Coffee Cake Recipe Using Krusteaz Waffle Mix

Quick Answer

• Yes, you can make coffee cake using Krusteaz Waffle Mix as a base.
• The mix provides a convenient shortcut for the cake’s structure.
• You’ll need to add ingredients like eggs, oil, and milk or water to the mix.
• A streusel topping is essential for a classic coffee cake flavor and texture.
• Consider adding a touch of cinnamon or coffee extract to enhance the coffee flavor.
• Adjust liquid amounts based on desired cake consistency.

Using Krusteaz Waffle Mix is a fantastic shortcut for a quick and delicious coffee cake. It provides the perfect base for a tender crumb.

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• DELICIOUSLY LIGHT: Take your taste buds on a trip abroad with Krusteaz Belgian Waffles. Enjoy the crispy outside and the warm sweet inside of a perfect, golden brown Belgian waffle.
• EASY TO MAKE: Add eggs, oil, and water to your mix. Whisk away, drop batter onto your waffle iron, then wait until your waffle is a glowing golden brown.
• MAKE IT YOUR OWN: Waffles are the perfect food for true makers. Whip up an amazing brunch with Belgian waffles, whipped cream and berries. Or use our waffles as a taco shell or bread for a savory sandwich. Make waffle art by building log cabins or sculptures. The only limit is your imagination.
• INGREDIENTS WE’RE PROUD OF: Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix is made with no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives.
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: Every order of this waffle mix includes two, 28-ounce boxes with a shelf life from production of 548 days. This box is great for keeping Krusteaz mix on hand whenever you crave it!

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Who This Is For

• Home bakers looking for a quick and easy coffee cake recipe.
• Those who have Krusteaz Waffle Mix on hand and want to repurpose it.
• Beginners in baking who want a reliable starting point for coffee cake.

What to Check First

Brewer Type and Filter Type

While this article focuses on coffee cake, if you were brewing coffee to serve alongside, you’d want to ensure your coffee maker is clean and using the correct filter type for your machine. For baking, this section is less relevant.

Water Quality and Temperature

For baking, using good quality water (filtered is often best) can subtly impact the final taste. While the temperature isn’t critical for the cake batter itself, preheating your oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even baking.

Grind Size and Coffee Freshness

In the context of a coffee cake, the “coffee” element usually comes from spices or extracts, not brewed coffee. If you were adding finely ground coffee to the batter for flavor, freshness would be important, but typically, this recipe relies on other flavorings.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

This is irrelevant for a coffee cake recipe. The ratio of dry to wet ingredients in the batter is what matters for texture.

Cleanliness/Descale Status

Ensure your oven is clean and free of old food debris. A clean oven bakes more evenly. Also, make sure your baking pans are clean and properly greased or lined to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step (Coffee Cake Workflow Using Krusteaz Waffle Mix)

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

• What Good Looks Like: A uniformly heated oven and a well-prepared pan that will prevent sticking.
• Common Mistake: Not preheating the oven, leading to uneven baking and a dense cake. Avoid this by setting the oven first.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients (Cake Base): In a large bowl, combine the Krusteaz Waffle Mix with any additional dry ingredients like sugar (if the mix isn’t sweet enough for your liking), baking powder (check the mix’s ingredients to avoid over-leavening), and salt.

• What Good Looks Like: All dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Common Mistake: Clumps of mix or sugar. Stir thoroughly to ensure uniformity.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients (Cake Base): In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter or oil, and milk or water. For a coffee flavor boost, you could substitute some of the liquid with cooled strong coffee or add a teaspoon of coffee extract.

• What Good Looks Like: A smooth, emulsified mixture with no distinct separation of liquids.
• Common Mistake: Not fully whisking the eggs, which can lead to a less tender cake. Ensure yolks and whites are well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.

• What Good Looks Like: The batter is just beginning to come together.
• Common Mistake: Overmixing. Stop as soon as the ingredients are mostly combined. Lumps are okay.

5. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg or a tablespoon of finely ground instant coffee.

• What Good Looks Like: A crumbly mixture that holds together when squeezed.
• Common Mistake: Using melted butter instead of softened butter, which will result in a greasy, less crumbly topping.

6. Assemble the Cake: Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle about half of the streusel topping over this layer.

• What Good Looks Like: An even layer of batter and a good distribution of streusel.
• Common Mistake: Uneven spreading of batter, leading to some parts being thicker than others. Use a spatula to gently spread.

7. Add Remaining Batter and Topping: Dollop the remaining batter over the first streusel layer, then spread gently. Top with the remaining streusel mixture.

• What Good Looks Like: The streusel is evenly distributed over the top layer of batter.
• Common Mistake: Trying to spread the top batter too thinly, which can pull the streusel off. Gently dollop and spread.

8. Bake the Coffee Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• What Good Looks Like: The cake is golden brown, and the topping is slightly crisp.
• Common Mistake: Opening the oven door too early or too often, which can cause the cake to sink. Wait until near the end of the baking time to check.

9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

• What Good Looks Like: The cake has set and is firm enough to handle.
• Common Mistake: Trying to remove the cake from the pan while too hot, risking breakage. Patience is key here.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Decision Rules

• If your Krusteaz Waffle Mix seems very dense, then you might need to add a tablespoon or two more liquid to the batter because a too-thick batter can result in a dry cake.
• If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, then consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the streusel topping because this will infuse the topping with coffee notes.
• If the top of your coffee cake starts browning too quickly, then loosely tent it with aluminum foil because this will protect the topping from burning while the cake finishes baking.
• If you want a moister cake, then consider substituting half of the milk or water with strong, cooled brewed coffee because coffee can enhance the cake’s flavor and moisture.
• If your batter seems too thin after mixing, then add a tablespoon of waffle mix at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency because a batter that is too thin will bake unevenly.
• If you want a sweeter streusel topping, then add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the streusel mixture because this will enhance its sweetness.
• If you find your cake is not rising well, then check the baking powder in your waffle mix or consider adding a small amount of fresh baking powder (about 1/2 teaspoon) because expired leavening agents lose their power.
• If you’re using a darker waffle mix, then you may need to reduce the baking time slightly because darker mixes can sometimes bake faster.
• If you want a slightly richer cake, then substitute some of the oil or melted butter with melted unsalted butter because butter adds a richer flavor profile.
• If the cake is done but still a bit moist on top, then you can turn on the broiler for 30-60 seconds to crisp up the streusel, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning because broilers are intense.

FAQ

Can I use any type of Krusteaz waffle mix?

Generally, yes. The original Krusteaz Buttermilk Waffle Mix is a common choice. If you use a flavored mix, it might alter the final taste of your coffee cake.

How much coffee should I add for flavor?

For a subtle coffee note, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the streusel topping or replacing a few tablespoons of the liquid in the batter with cooled strong brewed coffee. Avoid adding too much, as it can make the batter too wet.

What if I don’t have a waffle mix?

This recipe is specifically designed to use Krusteaz Waffle Mix. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to find a traditional coffee cake recipe that uses all-purpose flour and other standard baking ingredients.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe relies on the specific formulation of Krusteaz Waffle Mix. To make a gluten-free version, you would need to use a gluten-free waffle mix or a dedicated gluten-free coffee cake recipe.

How long does this coffee cake last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it should stay fresh for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a classic addition to the streusel topping. Mini chocolate chips can also be folded into the batter or sprinkled on top.

What This Page Does Not Cover (And Where to Go Next)

• Detailed explanations of specific leavening agents and their chemical reactions in baking.
• Advanced cake decorating techniques beyond a simple streusel topping.
• The history of coffee cake or the Krusteaz brand.
• Comparisons of different brands of waffle mix for baking purposes.
• Recipes for brewing coffee to serve with your cake.