Graham Streusel Coffee Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Graham Streusel Coffee Cake offers a delightful blend of crunchy graham cracker streusel topping and moist, tender cake. Enhanced with cinnamon and pecans, it's perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, nutty flavors with a hint of spice. An inviting treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup margarine or butter, melted
  • 1 to 2 layer yellow or white cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • powdered sugar icing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the streusel topping.
  3. Stir in melted margarine or butter until the mixture is crumbly; set aside.
  4. Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix according to package instructions, adding eggs, water, and oil.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  6. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter.
  7. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine or butter with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to mix the cake batter just until combined to ensure a light texture. This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and serves well alongside fresh fruit or a cup of coffee.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful coffee cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar icing for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent option, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cake is a great addition to any brunch spread or dessert table.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Graham Streusel Coffee Cake contains roughly 529 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 46g fat.

529 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 45.7g 59% DV
Carbs 30.2g 11% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 17g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 121.4mg 5% DV
Potassium 137.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 22.1mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 65.5mg 5% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! While yellow or white cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with chocolate or even spice cake mixes for a unique twist. Just be mindful of how the flavors will complement the graham cracker and pecan streusel topping.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this coffee cake gluten-free, substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure the graham cracker crumbs are certified gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without gluten.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this coffee cake a day in advance. Bake it, let it cool completely, and store it covered at room temperature. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar icing right before serving for the best presentation.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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