Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake brings the famous bakery-style treat right into your kitchen, filling it with delightful aromas. This easy Starbucks-inspired coffee cake features fluffy yellow cake layered with rich cinnamon sugar, topped with buttery crumb, and finished with a sweet icing drizzle. Perfect for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet dessert alongside your favorite cup of coffee, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

This easy Starbucks coffee cake recipe is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a delightful experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Quick and simple to make, perfect for busy mornings.
Rich flavors reminiscent of your favorite coffee shop.
Perfectly moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream.
Versatile enough to serve at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.
Great for sharing with friends or family during gatherings.
Can be made ahead for those leisurely weekends.
Provides a comforting taste of nostalgia with every bite.
Uses common ingredients, making it easy to whip up!

This coffee cake like Starbucks is sure to become a household favorite.

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:

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert with coffee.
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
Ensure your butter is cold when making the crumb topping for extra crunch.

Best Ways to Serve Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but here are some serving ideas:

Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Enjoy it alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

To store, cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold!

Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake

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

The secret lies in using sour cream, which adds moisture and richness, making the cake fluffy and tender. Additionally, the cinnamon sugar layer brings that signature Starbucks flavor.

Can I make Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving or warm it slightly for a fresh-baked taste.

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

Be sure not to overmix the batter, which can result in a denser cake. Additionally, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Variations of Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Incorporate a layer of cream cheese in the middle for added richness.
Try a pumpkin spice version by adding pumpkin puree and adjusting spices.

With these variations, you can enjoy different flavors while keeping the essence of this moist coffee cake recipe similar to Starbucks intact!

Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe to Delight You - Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Muffins or Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies.

Easy Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe to Delight You - Copycat Starbucks Coffee Cake - additional detail

For more tips on baking, visit Mini Pistachio Tartlets Recipe and learn how to make Molten Lava Chocolate Cake.

For more information on the benefits of sour cream in baking, you can read this article on Sour Cream in Baking.