Are you craving a warm, comforting cinnamon coffee cake but short on time? This recipe uses a boxed cake mix as a base, saving you precious baking time without sacrificing flavor. It's the perfect shortcut for busy mornings, spontaneous brunch gatherings, or satisfying that sudden sweet tooth craving. This isn't just any coffee cake – it's a delicious upgrade on a classic, and incredibly easy to master.
What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?
This is a common question, and the answer is surprisingly flexible! While a yellow cake mix is a popular and delicious choice, you can experiment with other flavors. A spice cake mix adds extra warmth, complementing the cinnamon perfectly. Even a white cake mix can work, yielding a lighter, slightly sweeter result. Ultimately, the choice is yours – feel free to get creative!
Can I Use Fresh Ingredients Instead of a Cake Mix?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious and have the time, making the cake batter from scratch will enhance the overall flavor profile. However, this recipe specifically focuses on the convenience of using a cake mix. For a scratch-made version, you'd simply follow a traditional cinnamon coffee cake recipe.
What are the Best Toppings for this Cinnamon Coffee Cake?
The topping is where this recipe truly shines! A simple streusel topping elevates the cake to another level. The crunch perfectly complements the soft, cinnamon-infused cake. You can experiment with different variations:
- Classic Streusel: Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a traditional crumb topping.
- Nutty Streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the classic streusel for extra texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: A simple cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the cinnamon.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake from Cake Mix: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly simple, taking only about 30 minutes to prep and bake. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) of your favorite cake mix (yellow, spice, or white recommended)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting, optional)
- For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Make the Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon for the streusel. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Coffee Cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in a freezer bag.
Can I Make This Coffee Cake Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter and streusel topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the cake just before serving for the best results.
What Variations Can I Try?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and additions:
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Different Spices: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
With its ease of preparation and delicious results, this cinnamon coffee cake recipe using cake mix is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
