Easy Coffee Cake (Using Boxed Cake Mix)

 Coffee cake is a classic American treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee—hence the name!  While it doesn't contain coffee, it's ideal for your morning brew or an afternoon catch-up with friends.  Thanks to a few simple add-ins, this version is quick, moist, and packed with flavor.  Using a boxed cake mix makes it even easier!

Ingredients:

Cake ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (18.25 oz.)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)

Requirements For the Pan:

• Vegetable oil spray (for misting)
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Streusel Topping ingredients:

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Directions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.    Lightly mist a 9 x 9” baking pan with oil spray, then dust it with flour.  Shake out the excess.

3.    Combine the cake mix, sour cream, oil, milk, eggs, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.

4.    Blend on low speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.

5.    Increase the speed to medium and beat for two more minutes until the batter is thick and smooth.  Stir in the dried fruit.

6.    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

7.    In a small bowl, mix all streusel ingredients.  Sprinkle evenly over the batter.

8.    Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean.

9.    Let the cake cool slightly before serving.

Optional Tips:

• For an extra touch, sift powdered sugar over the top once the cake has cooled.
• Want it even more moist and flavorful?  Add one small box of vanilla pudding mix to the batter before mixing.

This simple coffee cake is soft, aromatic, and perfect for sharing—no special occasion is needed.  Enjoy it warm with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!