Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

Mix Coffee Cake is the ultimate comfort food—you get all the cozy flavor and aroma you’d expect from a bakery-style pastry, but it’s beautifully simple thanks to a box of cake mix. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, or need a sweet treat for a crowd, this recipe comes together in a flash and delivers on old-fashioned charm. A golden, tender crumb swirled with cinnamon, sugar, and nuts (if you like!), then finished with a sweet drizzle, makes this coffee cake an irresistible favorite that always gets rave reviews.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this cake is how a handful of humble ingredients join forces to create something spectacular. Each item brings a vital touch—moisture, structure, sweetness, crunch, or spice—that turns a simple box mix into the beloved Mix Coffee Cake you’ll want to bake on repeat.

• Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake, providing a soft, buttery base with little effort.
• Sour cream: Infuses richness and keeps the crumb lush and tender.
• Eggs: Bind everything together for a stable, fluffy texture.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures every bite stays soft.
• Water: Helps the batter blend to the perfect consistency—don’t skip this small but mighty ingredient.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the swirl and gives you those characteristic crispy layers we love.
• Ground cinnamon: The soul of any classic coffee cake, delivering warm spice and irresistible aroma.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and nutty depth—totally up to you!
• Powdered sugar: Creates a glossy, sweet glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.
• Milk (for glaze): Just enough to thin the powdered sugar into a silky drizzle.

How to Make Mix Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures the cake bakes evenly right from the start. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (a quick spritz of nonstick spray works perfectly!) so your Mix Coffee Cake slides out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth, pale, and thick; this step is key to an even, tender crumb in every bite. Don’t undermine the magic happening here—the cake mix is soaking up all that creamy goodness!

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a separate small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nuts if you’re adding them. This fragrant mixture is what turns an ordinary coffee cake into a bakery-worthy Mix Coffee Cake, giving you those rich, flavorful ribbons in every slice.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Now, sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter—don’t be shy, this is where that swirl magic really happens! Pour the remaining batter on top, gently spreading to cover, then finish by scattering the rest of the cinnamon-sugar-nut mixture across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the center of your oven for 35–40 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and a toothpick inserted in the middle that comes out clean. Let your Mix Coffee Cake cool right in the pan—this is the hardest part, but letting the texture settle ensures perfect slicing and a soft, moist crumb.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and just enough milk to create a pourable glaze. Once the cake isn’t hot (but still a touch warm is fine), drizzle the glaze generously over the top. It sinks into those cinnamon crags and gives every piece that sweet, old-school finish that makes everyone smile.

How to Serve Mix Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving instantly elevates the look, while a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts or a few curls of white chocolate adds a touch of bakery flair. If you really want to play up the Mix Coffee Cake’s cinnamon swirl, a pinch more cinnamon or even a little orange zest brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

Mix Coffee Cake shines alongside almost anything. Pair it with a strong, hot coffee or creamy chai for breakfast, or set out fresh berries and whipped cream for a more decadent brunch spread. For something heartier, serve with scrambled eggs or a savory breakfast casserole; the sweet-and-savory mix is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cake into neat squares, and arrange on a tiered stand or wooden board for a rustic brunch look. For a party, try cutting Mix Coffee Cake into bite-sized cubes and skewering them on sticks—dip the ends in melted chocolate for a fun twist. Or, assemble individual cake parfaits by layering cubes with whipped cream and fruit in small glasses for show-stopping single servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Mix Coffee Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays wonderfully moist—sometimes it’s even better the next morning with your coffee!

Freezing

To freeze, cut the cooled cake into squares and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to two months. When you need an easy treat, just thaw at room temperature or give it a quick warm-up in the microwave.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, warm individual pieces of Mix Coffee Cake in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or cover loosely and reheat the whole pan in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. The glaze softens, and the cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! Spice cake mix gives extra warmth and depth, or try vanilla or even chocolate for a delicious twist. Each option brings a new dimension to your Mix Coffee Cake.

What’s the best way to keep the cake from drying out?

Keep your Mix Coffee Cake covered tightly at all times—plastic wrap or an airtight container works best. If you’re storing it longer than three days, consider freezing for maximum freshness.

Can I add fruit to this coffee cake?

Definitely! Add a layer of thinly sliced apples, pears, or even blueberries along with the cinnamon-sugar for bursts of fruit flavor. Just note that very juicy fruits might add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it possible to make this Mix Coffee Cake nut-free?

Yes, just skip the nuts entirely—your cake will still develop delightful swirls of cinnamon-sugar, and the texture stays soft and satisfying.

What kind of milk works best for the glaze?

Any milk will do! Whole, 2 percent, or even non-dairy options like almond or oat milk all make a smooth, drizzle-friendly glaze for your Mix Coffee Cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that’s as easy as it is comforting, give this Mix Coffee Cake a try. With every sweet slice, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly a humble box of cake mix can transform into a crowd-pleasing delight. Happy baking—you may want to keep this recipe handy, because requests for it never stop!

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