This Starbucks Coffee Cake recipe is a longtime favorite—an easy copycat version that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, and family gatherings.
Also try my Cinnamon Roll Sheet Cake for another cozy, cinnamon-packed treat.
Homemade Starbuck’s Coffee Cake
If you’ve tried Starbucks’ coffee cake, you know it’s tender with just the right cinnamon crunch. This copycat version has been on Picky Palate since 2008. It’s straightforward to prepare and always a hit when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert or brunch centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic copycat. Captures the cinnamon-streusel character of the original in an easy, make-at-home format.
- Simple to prepare. Basic pantry ingredients and clear steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all levels.
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What Is Coffee Cake?
Coffee cake is a moist, tender cake typically topped with a streusel or crumb layer and served with coffee or tea. Unlike layer cakes, it’s usually not frosted—the streusel is the defining feature. The name refers to how it’s served, not to an ingredient.
What You’ll Need
Below are the ingredients needed for this easy coffee cake. See the recipe card further down for exact measurements and the full ingredient list.
- Box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) — brands like Pillsbury or Duncan Hines work well.
- Canola or vegetable oil — used in the cake batter.
- Large eggs — for consistency use large eggs.
- Water — part of the wet ingredients for the cake mix.
- Butter — chilled stick of butter for the crumb topping; salted works fine.
- All-purpose flour — for the crumb topping.
- Ground cinnamon — for that warm cinnamon flavor in the streusel.
- Brown sugar — packed light brown sugar gives the topping depth.
- Pure vanilla extract — enhances the flavor of the crumb topping.
- Powdered sugar — for dusting the cooled cake before serving.
How To Make Coffee Cake
Preheat the oven. Set oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
Prepare the cake mix. Make the yellow cake batter according to the package directions and pour into the prepared pan.
Initial bake. Bake the cake batter for 15 minutes to set the base before adding the crumb topping.
Make the crumb topping. While the cake bakes, combine cold butter, flour, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes slightly crumbly, then add the vanilla slowly and continue mixing until evenly combined.
Add the topping. After the cake has baked for 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the partially baked cake.
Finish baking. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10–13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake and allow it to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar. Once the cake is cool, sift a generous dusting of powdered sugar over the top, then cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Use a fine-mesh sieve for an even powdered sugar dusting. The contrast of the sweet dusting and cinnamon crumb makes each bite special.
Slice into squares and serve at room temperature. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, fresh fruit, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
How To Serve This Easy Cake Recipe
- Offer it as a dessert or a sweet option at brunch or a family gathering.
- Serve plain or alongside fruit or vanilla ice cream for a simple, elegant presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days.
How To Store Leftovers
Refrigerate. Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing. To freeze, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze up to three months and thaw before serving.
Try More Cake Recipes!
- Easy Ding Dong Cake Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Style Bundt Cake Recipe
- The BEST Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Starbuck’s Coffee Cake Copycat Recipe
Equipment
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Oven
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9 x 13 inch baking dish
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stand mixer
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Bowl
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measuring cups
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measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 2/3 cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
Crumb Topping
- 1 stick cold butter salted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.
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Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Bake for 15 minutes.
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While cake is baking, prepare crumb topping. Place butter, flour, cinnamon, and sugar into a mixing bowl, beat with an electric mixer or stand mixer until slightly crumbly, slowly adding vanilla.
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When cake has baked for 15 minutes, open oven and carefully add crumb topping over partially baked cake. Close oven and continue baking for another 10-13 minutes until center of cake is baked. Use a toothpick poked in center to make sure cake is baked. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Before serving dust top with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
Nutrition
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