Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake brings the delightful experience of a cozy coffee shop right into your home. This easy recipe offers a fluffy yellow cake layered with cinnamon sugar, topped with a buttery crumb, and finished with a simple icing drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat with your favorite beverage, this cake is sure to impress everyone in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

There are countless reasons to adore this Starbucks coffee cake recipe! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time. The flavors are reminiscent of the beloved coffee cake from Starbucks but made fresh in your kitchen. Additionally, you can customize it to your taste with various toppings or fillings. This homemade Starbucks coffee cake is also perfect for sharing at gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser. With its moist texture and delightful cinnamon flavor, it’s no wonder why this cake is often a favorite among coffee lovers.

Ingredients for Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

Gather these items:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar (for filling and topping)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Pour half the cake batter into the pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the rest of the batter and smooth it out.
Step 5: For the crumb topping, combine the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon with flour and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to make coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the top.
Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the cake cool slightly.
Step 8: Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; this helps to keep the cake fluffy.
Feel free to add nuts for an extra crunch.
This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert with a cup of coffee.

Best Ways to Serve Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

There are many enjoyable ways to serve this cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to accentuate its flavors. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It’s an excellent addition to any brunch spread or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea.

Delicious Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake served with a cup of coffee

How to Store and Reheat Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

This cake is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For meal prep, you can also freeze the cake before icing; just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake?

The secret lies in ensuring that you don’t overmix the batter, keeping the cake light and fluffy. Use fresh ingredients and pay attention to baking time for the best results.

Can I make Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving for a fresh taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake?

To avoid mistakes, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and always preheat the oven before baking. Following the instructions closely will yield the best results.

Variations of Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake You Can Try

There are numerous delicious variations to consider! You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or incorporate fruit like blueberries for a fresh flavor. Another option is to make a moist coffee cake recipe by adding applesauce. Each version offers a delightful taste that elevates this classic cake.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast option!

For tips on baking, you can also refer to this coffee bean cookie recipe that pairs wonderfully with your coffee cake.

Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake: 7 Steps to Bakery Perfection

Author: basmer
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake brings the iconic bakery-style treat right to your kitchen—fluffy yellow cake layered with cinnamon sugar, topped with buttery crumb, and finished with a simple icing drizzle.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
In a separate small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pour half the cake batter into the pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it. Add the rest of the batter and smooth it out.
For the crumb topping, combine the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon with flour and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to make coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly.
Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.