Coffee cake is the perfect companion for a cozy morning or a delightful afternoon treat. But who has time for elaborate baking projects? This recipe uses a yellow cake mix as a base, significantly reducing prep time without sacrificing flavor. This shortcut allows you to enjoy a delicious, moist, and flavorful coffee cake with minimal effort. Let's dive in!
What You'll Need:
This recipe relies on readily available ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a coffee cake that's both easy and impressive:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Incorporate Nuts: Gently fold in your choice of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts).
- Make the Crumble: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Assemble: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
This section addresses common questions about this easy coffee cake recipe, ensuring you have all the information you need for baking success.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While yellow cake mix is recommended for its classic flavor profile, you can experiment with other cake mixes like white or even spice cake mix. The flavor will change accordingly, but the overall texture should remain consistent.
What if I don't have sour cream?
You can substitute plain yogurt or buttermilk for the sour cream. The cake might be slightly less moist, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, raisins, blueberries, or other fruits to the batter for added flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover coffee cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes! Wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough coffee cake.
- Make sure the crumble topping is evenly distributed for consistent browning.
- Let the coffee cake cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
This easy coffee cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned professionals alike. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
