Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake

Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake is a moist, tender cake layered with sweet, juicy strawberries and a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with a buttery crumb topping. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break — a delicious way to celebrate fresh berry season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, buttery cake with a creamy, cheesecake-like layer.
• Fresh strawberries add bright, juicy flavor.
• Irresistible crumb topping for the perfect texture.
• Great make-ahead option for brunch or gatherings.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh berries.
• Feels special but is easy to make.
• Delicious warm or chilled.
• Freezer-friendly for leftovers.
• Versatile — use different berries if you like.
• A showstopper for any breakfast or dessert table!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the strawberry layer:

• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to prevent sinking)

For the crumb topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
2. Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, sugars, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly; set aside.
3. Make the cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth; set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add butter, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until just combined and smooth — do not overmix.
6. Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Gently spread cream cheese filling over batter.
7. Toss chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then sprinkle evenly over cream cheese layer.
8. Drop remaining batter in spoonfuls over strawberries and spread gently.
9. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the top.
10. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes about 10–12 servings. Prep time: 20 minutes; Bake time: 45–55 minutes.

Variations

• Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries.
• Add a hint of lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness.
• Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze before serving.
• Make in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch (adjust bake time).
• Use strawberry jam swirled in if fresh berries aren’t available.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover coffee cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve cold or gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. To freeze, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes — thaw and drain them well, then toss with flour to prevent extra moisture.

Do I need a springform pan?

It’s helpful for easy removal, but a regular baking pan works too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s delicious the next day once the flavors meld.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely — plain Greek yogurt works perfectly.

How do I keep the crumb topping crumbly?

Use melted butter and don’t overmix; it should look like coarse crumbs.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why toss the berries in flour?

It helps keep them from sinking to the bottom.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The center should be set and a toothpick should come out clean.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Chopped pecans or almonds are delicious in the crumb topping.

Is this good cold?

Yes! It’s delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake is a bakery-worthy treat you can make right at home — soft, buttery cake, sweet cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a golden crumb topping in every bite. Perfect for brunches, showers, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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