Description

This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is a deliciously moist and tender dessert that’s perfect for brunch or a sweet snack. Made with a simple yellow cake mix combined with sour cream and a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping, it delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The optional nuts add a delightful crunch, while the buttery streusel topping adds texture and richness. Easy to prepare and bake, this coffee cake is an ideal go-to recipe for gatherings or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Streusel Topping

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Prepare cinnamon-sugar mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts if using. This will create the signature cinnamon swirl topping.
Layer the batter and topping: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter to create a flavorful layer.
Add remaining batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the first layer and gently spread it out. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the top.
Make streusel topping: In another small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cold cubed butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend them until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
Top the cake: Sprinkle the crumbly streusel evenly over the top of the assembled cake layers to add a buttery, textured finish.
Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the coffee cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. Optionally, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream as a healthier or alternative option.
For a richer flavor, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk.
Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch; you can omit them for a nut-free version.
Make sure the butter is cold when making the streusel topping to get a crumbly texture.