, the Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is here to steal the show. This is not your average cake mix dessert—combining the ease of a boxed mix with a luscious, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping creates the perfect balance of soft cake and crunchy sweetness. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this coffee cake feels like a warm hug in every bite, making it become an instant favorite for family and friends alike.

Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but absolutely essential to nailing that perfect Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe. Each one plays a specific role—from the richness of sour cream to keep the crumb moist, to the cinnamon in the streusel that brings all those warm flavors together.

Yellow cake mix: Provides the flavorful and fluffy base that’s the heart of this coffee cake.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the cake tender and rich.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a moist texture without weighing down the batter.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a nice structure for the cake.
Vanilla extract: Brings depth and sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel topping and contributes to that irresistible caramel note.
All-purpose flour: Gives body to the streusel to create that perfect crumbly texture.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that transforms the topping with warm, cozy flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the streusel into delightful little clusters.

How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring a 9-inch round or square pan will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure a smooth slice every time. This first step sets the stage for a beautifully baked coffee cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Cake Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until you get an irresistibly smooth batter. Using a hand mixer or whisk will make this a breeze. This blend of ingredients creates that soft and moist body that makes this cake truly special.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Then add softened butter and mix everything with a fork or your fingers until the mixture turns crumbly. This is the signature streusel that provides the crunchy, cinnamon-sweet contrast to the tender cake layers, and this step brings it all together.

Step 4: Layer Batter and Streusel

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Next, generously sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it to cover the streusel, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel on top. This layering ensures that every slice has pockets of that delicious topping woven throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your beautifully layered cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Watch the top closely; if it browns too fast, loosely cover it with foil to keep it golden but prevent burning. The baking process transforms the batter and streusel into a moist, aromatic masterpiece.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool just enough to slice easily—warm or room temperature serving is delightful either way. This final touch ensures the perfect texture and ease of serving for your eagerly waiting guests.

How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze adds a lovely touch of sweetness and elegance. Fresh berries on the side brighten the flavors and add natural color, making every slice feel a little more special.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or tea, which allows those cinnamon and vanilla notes to shine. For a fuller brunch experience, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cube the cake into bite-sized pieces and serve as a coffee cake parfait layered with whipped cream and fruit. You can also add toasted nuts atop the streusel before baking for extra crunch and an eye-catching presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the refrigerator helps maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, and when ready to enjoy, thaw on the counter or overnight in the fridge to keep its moist, tender crumb.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, keeping the cake covered to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional here, vanilla or butter cake mixes will also work well and bring their own lovely nuances to the final flavor.

Is sour cream necessary, or can it be substituted?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness beautifully. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed, but the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your flour for the streusel is gluten-free. This way, you won’t miss out on this delicious Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter for the streusel?

You can use salted butter instead but reduce any added salt in the recipe or skip it altogether to avoid oversalting. The butter’s richness is key for the streusel, so don’t replace it with oil.

How do I prevent my streusel from sinking into the cake batter?

The secret is layering: sprinkle half the streusel halfway through the batter, then add the rest on top of the final batter layer. This layering technique keeps the streusel nicely distributed without sinking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe that makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, this cake delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all wrapped in one delicious package. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’ll become one of those recipes you reach for time and time again. So go ahead, try it out, and watch smiles bloom around your table!