Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Craving a warm, cozy slice of homemade cake without all the fuss? My Cake Mix Coffee Cake is the perfect solution!

This delicious shortcut dessert is layered with a sweet and nutty pecan streusel, made even richer with a vanilla glaze that melts into every bite.

Whether you’re serving brunch, entertaining guests, or just want something sweet with your coffee, this easy cake mix recipe delivers bakery-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients List

For the Streusel Topping

This buttery, crunchy topping is what takes this cake over the top. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small cubes

For the Cake Batter

Thanks to boxed cake mix and pudding mix, this coffee cake turns out soft, moist, and rich every time.

• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 4 large eggs

For the Vanilla Glaze

This simple glaze ties everything together with a sweet, creamy finish.

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes baking this cake mix coffee cake a total breeze. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need separate bowls for the streusel, the glaze, and the cake batter.
2. Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – While you can mix by hand, using a mixer makes it quicker and ensures a smooth batter.
3. Pastry Cutter or Fork – This helps blend the butter into the streusel for that perfect crumbly texture.
4. 9×13-inch Baking Dish – This size works best for even baking and perfect layering.
5. Whisk or Spoon – For mixing your glaze to a smooth, pourable consistency.

Preparing the Streusel and Cake Batter

Creating this coffee cake is all about layering flavors and textures. The nutty, spiced streusel contrasts beautifully with the moist vanilla cake base. Let’s walk through the prep steps together.

Mixing the Streusel

The streusel is the heart of this coffee cake—it’s sweet, crunchy, and full of warm spice.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Once the streusel is crumbly and well-blended, place it in the fridge while you prepare the cake batter. Keeping it cold helps it stay crunchy as it bakes.

Preparing the Cake Batter

Now it’s time to mix up that wonderfully rich cake base.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding mix.
2. Add the vegetable oil, water, and eggs.
3. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and slightly fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
4. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the streusel layer, spreading it gently.
5. Top with the remaining streusel, making sure it’s evenly distributed across the surface.

Baking the Cake and Making the Glaze

With your layers assembled and the oven preheated, it’s time to bring this easy coffee cake to life. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy café.

Baking the Cake

1. Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
3. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
4. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20–30 minutes before glazing.

Making the Vanilla Glaze

This simple glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish that complements the cinnamon-spiced streusel beautifully.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach a drizzle consistency.
3. Using a spoon or whisk, drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake in zigzag patterns or a full cover—your choice!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake

This coffee cake is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. I love serving it with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or chai latte on a lazy weekend morning. It’s also perfect for:

• Brunch spreads – Pair it with fruit and eggs for a balanced plate.
• Afternoon snacks – Just the right amount of sweet to get through a busy day.
• Holiday gatherings – A reliable crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require fuss.

Want to impress guests? Top each slice with a small dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving. Simple touches go a long way!

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (you might not!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness (up to 5 days), you can refrigerate it, especially in warmer climates.
• Freezer: Want to save it for later? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm slightly before serving.

Conclusion

This Cake Mix Coffee Cake is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a bakery-style dessert. With a few pantry staples, a cake mix, and a handful of chopped pecans, you get layers of moist vanilla cake, buttery cinnamon streusel, and sweet vanilla glaze in every bite.

It’s easy enough for weekday baking but special enough for weekend brunches and holiday tables. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home baker, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

So grab your cake mix, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fill your kitchen—this cozy, comforting coffee cake is always a good idea.