Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Coffee Cake Recipe
You’re going to love this Strawberry Coffee Cake recipe because it’s the perfect blend of sweetness and freshness.
The moment you take a bite, you’ll taste the juicy strawberries melting in your mouth, perfectly harmonizing with the soft, moist cake.
It’s an ideal treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, and trust me, your coffee will never taste better!
I’ve made this cake countless times, and it always brings smiles to my family and friends.
Plus, it’s easy to whip up, so you can enjoy this delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give it a try!
Ingredients of Strawberry Coffee Cake
When it comes to baking something delightful, having the right ingredients is half the battle. For this Strawberry Coffee Cake, you’ll want to gather some pantry staples along with fresh strawberries to create that sweet, fruity goodness.
Trust me, once you see how simple the ingredients are, you’ll be ready to jump into this delicious recipe. Just picture it: a warm slice of cake, bursting with juicy strawberries, accompanied by a cup of coffee. Sounds heavenly, right? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Strawberry Coffee Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for the topping)
- 1/4 cup cold butter (for the topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for the topping)
Now, let’s chat about a few considerations regarding these ingredients. First off, using fresh strawberries is key! Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but they tend to make the cake soggy—nobody wants a soggy cake, right?
And while I love pecans for that extra crunch, you could swap them out for walnuts or even leave them out if you’re not a fan. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can play around with the sugar; a little less might work if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Trust your taste buds, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. The best part of baking is making the recipe your own. So, ready to get your bake on?
How to Make Strawberry Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making your Strawberry Coffee Cake. First things first, grab a mixing bowl and toss in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give those dry ingredients a good stir to mix them up. It’s like a little dance party for your flour and sugar—just without the glitter.
Now, in another bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This is where the magic begins. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, but don’t go overboard—just stir until everything is moistened. You want it to be a little lumpy, like me when I try to do yoga.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased 8-inch square baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, take those beautiful, fresh strawberries—1 1/2 to 2 cups of them, sliced—and scatter them generously over the top. Seriously, don’t be shy. Those strawberries are the star of the show.
Now, let’s whip up that fabulous crumb topping. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of sugar. Then, with a pastry blender (or, if you’re like me and don’t have one, just use your trusty fork), cut in 1/4 cup of cold butter until you get a texture that resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for that perfect crunch. Now sprinkle this topping evenly over the strawberries—it’s like putting a cozy blanket on your cake.
Now, preheat your oven to 375°F and let the baking begin. Pop that cake into the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden pick comes out clean—just like how I feel when I finally find matching socks.
The fragrant aroma of strawberries and buttery goodness will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. Once it’s out, let it cool for a bit before slicing. And there you have it, your Strawberry Coffee Cake, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, or even just a good book. Happy baking!
Strawberry Coffee Cake Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious Strawberry Coffee Cake, you might want to explore some substitutions and variations to make it your own.
For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re out of strawberries, try using blueberries or raspberries instead for a different fruity twist.
You can also replace the milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or lemon zest.
Finally, if you want a nut-free cake, simply omit the pecans from the topping. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!
What to Serve with Strawberry Coffee Cake
While enjoying a slice of Strawberry Coffee Cake, I often find that pairing it with the right accompaniments elevates the experience.
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast that complements the cake’s fruity flavor. I also love serving it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a invigorating glass of iced tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
For a touch of elegance, fresh mint leaves can brighten the plate.
Whatever you choose, these simple additions enhance the joy of indulging in this delicious dessert. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite pairings!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Strawberry Coffee Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients carefully and using fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
If you can’t find ripe strawberries, frozen ones work in a pinch, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter or topping.
If you prefer a nut-free version, simply skip the pecans.
This cake also stores well; cover it and keep it in the fridge for a few days.
Just reheat it slightly before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!