There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, tender coffee cake with a sweet cinnamon swirl and crumbly topping, and this Mix Coffee Cake Recipe captures all of that magic in one simple, homemade treat. Whether you’re after a cozy breakfast companion or an inviting afternoon snack, this recipe blends just the right amount of spice and sweetness with a moist texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Easy to prepare yet wonderfully satisfying, it’s a delightful way to dress up your usual coffee break with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mix Coffee Cake Recipe plays an important role, from the structure-giving flour to the rich, buttery crumble topping. The combination is simple, but each element contributes to the flavor, texture, or appearance, making this cake a true crowd-pleaser.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that perfect crust.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The key leavening agent that makes the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender for that soft crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Adds richness and moisture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and helps the cake rise evenly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup) for cinnamon swirl: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon layer.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon) for swirl: Provides that classic coffee cake spice kick.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon) for swirl: Helps the cinnamon sugar meld into the batter deliciously.
- Flour (1/4 cup) for crumble topping: Creates a tender, crumbly texture for topping.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup) for topping: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses to the crumble.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) for topping: Enhances the crumble with warm, spicy notes.
- Cold butter (2 tablespoons), small pieces for topping: Key to a buttery, flaky crumble that melts in your mouth.
How to Make Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure your coffee cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and sets the base for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the dry ingredients, creating a perfect batter consistency.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your coffee cake light and tender rather than dense.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy blend will form the delicious swirl that gives the cake its signature flavor burst.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture on top, creating a flavorful layer. Then pour the remaining batter over this, gently spreading it to cover the swirl without mixing it in too much.
Step 7: Prepare and Add the Crumble Topping
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter to add that irresistible crunch.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool slightly to let the flavors settle and make slicing easier.
How to Serve Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate your coffee cake to a bakery-worthy presentation. Fresh berries or a few toasted nuts sprinkled on top can add texture and beautiful color contrast.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake is perfect served alongside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a heartier brunch, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance its sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Mix Coffee Cake Recipe into cubes for a fun breakfast parfait layered with Greek yogurt and fruit, or serve warm pieces alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your coffee cake fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Covering it well helps maintain moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Your coffee cake can be frozen for up to three months, making it convenient to enjoy at any time.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen coffee cake back to life, warm it in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This helps restore its soft texture and enhances the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose, though it will slightly alter the texture and may make the cake denser and heartier. For best results, consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. The vegetable oil already takes care of the fat, and the texture remains moist and delicious without dairy.
Can I double this Mix Coffee Cake Recipe?
Yes, doubling is possible but bake in two pans to ensure even cooking. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep a close eye on it and check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
What’s the best way to prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Make sure to use cold butter and cut it into the topping until the mixture is crumbly. Also, spreading the topping evenly and baking at the proper temperature helps it stay crisp and golden.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch, and dried fruits like raisins or chopped apples can add natural sweetness and texture. Just fold them gently into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make treat that feels both homey and special, this Mix Coffee Cake Recipe is the answer. The balance of tender crumb, cinnamon swirl, and crumbly topping makes it a perfect companion to any coffee break or brunch. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own little twists to make it uniquely yours!
Print
Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Mix Coffee Cake features a tender crumb, a spiced cinnamon swirl, and a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it combines simple pantry ingredients with a delightful texture contrast between soft cake and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Crumble Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Blend Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure a tender cake.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to form the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over this layer.
- Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer and spread gently to cover the swirl completely.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Use your fingers to cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before slicing into 9 pieces and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- The crumble topping should be cold butter to ensure a crunchy texture.
- You can use an 8-inch round pan as an alternative to the square pan.
- For an added touch, serve with a drizzle of glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
