Name: Cake Mix Buttermilk Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 ½ cups homemade cake mix; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Another classic homemade cake mix recipe for you to try! This irresistible cake mix buttermilk cake frosted with cinnamon buttercream is so simple yet so comforting.

Maybe it’s because this cake is similar to coffee cake, but we find this easy cake recipe extremely comforting. It’s so moist, slightly tangy, and full of cinnamon spice. When it comes out of the oven, I just want to devour it before it gets frosted – but we can’t leave out frosting, right?!

fork cutting into a piece of cake on a plate

What’s To Love About This Cake?

It’s SO simple. With our homemade cake mix recipe, you have the same ease of a box mix cake but with all of the amazing qualities of a homemade cake!
Buttermilk and cinnamon. If you don’t like a classic buttermilk cake, then you’re simply wrong. (Not really, but I don’t think there are many people who wouldn’t enjoy this cake).
It takes about 5 minutes to whip up and get in the oven. If there’s anything better than that when making a cake, let me know.

What is Homemade Cake Mix?

We’ll spare you the long explanation and just say this: It’s a mixture of ingredients that you can mix up in bulk and store for a long time – and it’s the base ingredient of this amazing cake recipe.

This mix is great to use because it’s so incredibly easy. And no, the preparing of the cake mix is not long and tedious either.

ingredients for cake mix buttermilk cake

What does Buttermilk Do to Cake?

What’s the difference between buttermilk in a cake and just plain milk? Buttermilk gives your cakes a more tangy flavor. Because it’s acidic, it can easily break down gluten in your cake, which makes your cake softer and more moist. The flavor of it isn’t too noticeable, but we love the subtle tang it gives to this cake.

How to Make Buttermilk

Buttermilk can be found in your local grocery store. But if you’re unable to get some, don’t worry! For every one cup of milk, add in a tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Whole milk is best for this, but any milk will work.

To achieve best results, let the milk and vinegar mixture sit for a few minutes before adding to your recipe.

Can I Use Sour Cream Instead of Buttermilk?

Sour cream can also be a substitute for buttermilk! To do this, add 3-4 tablespoons of regular milk into a 1 cup measuring cup, and fill the rest of the measuring cup with sour cream.

What’s the Difference Between Buttermilk Cake and Coffee Cake?

The most identifiable difference between buttermilk cake and coffee cake is how it is made. While the batter may be similar, coffee cake tends to have a cinnamon-sugar streusel on top of the cake. It’s also common to put glaze on a coffee cake, while buttermilk cake is frosted. The difference gets slightly confusing, though, because coffee cake is often made with buttermilk!

How to Make Buttermilk Cake

This recipe doesn’t require any extra mixing or sifting. Simply add the cake mix, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and buttermilk into a mixing bowl and mix in the stand mixer with the paddle attachment. After it’s combined, it’s ready to go in the oven!

If you’re worried about the cake sticking to the pan, use this amazing cake release mixture. We use this for all of our cakes and they come out clean EVERY time!

Frosting Options for This Cake

Once your cake is cooled, you can frost it with your frosting of choice. Here are a few options for you to pick from:

Why Does My Cake Fall in the Middle?

For cakes that will easily sink in the middle, it’s best to leave them in the oven for the amount of time that the recipe calls for. Even opening the oven slightly can release cold air into the oven, resulting in the uncooked center to sink down. Use an oven light to estimate when your cake may be done.

Our recommendation for this cake is to not open until at least the 30 minute mark, if not the 35 minute mark.

How to Store Cake

This cake will keep if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, if you want to store it for a longer period of time, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap, store in an airtight container and place in the freezer. Especially when using buttercream frosting, it’s important to keep your cake cold for long term storage.