If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s as cozy and inviting as your favorite coffee shop, look no further than this Mix Coffee Cake. With swirls of cinnamon, a tender crumb, and a buttery streusel topping, this cake is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a leisurely brunch, a family breakfast, or a late-night dessert, this Mix Coffee Cake is sure to become a must-bake classic in your kitchen. Its ease and irresistible flavor make it perfect for both special occasions and everyday cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients: everything you need for this Mix Coffee Cake is easy to find, but each one plays a starring role in taste, texture, and that signature swirl. Don’t skip a thing—each element brings its own magic to the table!
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The secret shortcut for a perfectly fluffy and moist base every single time.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and richness, making the cake extra tender and flavorful.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the crumb light and moist without overpowering the flavor.
- Eggs (3 large): Essential for structure and that golden, bakery-style lift.
- Water (1/4 cup): Just enough to bring everything together and make the batter smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the cake with warm, classic sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, for cinnamon swirl): Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor to every cinnamon ribbon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for crumb): Delivers that unmistakable coffee cake aroma and spice.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup, for crumb topping): The foundation for irresistibly crunchy streusel.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for crumb topping): Balances the crumb with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Cold butter (1/4 cup, cubed, for crumb topping): Creates decadent, melt-in-your-mouth crumbles on top.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Adds a pretty, sweet finishing touch before serving.
How to Make Mix Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin your Mix Coffee Cake journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing—this helps your cake release easily and guarantees a golden, even bake. There’s something satisfying about setting the stage for cake success!
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together with a hand mixer or whisk until the batter is silky smooth and lump-free, about two minutes. This step is where the magic begins—the sour cream makes the batter thick and luscious, promising a tender crumb every time.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. This sweet, fragrant mixture is what gives Mix Coffee Cake its signature ribbons of flavor. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter, reaching all the corners for maximum swirl in every slice. Pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it gently to cover the cinnamon goodness. That layered effect is what makes every bite a little surprise.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In another small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Using a fork or pastry cutter, work everything together until you have coarse, buttery crumbs. This crumb topping bakes up golden and crisp, a perfect contrast to the soft cake beneath.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter, making sure to get into all those nooks and crannies. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell amazing, and the top will turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Once baked, let your Mix Coffee Cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This short wait helps the flavors settle and makes slicing a breeze. If you like, finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style look and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Mix Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A final flurry of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a scattering of toasted nuts on top. These simple touches dress up your Mix Coffee Cake and make it look (and taste) extra special for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mix Coffee Cake with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a lovely breakfast platter. Of course, it’s also perfect alongside a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into generous squares for brunch gatherings, or use a round biscuit cutter for pretty, café-style rounds. For parties, serve bite-sized pieces in mini cupcake liners. Mix Coffee Cake is endlessly versatile—let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mix Coffee Cake keeps beautifully. Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—the flavor just gets better!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole (completely cooled) cake in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Warm up slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This brings back the cake’s moisture and makes the crumb topping crispy again—like a fresh batch every time!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this Mix Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can try white, French vanilla, or even spice cake mix for a fun twist. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the Mix Coffee Cake.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in Mix Coffee Cake. It offers a similar tang and moisture, so your cake stays soft and delicious.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips into the crumb topping or even the batter for extra crunch and flavor. It’s a great way to personalize your Mix Coffee Cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Mix Coffee Cake is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Is Mix Coffee Cake good for breakfast and dessert?
Yes! Mix Coffee Cake is wonderfully versatile—it’s sweet enough for dessert but not too rich for breakfast. Serve it anytime you need a little treat with your coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bake that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious, this Mix Coffee Cake is the answer. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new go-to recipe for every gathering or cozy morning at home!
Print
Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Mix Coffee Cake combines a moist yellow cake base with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a crumbly cinnamon topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Using a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, it delivers a delicious, tender crumb with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Layer the Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over this layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top and spread it out smoothly.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the layered batter in the pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred or if you want a lighter texture.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips can also be mixed into the crumb topping for a chocolaty twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
