Irresistible Strawberry Coffee Cake Recipes Today
Discover delicious and easy Strawberry Coffee Cake recipes that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. This delightful Strawberry Coffee Cake combines moist, tender crumb with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and a buttery crumble topping, making it your next go-to treat for any time of day. Whether you crave a cozy morning indulgence or a lovely afternoon pick-me-up, this cake brings that perfect mix of fruitiness and rich texture everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Fruity Flavor: The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries shines through, giving every bite a juicy burst.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: A tender crumb that stays moist, thanks to simple ingredients that work beautifully together.
- Simple to Make: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh strawberries, ideal for home bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert anytime you crave something sweet.
- Beautiful Presentation: A vibrant pop of red from the strawberries makes this cake look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for this Strawberry Coffee Cake plays an essential role, creating a balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. From fresh strawberries adding brightness to the buttery crumble topping for contrast, these simple ingredients come together effortlessly.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor and color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb to the cake.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust.
- Butter: Gives richness and moistness, both in the cake batter and crumble topping.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Milk: Keeps the cake tender and light while balancing out the batter.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for that perfect soft cake height.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm spice accent that pairs so well with strawberries.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances depth of flavor naturally without overpowering the strawberries.
Variations for Strawberry Coffee Cake
The beauty of this Strawberry Coffee Cake is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to switch up flavors, accommodate dietary needs, or simply try something new, these variations keep the basics intact while letting you get creative in the kitchen.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend without sacrificing texture.
- Vegan Variation: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based delight.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Citrus Infusion: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, fresh note.
- Mixed Berry Version: Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a colorful berry medley.
How to Make Strawberry Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and hull one to two cups of fresh strawberries, then dice them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the strawberries lightly with a tablespoon of sugar to bring out their juices while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the sugared diced strawberries over that layer, then cover with the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the strawberries and then evenly sprinkle the crumble topping on top.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this over the assembled cake to create the signature crunchy topping that contrasts the soft cake beautifully.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to let the flavors meld perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Coffee Cake
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Avoid canned or frozen for best texture and flavor; fresh berries shine brightest.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Cold Butter for Crumble: Use cold butter when making the topping to get a perfect crumbly texture.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the cake’s center to avoid overbaking which can dry the cake out.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use ingredients like eggs and butter at room temp for better batter consistency.
How to Serve Strawberry Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Top freshly sliced Strawberry Coffee Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze to amplify the creamy fruit flavors. Sprinkle a few fresh strawberry slices and a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for irresistible presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a classic combo. For a fuller breakfast or brunch spread, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, yogurt, or fresh fruit salad for a beautiful balance of sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into squares for an inviting brunch buffet or serve as individual mini cakes in ramekins for a charming touch at gatherings. You can even layer with fresh strawberries and whipped cream to turn it into a quick trifle for dessert occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to enjoy its delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive that moist, freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Coffee Cake?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones by thawing and draining excess liquid before adding them, though the cake may be a little more moist.
Is this Strawberry Coffee Cake suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The flavors are mild and naturally sweet, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike for breakfast or dessert.
How long does Strawberry Coffee Cake stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator or two days at room temperature.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk for a delicious dairy-free version.
What’s the best pan size for baking this cake?
A 9×9-inch square baking pan or an 8×8-inch pan works perfectly to get that ideal thickness and baking time for this cake.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Coffee Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, combining simplicity with sensational flavors that bring a smile every time. Whether you’re sharing it over a cozy breakfast or enjoying a sweet break, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. Grab fresh strawberries and bake your next favorite treat today!
