If you’re hunting for that perfect blend of simplicity and irresistible flavor, this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together the ease of a cake mix with the rich, nutty crunch of almond streusel, all layered with a tender, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy brunch or afternoon coffee chat, this cake combines classic comfort with a touch of elegance that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe plays a crucial role, creating textures and flavors that dance together perfectly. From the cake mix providing that fluffy base to the crunchy almonds adding delightful contrast, each element is simple yet essential.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the streusel topping.
- Chopped toasted sugared slivered almonds (or pecans): Brings a satisfying crunch and toasty sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers warm spice that complements the nuts beautifully.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake, ensuring a perfectly soft and tender crumb.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Boosts moisture and adds a subtle creaminess to the batter.
- Canola oil: Keeps the cake rich and moist without overpowering flavors.
- 7UP® lemon-lime soda: Provides lightness and a hint of citrus sparkle that brightens the cake.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together while contributing to the cake’s tender texture.
How to Make Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. This step makes sure your cake releases easily and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel
Combine the dark brown sugar, chopped toasted almonds, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients sets the stage for that irresistible, crunchy almond streusel topping that’s the star of this recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, canola oil, 7UP, and vanilla extract. Blend together smoothly before adding the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This creates a rich, tender batter with a subtle citrus note.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of your streusel mixture over this layer, and gently swirl it through the batter using a table knife. This swirl adds a beautiful marbling effect and distributes the crunch inside.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out, then sprinkle the rest of the streusel over it. Swirl again gently to create a double-layered delight of cake and almond streusel. The final sprinkle of extra almonds or pecans adds an inviting, textured finish.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cake to a cooling rack and let it cool before slicing to fully set the layers and flavors.
How to Serve Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted almonds on each slice for an elegant crunch that invites a closer look. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can also add a delightful touch and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the sweetness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe into rustic squares and serve on a wooden board for a charming, casual vibe. Or plate individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crumb soft and the almonds crunchy, preserving that fresh-baked taste each time.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving to recapture its tender texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s softness and brings out that cozy almond aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type of soda for the 7UP?
Absolutely! Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite work just as well, adding a similar lightness and bubbles to the cake. Avoid using dark sodas, which may alter the flavor too much.
Do I have to toast the almonds for the streusel?
Toasting is highly recommended because it intensifies the nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that brightens the streusel layer dramatically.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and a gluten-free vanilla pudding mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Why do you add instant pudding mix to the cake batter?
The instant pudding mix helps keep the cake moist and tender for longer, giving it a rich and luscious texture that’s more luxurious than a standard boxed cake.
Is it possible to use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
You can give it a try, but boxed mixes have precise balancing of ingredients and leavening which helps maintain the perfect texture. If using homemade cake batter, expect slight variation in your cake’s rise and crumb.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe — the way it combines straightforward ingredients into a luxurious treat that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try next time you want to impress without stressing, and I promise you’ll fall in love with its flavorful layers and tender crumb just like I did.
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Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cake Mix Coffee Cake combines the convenience of a cake mix with a delicious homemade streusel topping featuring toasted sugared almonds and cinnamon. Moist and flavorful thanks to the addition of instant pudding and 7UP soda, this coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (107 grams)
- ½ cup chopped toasted sugared slivered almonds (or pecans) (57 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
Cake Batter
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (432 grams, 1 box)
- 3.4 ounces Instant Vanilla Pudding mix (96 grams, 1 box)
- ¾ cup canola oil (150 grams)
- ¾ cup 7UP® lemon-lime soda (170 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 4 large eggs (200 grams, room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set it aside while you prepare the batter and topping.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, chopped toasted sugared slivered almonds (or pecans), and ground cinnamon. Set this streusel aside until you’re ready to use it.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, canola oil, 7UP soda, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a well-incorporated batter.
- Layer Batter in Pan: Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add First Streusel Layer and Swirl: Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter. Using a table knife, gently swirl the streusel through the batter to create marbled pockets of flavor.
- Add Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining half of the batter on top of the swirled layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add Second Streusel Layer and Swirl: Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture over the batter and swirl it through again with your knife.
- Top with Extra Nuts: Sprinkle additional chopped almonds or pecans on top to add extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake the Coffee Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans for almonds in the streusel topping for a different flavor.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and create a better texture.
- Swirling the streusel creates a beautiful marbled effect and helps flavor disperse throughout the cake.
- Store leftover coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly during baking, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
