Description
This specific Coffee Cake using Cake Mix is a clever reimagining of the classic American crumb cake. It utilizes the consistent structure of a boxed mix but elevates it with the addition of sour cream and extra vanilla to provide a moist, dense crumb that mimics a “from-scratch” sour cream coffee cake. The standout feature of this recipe is the triple layer of flavor: a tender, buttery base, a hidden interior ribbon of cinnamon streusel, and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping that provides that iconic texture everyone craves.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the cinnamon streusel:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the crumb topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Make batter
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Prepare streusel
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
4. Layer the cake
- Pour half the batter into the pan.
- Sprinkle half the streusel mixture.
- Add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the streusel.
5. Add crumb topping
- Mix flour, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top.
6. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & serve
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
This easy shortcut recipe delivers homemade flavor with minimal effort—great for busy mornings or last-minute baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: Boxed cake mix coffee cake, semi-homemade cinnamon crumb cake, yellow cake mix coffee cake recipe, easy sour cream coffee cake