Name: Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 1 cup sour cream; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever craved bakery-level comfort with hardly any fuss, Cake Mix Coffee Cake will absolutely win your heart. This ridiculously easy, cinnamon-swirled treat delivers moist, tender cake, a crunchy nutty topping, and a lush vanilla glaze in every bite. Whether you’re racing to whip up something for brunch or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, you’ll love how quickly this cake comes together and how irresistible it smells and tastes while baking.

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Cake Mix Coffee Cake is how effortlessly it turns pantry staples into something uniquely craveable. Each ingredient has a special job, from the cake mix’s structure to sour cream’s creamy moisture, to the spiced sugar swirl. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The secret shortcut for perfectly soft and fluffy coffee cake every time.
Sour Cream (1 cup): This adds the tang and extra moisture that keeps the crumb rich and tender.
Large Eggs (3): Eggs give the cake structure and that delicious homemade texture.
Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Guarantees moistness and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients for a luscious batter.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): The base of the cinnamon swirl, adding delicate crunch throughout the layers.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The essential cozy flavor that makes coffee cake so nostalgic and inviting.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For bits of toasty crunch and nutty flavor in every slice – add or skip depending on your crowd.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Whisks into a simple, glossy glaze that sweetens every bite.
Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Just enough to make the glaze pourable and perfectly smooth.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth, depth, and a classic bakery touch to the glaze.

How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect golden-brown edge. Generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that the Cake Mix Coffee Cake releases easily and looks picture-perfect when sliced.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. This easy blend—either with a handheld mixer for speed or a good old whisk if that’s more your style—creates a silky, lump-free batter packed with moisture for a soft, never-dry crumb.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

While your batter rests, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple combination brings bold flavor throughout the cake, creating that irreplaceable coffee cake charm.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread half of the batter in your prepared pan, smoothing it out to all corners. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, followed by half your chopped nuts if using. Pour on the remaining batter, top with more cinnamon-sugar and nuts, then grab a butter knife to swirl everything for a dramatic marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy how your kitchen smells: there’s nothing like the aroma of Cake Mix Coffee Cake baking to draw a crowd. Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While the cake is still a bit warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle generously over the cake – it seeps into the nooks for an extra kiss of sweetness and makes the top irresistible.

How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Garnishes

Cake Mix Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it look truly festive. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add color and freshness, making every slice feel a little more special.

Side Dishes

This cake is brunch perfection when paired with a strong cup of coffee or tea. For something heartier, serve it alongside a fruit salad, plain Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a complete and satisfying spread that will wow your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn your Cake Mix Coffee Cake into a showstopper, cut it into neat squares and serve on a tiered dessert tray or stack slices on a rustic wooden board. For breakfast potlucks, consider baking in muffin tins for handheld treats, or layer with cream cheese filling for a bakery-worthy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, cover the Cake Mix Coffee Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.

Freezing

Want to stash away some for another day? Simply cool the cake fully, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked taste again, warm slices briefly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) or reheat in a low oven until just warmed through. The glaze melts slightly and the crumb gets soft, making the cake taste like it came straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Try spice cake mix for extra autumn flavor, or even chocolate or vanilla for a twist. The process stays the same and you get a brand new version of Cake Mix Coffee Cake to love.

Is it necessary to add nuts?

Nope, they’re totally optional. Skip them if you have allergies or want a nut-free coffee cake, or swap in other crunchy toppings like streusel or even mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just bake in two pans or a larger sheet pan if you’d like to feed a crowd. Watch the baking time, as you may need a few extra minutes when making a larger batch of Cake Mix Coffee Cake.

What’s the best way to keep the cake moist?

Sour cream is key, but also be sure not to overbake. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to lock in moisture, and glaze while slightly warm for maximum softness.

Can I make this Cake Mix Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the cake a day before serving and keep it covered at room temperature. Glaze just before serving for that glossy, bakery-fresh look and texture.

Final Thoughts

The magic of Cake Mix Coffee Cake is how fast and foolproof it is to bake…and how impossible it is to eat just one slice. Whether you make it for a holiday brunch, share it with neighbors, or keep it all for yourself (no judgment!), this cozy classic is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a delectable Cake Mix Coffee Cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day. This moist and flavorful cake features a cinnamon swirl and a sweet glaze, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Mix Coffee Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Prepare cinnamon mixture: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Layer batter: Pour half the cake batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture and nuts, then repeat layers.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over warm cake.