Coffee cake. Just the name conjures up images of cozy mornings, warm kitchens, and the comforting aroma of spice and sugar. But who has time for elaborate baking projects? This recipe uses a simple yellow cake mix as a base, significantly cutting down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly easy, yet undeniably delicious, coffee cake.
What Makes This Coffee Cake Special?
This recipe leverages the convenience of a yellow cake mix to create a moist and flavorful coffee cake. The addition of simple ingredients elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. You get the ease of a box mix with the satisfaction of homemade goodness. No one will guess your secret!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked coffee cake.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is the base for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors. A spice cake mix or even a white cake mix could create a unique twist on this classic. Remember to adjust the spices or extracts accordingly to complement your chosen cake mix.
How Can I Make This Coffee Cake More Moist?
To ensure extra moistness, consider these tips:
- Use fresh buttermilk: Fresh buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can dry out the cake. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
- Add an extra egg: An extra egg can add richness and moisture.
What Are Some Variations for this Coffee Cake?
The possibilities are endless! You can:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate coffee cake.
- Use different nuts: Try chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts in the crumble topping.
- Add fruit: Fold in 1 cup of blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples into the batter.
- Make it a streusel: For a more intense streusel topping, double the topping ingredients.
This easy coffee cake recipe offers a delicious shortcut to a classic dessert. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that will impress your loved ones. So, grab your mixing bowls and get baking!
