Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful morning treat or an anytime sweet you can whip up without fuss, Mix Coffee Cake is ready to steal the show! Moist, buttery, and bursting with a rippled cinnamon swirl, this cake starts with a humble boxed mix and transforms into a bakery-worthy delight thanks to a handful of kitchen staples and a touch of your own flair. Whether you drizzle it with glaze or enjoy it plain, this classic is the kind of recipe you’ll come to crave with your morning brew or offer to friends alongside a friendly chat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a few everyday ingredients that come together to make something extraordinary! Each part of the Mix Coffee Cake is thoughtfully chosen—every spoonful adds to the texture, creaminess, or the iconic rich swirl that brings this cake to life.
- Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz): The shortcut hero for guaranteeing a fluffy, moist cake without the usual measuring stress.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds irresistible tang and moisture, giving your coffee cake a tender crumb.
- Large Eggs (3): Essential for binding and enriching the batter—don’t skip them for that plush texture!
- Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup): Brings extra moisture and richness, so every bite melts in your mouth.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps blend the batter to just the right consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the cake with warmth and aromatic sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Creates that classic, irresistible sweet swirl in every slice.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the swirl—brings cozy spice and warmth.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): If you love a bit of crunch, toss these in for texture and nutty flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, optional glaze): For a glossy, sweet finish that’s impossible to resist.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, optional glaze): Thins out the glaze to your drizzling preference.
- Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional glaze): Gives the glaze a delicate, sweetly perfumed note.
How to Make Mix Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting the scene—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan so your cake slips out easily after baking. It’s a small step that ensures beautiful slices later!
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and that full tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is dreamy and smooth, taking in the delicious aroma as the ingredients come together.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cinnamon Swirl
Grab a small bowl and blend your brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nuts (if using). This mixture will transform ordinary cake into Mix Coffee Cake magic, giving every bite a lovely spiced ripple.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Generously sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter, then top it with the rest of the cinnamon mix. If you love that classic marbled look, gently swirl a knife through the batter and cinnamon layers once or twice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven. For a 9×13 pan, bake 35 to 40 minutes; for a bundt pan, give it 45 to 50 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The house will smell downright heavenly!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Let the cake cool slightly. If you’re in the mood for an extra treat, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla and drizzle over the warm Mix Coffee Cake. Slice and serve warm, or let it set to room temperature for neater squares—either way, it’s a slice of comfort!
How to Serve Mix Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Mix Coffee Cake is delightful straight from the pan, but if you want to take things up a notch, dust with extra powdered sugar, scatter toasted nuts on top, or add a few fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. Glazed or unglazed, it’s hard to go wrong!
Side Dishes
This coffee cake absolutely adores a sidekick. Serve it with a steaming mug of your favorite coffee, chai latte, or tall glass of cold milk. If it’s brunch, pair it with Greek yogurt and mixed fruit or a simple egg scramble for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends? Cut the Mix Coffee Cake into bite-sized cubes and serve on a pretty platter with toothpicks for easy grazing. For brunch buffets, arrange slices with fresh citrus wedges or edible flowers, turning an everyday cake into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Mix Coffee Cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For even longer freshness, pop it in the fridge—this cake stays moist and flavorful for several days, so you’ll always have a quick treat ready.
Freezing
Mix Coffee Cake loves your freezer! Simply cut cooled cake into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently on the counter.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat larger portions in a low oven (300°F) for 8–10 minutes. Warmed up, the cinnamon aroma and tenderness return in full force.
FAQs
Can I make Mix Coffee Cake without nuts?
Absolutely! The pecans or walnuts are completely optional and can be left out if you want a nut-free version. The cake turns out just as delicious, with all the cozy cinnamon flavor shining through.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great stand-in for sour cream if you’d like a slightly lighter option or added tang. It will still keep your Mix Coffee Cake moist and fluffy.
Why is it called “Mix Coffee Cake” if there’s no coffee in it?
Great question! The name “coffee cake” refers to the tradition of serving this style of cake with coffee, rather than containing coffee as an ingredient. Mix Coffee Cake gets its first name from starting with a cake mix for that easy, reliable rise.
Can I bake this cake in a bundt pan?
Definitely! A bundt pan creates a show-stopping presentation. Just increase the baking time to 45–50 minutes, and remember to grease your pan thoroughly to make sure the beautiful swirl unmolds cleanly.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is optional but delightful. It adds a touch of extra sweetness and a pretty finish. If you prefer to skip it, the Mix Coffee Cake is just as tasty served as-is, especially if you like things a bit less sweet.
Final Thoughts
If you love big flavor with little effort, you’ll want to put this Mix Coffee Cake in your regular rotation. It’s the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing bake that always feels special whether you dress it up or keep it classic. Trust me—once you taste that cinnamon swirl, there’s no going back!
Print
Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Mix Coffee Cake with a cinnamon swirl and optional glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or bundt pan.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Layer and Bake: Pour half the batter in the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon mixture, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the cinnamon mix. Bake for 35–40 minutes (9×13) or 45–50 minutes (bundt).
- Glaze (Optional): Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the warm cake.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This cake is versatile for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
