Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bakery-style flavor and texture with just a handful of basic pantry ingredients. The cake itself is tender and moist, the cinnamon swirl adds warmth and depth, and the crumble topping gives it that irresistible contrast of textures. It’s quick to mix together—no electric mixer required—and it makes your kitchen smell incredible while it bakes.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup milk

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp melted butter

For the Crumble Topping

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, I combine the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. I pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.

5. To make the cinnamon swirl, I mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.

6. I pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it, then pour the remaining batter on top and spread gently to cover the swirl.

7. For the crumble topping, I combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. I use my fingers to rub in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then I sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

8. I bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. I let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 9 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, for a total time of 45 minutes.

Variations

• Add nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble topping adds great crunch.

• Make it fruity: I sometimes fold in diced apples or blueberries to the batter for extra flavor.

• Glaze it: A simple drizzle made from powdered sugar and milk makes it look and taste bakery-worthy.

• Add spice: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the cinnamon swirl deepens the flavor.

• Mini loaves or muffins: The batter also works beautifully for smaller portions—just adjust the baking time to 18–22 minutes for muffins.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover coffee cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole cake in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this with boxed cake mix?

Yes! Substitute a yellow or vanilla cake mix for the cake base, prepare it according to the box directions, then add the cinnamon swirl and crumble topping as written.

Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely—it adds a subtle tang and makes the cake extra tender.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for 35–40 minutes.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I add more cinnamon?

Of course! I love a strong cinnamon flavor, so sometimes I add an extra teaspoon to both the swirl and topping.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cake should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

I love how this Mix Coffee Cake brings together simple ingredients to create something truly comforting and delicious. The moist crumb, fragrant cinnamon swirl, and buttery crumble make every bite irresistible. It’s a timeless recipe that works for breakfast, dessert, or any cozy moment when you just want something homemade and sweet with your coffee.