Coffee Cake Recipe Using Cake Mix

I’m all about recipes that make life easier without skimping on flavor, and this coffee cake recipe using cake mix is a total winner in my book. Growing up, coffee cake was a weekend staple at our house—my mom would whip one up, and the smell of cinnamon and sugar would pull everyone to the kitchen. 

I’ve tweaked her classic to use a yellow cake mix for convenience, but it still delivers that warm, nostalgic vibe. This recipe is perfect for cozy mornings, brunches with friends, or just satisfying a sweet craving. 

It’s quick, foolproof, and gives you a tender, moist cake with a buttery streusel topping that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive in and make this crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This coffee cake is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in a snap, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. 

The yellow cake mix base keeps things simple, while the cinnamon-sugar streusel and optional glaze add a homemade touch that feels special. 

It’s versatile enough to pair with your morning coffee or serve as a dessert, and the recipe is forgiving for beginner bakers. Plus, the warm, cozy flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

  • Quick and Easy: Uses a cake mix to save time without sacrificing taste.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or family breakfasts.
  • Customizable: Add nuts, fruit, or a glaze to make it your own.
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.

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Ingredients

You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to whip up this coffee cake. Here’s what to gather:

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

This recipe doesn’t require fancy tools, just some basic kitchen gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this down into clear, beginner-friendly steps so you can nail this coffee cake every time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. 

Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. 

If you want easy cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup water (240 ml), 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml), and 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml). 

Use a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed to blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. 

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything’s mixed evenly. 

The batter should be thick but pourable.

3. Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g), 3/4 cup brown sugar (165 g), 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g), 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (6 g), and 1/2 cup melted butter (113 g). 

Use a fork to combine until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. 

If using chopped pecans, stir them in now. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour half the cake batter into the greased 9x13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. 

Sprinkle half the streusel mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the streusel, spreading it gently to cover. 

Finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel on top. The layers create a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite.

5. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 

The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp. Check at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary. 

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

6. Cool and Add Optional Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 15-20 minutes. 

For the glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g), 2 tbsp milk (30 ml), and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml) in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake for extra sweetness. 

Let the glaze set for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Tips for Success

To make sure your coffee cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

  • Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the cake dense.
  • Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
  • Press the streusel lightly into the batter to help it stick.
  • Check the cake’s doneness early to avoid a dry texture.
  • If adding nuts, toast the chopped pecans lightly for extra flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This coffee cake is a versatile treat that shines at any time of day. Its warm cinnamon flavor and tender crumb make it a fantastic addition to breakfast spreads, brunches, or afternoon tea. 

Serve it warm for maximum coziness, and pair it with your favorite beverages or sides to elevate the experience.

  • Slice into squares and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like treat.
  • Pair with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a balanced plate.
  • Serve alongside yogurt for a light breakfast option.

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Variations to Try

  • Fruit-Filled Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or diced apples between the batter layers.
  • Nut-Free Streusel: Skip the chopped pecans and add 1/4 cup rolled oats for texture.
  • Spiced Up: Mix in 1/2 tsp nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for warmth.
  • Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the streusel for a decadent touch.

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Storage and Reheating

Store your coffee cake properly to keep it fresh and delicious. Here’s how:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

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Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 12 servings, without glaze):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This coffee cake isn’t just about indulgence; some ingredients bring a little nutrition to the table. While it’s still a treat, the eggs, butter, and optional chopped pecans offer some health perks when enjoyed in moderation.

  • Eggs: Packed with protein and essential nutrients like choline for brain health.
  • Butter: Provides healthy fats and vitamin A for immune support.
  • Ground Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Chopped Pecans: Rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can swap the yellow cake mix for a white or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Just follow the package instructions for the batter and adjust the water or oil if needed.

2. Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and swap the all-purpose flour in the streusel for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?

To keep the streusel from sinking, make sure the batter is thick and spread it evenly in the pan. Lightly press the first streusel layer into the batter to anchor it before adding the second layer of batter.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the coffee cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

Definitely! The cake is plenty sweet with the streusel topping. If you want a lighter option, skip the glaze or dust with a little powdered sugar instead.

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Final Thoughts

This coffee cake recipe using a yellow cake mix is my go-to when I want something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please. It’s got that perfect balance of fluffy cake and crunchy streusel, with a cinnamon kick that makes every bite feel like a hug. 

Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a brunch with friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers. I love how easy it is to customize—toss in some blueberries or skip the nuts to suit your taste. 

Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

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