There’s nothing quite like the comforting smell of a fresh coffee cake baking in the oven — warm cinnamon, buttery crumb topping, and a soft, sweet center. If you’re craving that homemade goodness but short on time, this Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake recipe is your answer.
Using the humble but mighty box of Jiffy baking mix, you can whip up a tender, golden coffee cake that tastes like it took hours — but really only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
This is the kind of cake that makes a weekday feel special or adds the perfect touch to a weekend brunch. It’s great as a breakfast bite, an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, or a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You don’t need to be a seasoned baker — this recipe is truly beginner-friendly but delivers that nostalgic, bakery-style taste we all love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and is endlessly customizable.
With a few pantry staples and a box of Jiffy baking mix, you get a coffee cake that’s soft and fluffy with a classic cinnamon streusel topping. It’s ideal for feeding your family or surprising a neighbor with a homemade treat.
What You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy baking mix
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Use cold butter for the streusel – This helps create a crumbly texture that won’t melt into the cake.
- Don’t overmix – Gently stir the batter just until combined for a tender crumb.
- Double the streusel – If you’re a topping lover, make a double batch and pile it on.
- Check early – Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 18–20 minutes.
- Serve warm – Coffee cake is at its best fresh from the oven or gently reheated.
Tools Required
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small bowl for streusel
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or fork
- 8×8 inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Add-ins: Mix in ½ cup of blueberries, diced apples, or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
- Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
- Dairy-free: Use non-dairy milk and a plant-based butter substitute.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the batter or topping.
- Make it mini: Bake in muffin tins for individual coffee cake cups — reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
This coffee cake is best served fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients (and even the streusel) a day ahead. Store the topping in the fridge and mix the batter when ready to bake.
The baked cake can be kept covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to 4–5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds for that just-baked taste.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prep pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Make the cake batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Jiffy baking mix, egg, milk, sugar, and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Pour batter into dish
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
4. Make the streusel topping
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly.
5. Sprinkle topping and bake
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve
Allow the coffee cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slices individually in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the soft texture.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use Jiffy corn muffin mix instead of baking mix?
No, Jiffy corn muffin mix is sweetened and contains cornmeal, which would change the texture. Use Jiffy baking mix (similar to Bisquick) for best results.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan. You may need to increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.
3. What’s the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?
Coffee cake is typically less sweet, often topped with a crumb or streusel, and meant to be served with coffee or breakfast — no frosting required.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free baking mix in a 1:1 ratio and confirm your other ingredients (like vanilla) are certified gluten-free.
A Sweet Treat in No Time
This Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake is everything a homemade bake should be — quick, comforting, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re sipping coffee with a friend, serving brunch to your family, or sneaking a warm slice in the evening, this recipe never disappoints.
With its soft crumb and buttery cinnamon topping, it’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out. Did you stick with the classic or add your own twist? Leave a comment below and share how you made this easy favorite your own.
