The Trader Joe’s Boxed Cake Mix That My Guests Think Is My Grandma's Recipe

I’ve made Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix for three parties and almost every person who tries it immediately asks if it's my grandma’s or mom’s recipe—and if they can have it before they leave. I won’t deny it. With each opportunity, I considered playing this off as a from-scratch cake but my conscience got the better of me. I also didn’t have a recipe to hand over, so that would have created a bit of a flaw in the plan, anyway (Plus, Jamie Lee Curtis’ favorite cake starts with a box mix, so I'm in good company!).

What I did have to hand over was either an extra box of this coffee cake mix (yes, I stocked up), the link to this item on the Trader Joe's website, or a picture of what the box looks like. I also had a few tips for baking the best version of this cake, plus some suggestions for somehow making it even better. Of course, if there was anything left, the best thing I had to offer was leftovers.

Tips for Making TJ's Cinnamon Crumb Cake Coffee Cake

Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake is perfectly moist, sweet, and spiced. Be sure to pick up a box (or four) on your next Trader Joe’s run, and enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet little snack throughout the day with a cup of tea or coffee.

Now that I've made it a few times, I have some tips and suggestions for whipping up this simple, classic, no-muss no-fuss cinnamon coffee cake. Serve it at your next party, and I promise everyone will be asking for your family recipe, too!

Bring ingredients to room temperature.

Let the eggs, milk or water, and butter reach room temperature before mixing the coffee cake batter together. This will allow the ingredients to bond and blend and help achieve a smooth, evenly mixed batter with no lumps.

Use milk instead of water.

I’ve found that milk results in a coffee cake that has a denser, more moist, and slightly creamier texture. When I think of homemade, from-scratch cake, this is the rich flavor and texture I think of. I find that adding water to the mixture results in less flavorful, slightly drier cake.

Coat the pan or baking dish with butter and flour.

The box suggests doing one of these as a step to prep your pan. I find that coating the pan in softened butter or cooking spray, then lightly sprinkling on some flour, is a sure way to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan, and results in a beautifully and evenly golden coffee cake.

Use a fork or pastry cutter and your hands to form the crumbs.

The reason I swear by this is because it helps to create different-sized crumbs. Begin by using a fork or pastry cutter (my personal preference) to incorporate the softened butter into the crumb mix. Once it is mostly combined, use clean hands to continue working the crumb mixture, forming large, chunky crumbs with your hands.

Opt for crumbs on top, rather than in the middle.

This is definitely a personal preference. I’ve tried both methods, and I completely prefer a thick, generous layer of crumbs on top rather than scattered throughout the middle. First of all, I think it looks prettier for serving. Secondly, when the crumbs are placed on top, they bake to a crisp, golden finish that you just won’t get by placing them in the center.

How to Level Up the Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake

Now, let me be clear. This coffee cake is absolutely delicious on its own, and I don’t say that often about boxed cake mix. I find that they almost always need an extra little something. If you'd like to make this coffee cake even more scrumption, I’ve played around with this mix a bit, and I’ve got some great tips.

Add Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste

I almost always add an extra 1 to 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract or Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste to any boxed cake mix or prepared frosting. Many prepared mixes contain natural vanilla, but it’s not as strong as extract or paste. Adding this will enhance the flavors and aroma of the batter, making the cake taste more like a homemade one.

Swap Sour Cream or Buttermilk Instead of Milk or Water

Coffee cake made with a touch of tang is absolutely delicious. The balance of flavor is lovely. Substituting the same amount of milk or water this mix calls (2/3 cup) with sour cream or buttermilk will give it a slightly tangy taste, and an even denser texture. Both of these options are very thick and fatty dairy products, so they’ll go a long way in stepping up your coffee cake game.

Add Pops of Texture

If you’re someone who craves texture, feel free to get creative here with some mix-ins! After mixing the coffee cake batter, add a handful or two of your favorite little bits to enjoy with each bite of dessert. Suggestions include chocolate chips, raisins, shredded coconut, or my personal favorite, chopped walnuts. Have fun with it!

Serve With Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, you can’t go wrong topping this moist, spiced cinnamon cake with a spoonful of plump, vibrant, juicy berries, and a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. It looks beautiful on the plate, too!