Cozy Autumn Coffee Cake Made with Boxed Cake Mix

There’s something magical about baking on a crisp morning — the smell of cinnamon in the air, the hum of the oven, and that first warm bite of something sweet with your coffee. This easy Coffee Cake made with boxed cake mix is the definition of cozy comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade (even though it starts with a simple box of cake mix), and it fills your home with that sweet, cinnamon-sugar aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s baking?”

In true Haunted Little Kitchen fashion, this recipe turns a pantry staple into a warm, family-friendly treat. With a buttery crumb layer baked right in and a sweet vanilla glaze drizzled on top, this cake tastes like it came from your favorite fall bakery — but takes less than an hour to make.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake

• Simple and quick: Starts with a yellow boxed cake mix — no fancy equipment or techniques needed.

• Perfectly cozy: Brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla make your whole house smell like autumn.

• Easy to elevate: A few small swaps make it taste like it was made completely from scratch.

• Family favorite: Ideal for brunch, bake sales, or lazy weekend mornings.

The Story Behind the Recipe

I wanted to make something simple and easy with ingredients I already had on hand — something that would embrace the spirit of autumn and make the house smell delicious. I also wanted to do something fun with my daughter, who absolutely loves helping me in the kitchen.

This recipe turned out to be the perfect fit for all of those things. It’s quick, cozy, and simple enough that she could take the lead in mixing and assembling. She had so much fun stirring the cake batter and squishing the butter into the crumble topping with her hands — her favorite part! By the time it came out of the oven, the house smelled like pure fall bliss: cake and cinnamon filling every corner. And the end result? Absolutely delish.

Now it’s one of our go-to fall baking traditions — a warm, sweet reminder that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated to be special.

Print & Whisk🥄

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 yellow boxed cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box — usually water, oil, and eggs)

For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

• 1 stick cold, unsalted butter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk, water, or fruit juice (adjust for consistency)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a bundt pan — I like to use coconut oil because it leaves the cake extra smooth, but any nonstick spray or butter will do.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions (usually adding water, oil, and eggs).

👩‍🍳 Cozy Shortcut Upgrade: For a richer, more homemade flavor, substitute milk for the water, use melted butter instead of oil, and add one extra egg to the mix. This gives the cake a bakery-style taste and a beautiful golden crumb.

Set the batter aside while you prepare the topping.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly — think soft sand with buttery clumps.

🕯️ Mom tip: Don’t stress about perfection — the more rustic the crumbs, the better the texture once baked!

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter on top and gently swirl once with a butter knife if you want that marbled effect.
Top with the remaining crumb mixture, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Your kitchen will fill with that sweet cinnamon smell — pure autumn comfort.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk (or your preferred liquid) in a small bowl until smooth.
Adjust the thickness as needed — use less liquid for a thick icing or a little more for a delicate drizzle.
Add vanilla extract (or even almond or maple) for a flavorful twist.

🍎 Cozy twist: Try using apple cider instead of milk for a subtle fall flavor.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.
Carefully remove it from the pan and drizzle the glaze over the top while it’s still warm — not hot.
The icing will set at room temperature, creating a soft, sweet shell.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Slice, serve, and enjoy with your favorite warm drink — coffee, tea, or even hot cocoa. Cozy blanket optional, but strongly encouraged.

Cozy Serving Ideas

• Pair with a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea for the ultimate fall breakfast.

• Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle toasted pecans for extra crunch.

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.

• Add to your holiday brunch menu — it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Tips & Tricks

• Homemade upgrade: Swap milk for water, melted butter for oil, and add one extra egg to make the boxed mix taste bakery-fresh.

• Cold butter matters: Keep the butter cold for a crumbly, crunchy topping.

• Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined for a soft, fluffy crumb.

• Perfect glaze timing: Drizzle when the cake is warm so it sets beautifully as it cools.

• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 5, or freeze slices for later.

👻 From My Haunted Little Kitchen

This recipe is the essence of what Haunted Little Home is all about — finding comfort in simple things and turning ordinary moments into something special. It’s not about perfection or fancy techniques; it’s about warmth, connection, and creating memories.

When I bake this cake, the house fills with that nostalgic, buttery-cinnamon smell that feels like a hug. I usually pour myself a cup of coffee, sit near the window, and take a quiet moment before the day gets busy.

Simple, sweet, and full of heart — this Coffee Cake is one of those little joys that make a home feel extra cozy.