Strawberry Coffee Cake

About Strawberry Coffee Cake

Strawberry Coffee Cake is a delightful and aromatic treat, characterized by its soft, moist texture and the scrumptious burst of fresh strawberries. This cake combines the rich flavors of buttery cake with juicy strawberries, making each bite a harmonious experience. The cake boasts a slightly crisp, crumbly topping that adds a contrasting texture, making it irresistible.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Coffee Cake

Complete Ingredients List

To bake a delightful Strawberry Coffee Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

• For the Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts or pecans)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some practical substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with vinegar as a non-dairy alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Lower Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or coconut sugar.
• Vegan: Swap out the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

For a twist of flavor, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract in the cake batter for a fragrant enhancement.

How to Make Strawberry Coffee Cake

Creating a succulent Strawberry Coffee Cake can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Follow along for precise instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that the leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Create the Batter

To the dry mixture, add softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix on medium speed using an electric mixer until the batter becomes smooth and creamy. Aim for a consistency free of lumps, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to break them up too much. The goal is to evenly distribute them throughout the batter while maintaining their shape.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Add nuts if desired, and mix until well-combined.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously across the surface. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. This step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Step 8: Serve

Once cooled, slice the Strawberry Coffee Cake into squares and serve. You may wish to dust with powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for an added touch.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Coffee Cake

How to Serve Strawberry Coffee Cake

Strawberry Coffee Cake is delightful whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled—making it versatile for any occasion. For the best taste and experience, warm slices just slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving to enhance the flavor and aroma.

When plating, consider using a large, elegant cake stand to display the cake prominently, making it a centerpiece at your gathering. For a delightful presentation, add a few whole strawberries or mint leaves for garnish.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

To elevate the experience, consider pairing the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light drizzle of strawberry glaze or chocolate sauce can also bring a luxurious element to the dish. Hot coffee, tea, or even freshly squeezed lemonade are excellent beverages to accompany the cake, enhancing its delightful flavor profile.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Coffee Cake

Best Storage Methods

To store any leftover Strawberry Coffee Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months while retaining its taste and texture.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

When reheating frozen Strawberry Coffee Cake, it is best to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. To warm slices, heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or place a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, keeping it covered with foil to retain moisture while heating.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Coffee Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
2. Not Measuring Properly: Baking relies heavily on accurate measurements. Use a kitchen scale or dry measuring cups for precision.
3. Underbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. An underbaked cake can lead to a gooey center, while overbaking dries it out.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries may work but can release excess moisture, affecting the cake’s texture.
• Chilling the Dough: For a more structured coffee cake, chill the batter for about 30 minutes before baking, which can enhance the final shape and texture.

Fun Variations of Strawberry Coffee Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Get creative with flavor by adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix strawberries with banana for a new take on flavor. For a luxe twist, consider incorporating chocolate chips or a swirl of jam or cheesecake layer into the batter.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

• Sugar-Free Version: Substitute sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to create a sugar-free option.
• Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour to keep the carbs low without sacrificing taste.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Coffee Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cake turns out dry, it may have been baked too long. If it’s dense and heavy, it might have been overmixed. Always check for doneness with a toothpick, and remember to allow the cake to cool properly before slicing.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, always bake fresh when you’re ready to serve. However, if you prefer, you can bake it ahead of time and store it, as detailed above.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Common substitutions for allergies include using gluten-free flour blends or nut milk instead of dairy. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, consider frozen ones, ensuring to drain excess moisture before integrating them into the recipe.

Print