If you’re on the hunt for a dreamy, comforting treat that comes together in no time, this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is going to be your new go-to. With a perfectly moist cake base infused with vanilla and a rich sour cream tang, plus a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that crisps up beautifully, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon coffee break, this cake hits the spot with effortless charm and incredible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful coffee cake. Each one plays a key role in balancing taste, texture, and that irresistible golden color.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake provides that classic, tender crumb and delightful sweetness.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake beautifully soft and tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out as it bakes.
- Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while adding structure and fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel with a hint of molasses complexity and helps it crisp up.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the streusel topping to hold its shape.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the streusel with a comforting, spicy warmth.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends into the streusel, giving it a rich and crumbly texture.
How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent any sticking and help your coffee cake come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat everything together until you have a smooth, creamy batter with no lumps — it usually takes about two minutes. This batter is the base of our moist and flavorful coffee cake.
Step 3: Create the Signature Streusel Topping
In a smaller bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Then add the softened unsalted butter and use a fork or your fingers to blend everything together until crumbly. This streusel topping is what takes this coffee cake from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture all over the batter, creating that delicious crunchy layer. Then pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it gently to cover the streusel, and finish with the rest of the streusel topping.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your coffee cake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and if the top starts browning too quickly, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when the cake is done—this means you’re ready for the best part: enjoying it!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it onto a wire rack to cool just a little more. You can serve it warm or at room temperature — either way, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze really elevates this coffee cake, highlighting the crunchy streusel topping while adding extra sweetness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also brighten each slice beautifully.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweet and spiced flavors in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting this cake into small squares and serving it with mini skewers for a fun party treat, or layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert twist. Its wonderful texture and flavor make it a versatile star in any presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it soft and fresh. For longer storage, the fridge is a good option but may slightly firm the cake.
Freezing
Wrap the whole coffee cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This will bring back that just-baked softness and make the streusel topping crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe?
Absolutely! While a yellow cake mix is classic and provides the perfect base, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for varied flavors. Just keep in mind how the flavors work with the cinnamon streusel.
Is this recipe good for gluten-free diets?
The standard recipe calls for a regular cake mix and all-purpose flour, but you can substitute both with gluten-free versions. Make sure your cake mix is labeled gluten-free and use a gluten-free flour blend for the streusel.
Can I make this coffee cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the streusel. Just be mindful that texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in the same quantity. These maintain moisture and add tanginess, preserving the cake’s tender crumb.
How long will the Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe keep fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain quality.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe that makes it so easy to love. It’s tender, flavorful, and topped with the most delightful crumbly layer that makes each bite crave-worthy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly find it filling a special spot in your recipe rotation and your heart.
Print
Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a quick and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with a yellow cake mix base combined with sour cream for moistness, it features a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping that adds a perfect sweet and spicy crunch. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s an ideal recipe for satisfying your coffee cake cravings without the fuss.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 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
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk until it is smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the softened unsalted butter and use a fork or your fingers to blend everything together until crumbly and coarse.
- Layer the Cake and Streusel: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter to create a layer.
- Add Remaining Cake Batter and Streusel: Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the streusel layer and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the rest of the streusel topping over the batter to cover it uniformly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use sour cream to keep the cake moist and tender.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, reduce salt in other ingredients slightly.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different aroma.
- Covering the cake halfway through baking prevents the streusel topping from burning while ensuring the cake cooks through.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
