Are you craving a warm, comforting coffee cake but short on time? This recipe uses a yellow cake mix as a base, making it incredibly simple to whip up a delicious treat without sacrificing flavor. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times; this method delivers a moist, flavorful coffee cake in a fraction of the time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
What You'll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt for a tangier twist)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix are great)
- 1 cup streusel topping (recipe below)
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This step ensures your coffee cake doesn’t stick and releases easily.
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Combine Cake Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, and the ingredients specified on the cake mix box (eggs, oil, and water). Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Add Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts. Be careful not to overmix.
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Prepare the Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that delightful crunchy topping.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary.
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Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While yellow cake mix is the star here, you can certainly experiment! A spice cake mix or even a white cake mix could create a unique variation. Just remember to adjust the spices and flavors as needed to complement your chosen cake mix.
What if I don't have sour cream or yogurt?
You can omit the sour cream or yogurt altogether, but the cake might be slightly drier. You could also substitute with applesauce or buttermilk for a similar effect.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this coffee cake a day or two ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will be even more delicious the next day!
How can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Add them along with the nuts during step 3.
What other variations can I try?
Get creative! Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, different types of spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or even a glaze after baking. The possibilities are endless.
This easy coffee cake recipe is a fantastic starting point for your baking adventures. Enjoy the delicious results and the compliments that are sure to follow!
