If you have ever craved the irresistible, tender, and cinnamon-swirled delight from your favorite coffee shop, you are in for a treat with this Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe. This homemade version captures every bit of that iconic crumbly topping and moist crumb that makes Starbucks coffee cake such a beloved classic. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a glorious cake that pairs perfectly with your morning brew or afternoon cup of tea. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever waited to make it yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this scrumptious cake, and the best part is that they’re common pantry staples. Each component plays a key role — from the yellow cake mix that provides a soft base, to the cinnamon and brown sugar that create that signature sweet spice swirl, and the cold butter that firms up the crumbly topping. The simple glaze ties everything together with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Yellow cake mix: A convenient base that guarantees moistness and a tender crumb.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- Large eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures a soft texture without drying out the cake.
- Brown sugar: Used in both the filling and crumb topping for deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the cake with warm, aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to form the irresistible crumb topping.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cubed for easy incorporation into the topping, creating a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Powdered sugar: Base for the smooth glaze that finishes the cake.
- Milk: Combined with powdered sugar to make a luscious drizzle.
How to Make Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and helps the edges develop a lovely golden crust — a hallmark of great coffee cake.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil until it’s perfectly smooth. This mixture combines the convenience of a cake mix with extra ingredients to build richness and moisture that make the cake so delightful.
Step 3: Combine the Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate smaller bowl, stir the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. This simple mixture will serve as both the luscious filling and part of the irresistible topping, infusing layers of flavor throughout.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Then pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out with a spatula to create an even surface that conceals a sweet surprise inside.
Step 5: Create the Crumb Topping
Mix together the rest of the brown sugar and cinnamon with the all-purpose flour and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend them until coarse crumbs form — this crumbly topping is where the magic happens, adding texture and sweetness to every bite. Sprinkle it generously over the cake batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen. The crumb topping should be golden and crisp, ready to deliver that crunchy contrast to the soft cake below.
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Allow your coffee cake to cool slightly once out of the oven. This step ensures that when you drizzle on the glaze, it will set beautifully without melting away.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glossy glaze over the top of your warm cake for an extra touch of sweetness and that signature look we all adore in Starbucks coffee cake.
How to Serve Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an added wow factor, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze before it sets. Toasted pecans or walnuts make a delightful crunchy garnish that complements the crumb topping beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the cake’s appearance, making it irresistible at first glance.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a wide array of drinks — from classic brewed coffee to a frothy cappuccino or even a chilled latte. If you want to make it a meal, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into smaller squares and serve on rustic wooden platters for a cozy coffee gathering. Layer slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a tasty trifle twist. Or wrap individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine — perfect for gifting to friends or bringing to potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe fresh by covering tightly with plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick snacks or breakfasts on the go.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this coffee cake to enjoy later. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months and defrosts easily on the countertop or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Warm slices for about 15 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness and revive the crumb topping’s crunchy texture. A warm coffee cake makes the perfect comforting treat any time of day.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix and all-purpose flour with certified gluten-free alternatives. Be sure the cake mix you choose doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients, and the texture should still be fantastic.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute in the crumb topping. The result will still be moist and flavorful, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely — if you prefer to make a cake batter from scratch, you can use your favorite yellow cake recipe. Just remember that the sour cream and oil contribute to moisture and texture, so add those as they balance the cake perfectly in this copycat version.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way to check doneness is by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Also, the crumb topping should be nicely browned and crisp to the touch.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
You can! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the crumb topping for extra crunch. Alternatively, stirring in some diced apples or berries into the batter adds delightful bursts of freshness throughout the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves that perfect cozy breakfast treat without having to leave the house. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make — the perfect way to bring a little café magic into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every bite as much as I do!
Print
Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake captures the classic flavors of the beloved bakery treat with a simple homemade recipe. Featuring a moist yellow cake base swirled with cinnamon brown sugar and topped with a buttery crumb topping, this coffee cake is finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Sugar Filling and Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together half of the brown sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon to create your cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, carefully spread the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon with the all-purpose flour. Add the cold cubed butter, then use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before glazing.
- Make and Drizzle Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake evenly for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crumb topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Let the cake cool slightly before glazing to avoid the icing melting off entirely.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and butter with non-dairy alternatives.
- This cake keeps well stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
