This Delicious and Easy Cake Mix Coffee Cake is made with a simple boxed yellow cake mix, a brown sugar cinnamon and graham cracker streusel, and a powdered sugar glaze for the best coffee cake ever!

Easy Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Name: Easy Cake Mix Coffee Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-479326H29M46S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sleeve of graham crackers, crushed (9 crackers); 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 package yellow cake mix; 4 large eggs; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup oil; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1- 2 tbsp milk

Today I’m so excited to share one of my favorite recipes – Easy Cake Mix Coffee Cake!

I’ve been making this delicious coffee cake recipe for years and it’s a favorite among family and friends.

Even better, it’s SO quick and easy to make with a simple boxed yellow cake mix, although everyone will think it’s made from scratch.

If you want to learn how to make my easy cake mix coffee cake, then keep reading below for the full recipe and check out my step-by-step video tutorial over here.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel for weekly recipe videos!

Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

There’s several reasons I LOVE this cake mix coffee cake, but the simplicity and incredibly delicious flavor make it the perfect choice whenever you want to make an easy, crowd-pleasing cake.

Trust me when I say, it’s hard to eat only one slice!

Reasons You’ll Love Cake Mix Coffee Cake:

Easy to make with a boxed yellow cake mix
Made quick in around 30 minutes time
Delicious for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

Cake Mix Coffee Cake FAQ’s

What is cake mix coffee cake?

This coffee cake is made with a doctored-up yellow cake mix, a graham cracker and brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping, and topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze for one incredible coffee cake.

Why is it called coffee cake when there is no coffee in the recipe?

Although the name might make you think that coffee cake is made with coffee, it’s actually coffee-free.

Instead, cake mix coffee cake is meant to be enjoyed with your favorite hot or cold coffee beverage.

What is the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?

The main difference between coffee cake and regular cake is coffee cakes typically have a streusel topping or crumble on top of them, as opposed to regular cake which is served either plain or with some type of frosting/icing.

How do you make cake mix coffee cake more moist?

One way to make this cake mix coffee cake even more moist is by adding sour cream to the cake batter like I do in my Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake.

Adding sour cream is one of the best tips for making box cake better, and makes coffee cake so rich and moist.

Can I add nuts to coffee cake?

Yes, nuts are a delicious addition and great way to add a crunch and texture to this cake. I recommend adding 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping mixture.

Can I use a different glaze or omit?

Yes, this cake mix coffee cake is delicious both with a glaze or without.

You can also swap my simple powdered sugar glaze with a caramel glaze, maple glaze, cream cheese glaze, or fruit flavored glaze.

These cake mix donut glazes are all yummy options!

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Storage Instructions

To Store: Leftover coffee cake should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly covered with aluminum foil, and will remain fresh for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Let cake cool completely and freeze individual slices wrapped in saran wrap in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. Once ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and re-heat in the microwave as desired.

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Variations:

Make in a Bundt Pan

Swap a 9×13 cake pan for a Bundt cake pan.

Pour half of the cake batter in the bottom of a greased Bundt pan, then sprinkle with all of the streusel topping. Lastly, top with the remaining cake batter.

*The baking time for a Bundt cake will be less, so make sure you adjust according to the box cake mix instructions.

Make Into Muffins

Use a muffin pan and make into 24 individual muffins instead of a cake.

Just as you do with the regular cake mix coffee cake, pour the cake batter in first, add the streusel layer, then repeat with the remaining cake batter and streusel.

Again, the baking time will need to be adjusted.

I also have a homemade version of Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins that are DELISH!

Add Fruit

Coffee cake is absolutely delicious prepared with your favorite fruits.

Apples, blueberries, and strawberries are all great options.

Check out my Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake or Strawberry Coffee Cake for yummy variations!

Swap or Omit the Glaze

Another simple way to change up the flavor is with the glaze.

Caramel glaze, maple glaze, cream cheese glaze, or a fruit flavored glaze would all be delicious alternatives.

You can also sprinkle the top with a dusting of powdered sugar, in lieu of a glaze, or omit the glaze completely.

Trust me, this coffee cake is delicious no matter what!

How To Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake

My Cake Mix Coffee Cake is super simple to make and comes together quick in just a few easy steps.

Below, I’ve included all the recommend kitchen tools you’ll need to make this coffee cake as well as step-by-step photos for reference.

Prepare Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, sift in a yellow cake mix and combine with water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Use an electric hand mixer and mix together on medium speed for 2 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare Streusel Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, add crushed graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.

Use a large fork and mix together until evenly combined.

Layer Cake Batter & Streusel Topping in Cake Pan

Next, pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle with half of the streusel mixture.

Carefully add the remaining cake batter on top, and use a spatula to evenly smooth it out. Evenly sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture on top.

Bake, Cool, and Glaze

Bake in the oven for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Place the cake pan on a wire cooling rack and let cool for 10-15 minutes, or longer.

While cake cools, prepare glaze by combining powdered sugar and milk in a bowl.

Whisk together until smooth and a drizzle consistency has formed.

Use a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off to drizzle icing on the cooled coffee cake. You can also use a spoon, if preferred.

Serve and Enjoy

Cut cake mix coffee cake into slices and serve for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Cake Mix Coffee Cake Recipe + Video Tutorial