Strawberry Coffee Cake

Strawberry Coffee Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, featuring soft, moist cake layers with bursts of fresh strawberries and a buttery streusel topping. It is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Coffee Cake offers everything you want in a comforting homemade bake. The moist cake base provides a tender bite, the juicy strawberries add freshness and flavor, and the crumbly streusel topping delivers a pleasant crunch. It is simple to prepare, versatile enough for casual or special occasions, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Additionally, this cake stores well, making it a convenient make-ahead option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Granulated sugar

• Unsalted butter

• Eggs

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Vanilla extract

• Fresh strawberries (diced)

• Brown sugar

• Cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract.

4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

5. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

6. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.

7. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon with a bit of flour and butter to make the streusel topping.

8. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel.

9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This Strawberry Coffee Cake serves 8–10 people.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 45 minutes

• Cooling time: 15 minutes

• Total time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

• Use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches instead of strawberries for a different fruit flavor.

• Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the streusel for extra crunch.

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

• Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk drizzled over the cooled cake for added sweetness.

Storage/reheating

• Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

2. Do I need to peel the strawberries before using them?

No, simply wash and hull the strawberries before dicing.

3. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, it can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

4. What type of pan works best for this cake?

An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan works well, though a round springform pan can also be used.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

6. Is it necessary to use sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness, but Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative.

7. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

8. Can I add a glaze on top of the cake?

Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese glaze complements this cake beautifully.

9. Can I serve this cake warm?

Yes, serving warm enhances the flavor and makes the streusel topping extra fragrant.

10. Is this cake suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely, Strawberry Coffee Cake is often enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or brunch option.

Conclusion

Strawberry Coffee Cake is a classic treat that combines tender cake, fresh fruit, and a crumbly topping for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.

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