This Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful treat, offering a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese in a tender cake. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for delicious cake recipes with cream cheese that are both easy to make and impressive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor in the cake.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) work well. Other berries like blueberries or raspberries are also delicious.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream, adding a similar tang and moisture.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar for the crumb topping. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside.
3. Combine Dry Cake Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the cake. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined before adding the wet components.
4. Mix Wet Cake Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. This creates the liquid base for your tender coffee cake.
5. Combine Cake Batters
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is the luscious cream cheese layer.
7. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
In a small bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. This helps the strawberries release their juices and thicken slightly during baking.
8. Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter, leaving a small border. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese, then top with the remaining cake batter. Finish by sprinkling the crumb topping generously over everything.
9. Bake Your Coffee Cake
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing to allow the cake and fillings to set.
Variation Ideas
- Lemon Zest: Add one tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a brighter flavor.
- Nutty Crumb: Include ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumb topping.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a different twist.
- Different Berries: Experiment with blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for your cake recipes with cream cheese.
Storage Instructions
Store your Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before tossing them with sugar and cornstarch.
Why did my cream cheese filling sink?
This usually happens if the filling is too thin or the cake batter isn’t thick enough. Ensure your cream cheese is softened, and follow the ingredient measurements closely.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it one day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How do I know if the cake is fully baked?
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached, it’s done.
Can I use a different size pan?
An 8×8 inch pan is recommended. If you use a different size, adjust baking time as needed; a larger pan might bake faster, a smaller one might take longer.
Is this suitable for breakfast or dessert?
Absolutely! This versatile cake is perfect for either a special breakfast or a delightful dessert, fitting right into your collection of cake recipes with cream cheese.