Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

Save this recipe on:

If you’ve ever stood in line at Starbucks and gazed longingly at their crumbly, sweet coffee cake, this recipe is for you. The tender, buttery cake base layered with a generous cinnamon-sugar crumble is just as indulgent as the one you get in-store, but you can make it fresh at home. It’s the perfect companion to your morning brew or an afternoon treat that feels like a cozy hug.

This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake has a nostalgic flavor that makes you think of weekend mornings and quiet moments. The streusel topping is crisp yet melts into the moist, fluffy crumb underneath. And the best part? You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

This cake comes together without any fancy techniques and doesn’t require special equipment. It’s quick enough to whip up before guests come over or when you’re craving something sweet with your coffee. You’ll love how the cinnamon layers subtly infuse the entire cake and how that thick topping stays crisp and sugary.

What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

You can use any yellow cake mix you like for this recipe. A classic Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines mix works wonderfully. The key is choosing a brand with a rich buttery flavor to complement the cinnamon crumble. If you want to make the cake from scratch, you can substitute with a homemade yellow cake base—just keep the ratios close to what the mix calls for.

Ingredients for the Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

This recipe uses a handful of simple baking staples to create something truly crave-worthy. Each ingredient adds texture, flavor, or that signature coffee cake sweetness.

• Yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vegetable oil
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Butter

The yellow cake mix forms the base and brings that classic cake crumb texture. Eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil enrich the cake, making it soft and moist. The topping, made from flour, sugars, cinnamon, and butter, delivers that bakery-style crunch and sweet warmth that defines Starbucks coffee cake.

How To Make the Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps your cake bake evenly and ensures easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Beat until smooth and pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish.

Step 3: Create the Crumb Topping

Mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then add in melted butter and stir until large crumbs form. Use your hands if needed to gently press it together into chunky bits.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the cake batter, then gently swirl it in with a knife to create a cinnamon ribbon. Top with the remaining crumble and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool slightly before slicing into squares. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.

Serving and Storing Your Coffee Cake

This Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It serves 12 hearty squares but can stretch to 16 smaller pieces for snacking. You can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you prefer it warm, a quick zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-baked texture.

To freeze, let it cool completely and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the microwave or oven until just warmed through.

What to Serve With Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich, buttery flavors of the cake pair beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee, especially a dark roast or bold espresso.

Iced Vanilla Latte

Balance the warm cinnamon notes with a chilled and slightly sweet vanilla latte.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A refreshing bowl of berries or melon brightens the plate and complements the cake’s richness.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Add a protein boost and creamy contrast with layers of yogurt, honey, and granola.

Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream

For dessert servings, a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream adds indulgence.

Warm Apple Compote

The spiced apples match the cinnamon in the cake and create a seasonal pairing that’s hard to resist.

Maple Glazed Bacon

Go sweet and salty for brunch with crispy bacon drizzled in maple syrup.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake made you crave more cozy, sweet treats, don’t miss out on these reader favorites:

• Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a rustic, fruity classic.
• Ooey Gooey Bars when you’re craving melty, caramel-y bites.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for an elegant brunch tray.
• Butter Pecan Pound Cake if you want a dense, nutty delight.
• Delicious Lemon Cake To Die For for bright citrus flavor with a soft crumb.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a swirl in the middle or just top it all off with crumble? Did you try it with a glaze or kept it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: