Strawberry Bliss Coffee Cake

$- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced - 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 - 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. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_4}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 baking!$

A delightful coffee cake infused with fresh strawberries, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
optional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently and set aside for about 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to macerate and release their juices.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even blending. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this could lead to a dense cake.
Carefully fold the macerated strawberries (along with any juice) into the cake batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it's cooked through.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
When ready to serve, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation if desired.

Notes

For an elegant touch, garnish each piece with a fresh strawberry on top.

Keyword coffee cake, dessert, strawberry