Name: 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 ounces); 1 cup sour cream; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re on the hunt for a quick yet impressively delightful dessert, look no further than this Mix Coffee Cake. Imagine soft, cinnamon-swirled slices that fill your kitchen with comforting aromas—yet take minimal effort, thanks to the magic of cake mix. Whether it’s a holiday brunch centerpiece or a cozy weekend treat, this cake promises a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, with a decadently drizzled glaze to top it off. No matter your baking experience, you’ll love how easy and irresistible this Mix Coffee Cake is!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how each ingredient brings its own magic touch to the Mix Coffee Cake—some keep it tender, others add flavor, and a few give it that signature swirl. Grab these pantry staples and let’s make something special together!

Yellow cake mix: Provides a soft, rich base and saves you loads of time without sacrificing texture or taste.
Sour cream: Adds lovely moisture, ensuring the cake stays super tender and rich.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s light and fluffy crumb.
Vegetable oil: Lends moistness and makes the cake feel decadent without being heavy.
Water: Helps bring the batter to just the right consistency for perfect baking.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon layer, giving you those coveted swirls with a little crunch.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers warm, nostalgic flavor—no coffee cake is complete without it!
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add crunch and nutty flavor to the swirl, but can be skipped or swapped for fruit if you prefer.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Forms the base for the silky, sweet glaze that finishes the cake.
Milk (for glaze): Just enough to loosen your glaze so it drizzles like a dream.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze with warm, floral notes for an extra touch of deliciousness.

How to Make Mix Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); this gives your cake an even bake from the very first minute. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—don’t skip this step! It ensures your Mix Coffee Cake pops out easily, with those beautiful swirls intact.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This batter comes together in a flash and should have no lumps—just a pale, glossy finish.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. This sweet and spiced blend is going to create that signature ribbon running through your Mix Coffee Cake.

Step 4: Layer, Sprinkle, and Repeat

Pour half the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture right over the top—go all the way to the edges! Add the rest of the batter, gently smoothing it out, and finish with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for dramatic swirls and pops of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden, your kitchen smells divine, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before glazing; this way, the glaze sets up beautifully without melting away.

Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze

While the cake is still warm (but not piping hot), whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the cake, letting it seep into the cinnamon layers and pool slightly on top. Slice up, serve, and try not to go back for seconds—unless you want to, of course!

How to Serve Mix Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A classic Mix Coffee Cake looks gorgeous with the simple glaze alone, but you can dress things up with a sprinkling of extra chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a festive twist, a few fresh berries on the side or a spark of finely grated orange zest really makes each slice pop!

Side Dishes

Pair your Mix Coffee Cake with a cup of hot coffee (naturally), a creamy cappuccino, or a simple glass of milk for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat. If you’re feeling fancy, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to up the indulgence factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the coffee cake into small squares and stack them on a tempting platter, or serve in cute cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. For a holiday brunch, arrange slices on a cake stand and tuck in sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a bakery-worthy slab of Mix Coffee Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Mix Coffee Cake fresh, simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want a longer shelf life, pop pieces into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

For even more convenience, you can freeze slices (or the whole cake) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and tucked into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or on the counter for a couple of hours before serving—this cake stays wonderfully moist even after freezing.

Reheating

If you prefer your Mix Coffee Cake warm, just pop a slice into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven until just warmed through. The glaze will get slightly melty and the cake’s cinnamon aroma will bloom all over again!

FAQs

Can I make this Mix Coffee Cake without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts in this recipe are entirely optional—feel free to skip them, or substitute with a handful of chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for something a little different.

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

The sour cream in this Mix Coffee Cake practically guarantees it stays moist, but storing leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container ensures every slice stays as tender as the first.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! While classic yellow cake mix creates a traditional flavor, you can try white, spice, or even butter pecan cake mixes for a twist—just keep the rest of the ingredients and method the same.

Is this Mix Coffee Cake suitable for brunch parties?

Definitely! It’s an absolute star on brunch buffets because it can be made ahead, sliced easily, and served warm or at room temperature. Plus, it pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, and other breakfast dishes.

How do I know when my Mix Coffee Cake is fully baked?

Check for a golden top and insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean (with no wet batter), your cake is done. Don’t worry if there’s a little cinnamon-sugar clinging to the toothpick; just watch for uncooked batter.

Final Thoughts

Trust me—once you try this Mix Coffee Cake, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for easy comfort baking. Whether you’re serving a crowd, treating yourself, or looking for a foolproof brunch favorite, this cake brings smiles every single time. I can’t wait for you to bake, glaze, and savor every slice!

Mix Coffee Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Mix Coffee Cake, a tender and moist treat with a sweet cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy-to-make cake is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

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

Glaze:

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth.
Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using).
Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mix, add remaining batter, and top with the rest of the mix.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm cake.