If you love bright flavors and easy baking, you’ll adore this Strawberry Coffee Cake recipe! I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a fluffy cake filled with fresh strawberries. Whether you want a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert, this recipe is perfect. You’ll impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to bake some deliciousness? Let’s dive into the details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Strawberries: The use of fresh strawberries not only adds a burst of flavor but also creates a beautiful, vibrant look that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This coffee cake is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick treat.
- Perfect with Coffee: The light, fluffy texture combined with the sweetness of the strawberries makes this cake a delightful pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or at room temperature, and feel free to customize it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
Dry Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Ingredients
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh strawberries give the cake its sweet and juicy flavor. The flour binds everything together. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder makes the cake rise. The vanilla extract enhances the taste. Salt balances the flavors, and cinnamon gives a warm touch.
If you want to add a sweet finish, use powdered sugar on top. This cake is easy to make and perfect for any time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add 2 eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Baking Process
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Alternate with 1 cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.
7. Gently fold in the macerated strawberries, including their juice. Be careful not to break them apart too much.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth it out.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving Tips
10. Remove the cake and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully.
11. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Cut into squares and place on a serving platter. Add a fresh strawberry on each square for a nice look. Enjoy with coffee or tea!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for the Perfect Texture
To make your strawberry coffee cake light and fluffy, focus on mixing well. Cream the butter and sugar until it’s soft and airy. This step adds air to the batter, which helps it rise. Make sure not to overmix once you add flour. Mix just until you see no dry spots. This keeps your cake tender and soft.
How to Properly Macerate Strawberries
Macerating strawberries is simple. Start by hulling and dicing them. Place the strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Use about 1 tablespoon of sugar for every cup of strawberries. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out their juices and makes them sweeter. You can use this juice in your batter for extra flavor.
Best Practices for Mixing Ingredients
Mixing ingredients correctly is key to a great cake. Start by creaming the butter and sugar. Then add eggs one by one, mixing well each time. For dry ingredients, use a separate bowl. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Alternate adding the dry mix and milk to the wet mix. Always start and end with dry ingredients. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents lumps.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake due to gluten development.
- Cooling Time: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape.
- Perfect Presentation: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish and added sweetness.
Variations
Flavor Combinations to Try
You can mix flavors to make this cake even better. Try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. The bright lemon pairs well with strawberries. You can also mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. For chocolate lovers, fold in some mini chocolate chips. Chocolate and strawberry create a delightful combo.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
If you need to make swaps, they are easy. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good texture. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter. This keeps the cake moist and adds flavor. If you’re watching sugar, try a sugar substitute. Just check the measurements on the package.
Seasonal Variations for Different Fruits
The best part about this cake is its flexibility. In summer, use fresh peaches or blueberries. They add a sweet and juicy touch. In fall, try diced apples or pears. They work well with cinnamon. In winter, cranberries can add a tart flavor. This cake is perfect for any season!
Storage Info
Best Methods for Storing Leftovers
To keep your coffee cake fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it. However, this may dry the cake out a bit. Always let it cool completely before storing.
Freezing Options for Later Use
You can freeze leftover coffee cake too. Slice it into pieces first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a slice anytime. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it in the microwave for a quick warm treat.
How to Revive Leftover Coffee Cake
If your cake gets a bit dry, don’t worry. You can revive it easily! Just warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will make it soft again. You can also drizzle a little milk on the slice before heating. For an extra touch, dust it with powdered sugar after warming. Enjoy your delightful treat!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them first. Drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy cake. Chop them into smaller pieces so they mix well into the batter. Frozen strawberries work great and still give a nice flavor.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. This way, you keep the same taste and texture without any dairy.
What beverages pair well with strawberry coffee cake?
Strawberry coffee cake pairs well with several drinks. A nice cup of coffee enhances its sweet flavors. You can also enjoy it with a hot cup of tea. For a refreshing twist, serve it with iced tea or a cool glass of lemonade.
In this post, we covered the fresh and dry ingredients you need for strawberry coffee cake. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy preparation and baking. You learned tips for the perfect texture and how to mix ingredients. We explored variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs, plus storage tips for leftovers.
Remember, with this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious treat any time. Happy bakin
