strawberry crumb cake

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Slice of strawberry crumb cake with layers of fresh strawberries, cream, and crumb topping on a white plate

Strawberry crumb cake is a delightful combination of soft cake, juicy strawberries, and a buttery crumb topping. It’s the perfect dessert for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this cake is a must-try.

By combining fresh strawberries with a crunchy crumb topping, this recipe achieves a balance between sweet and tart flavors. In fact, if you want to elevate the taste even more, you could check out this similar recipe for applesauce crumb cake for inspiration on how to incorporate different flavors into your crumb cake.

The Secret to a Perfect Strawberry Crumb Cake

To achieve the best results, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients and follow the right techniques. Not only does the combination of a moist cake and crispy crumb topping make this dessert a crowd-pleaser, but it also makes it incredibly versatile. For instance, to make the experience even more enjoyable, consider pairing the cake with a refreshing summer beverage like an orange creamsicle moonshine.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crumb Cake

Fresh ingredients for strawberry crumb cake, including strawberries, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk, laid out on a kitchen counter
Essential ingredients for making a strawberry crumb cake, with fresh strawberries, flour, butter, sugar, and more, ready for baking.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect strawberry crumb cake:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cold butter for a flaky crumb topping
  • Eggs add richness and structure
  • Buttermilk to provide a tender crumb
  • Baking powder to help the cake rise
  • Fresh strawberries for natural sweetness
  • Cinnamon (optional) for a warm, subtle spice in the topping

Furthermore, if you want to experiment with other variations, consider using cream cheese in the mix. You might also enjoy this similar recipe for a strawberry pie cream cheese crumb cake to give your dessert an extra creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Strawberry Crumb Cake

Step-by-step process of making strawberry crumb cake, with batter being mixed, crumb topping prepared, and fresh strawberries folded in.
Detailed process of preparing a strawberry crumb cake, including mixing the batter, preparing the crumb topping, and folding in fresh strawberries.

1. Prepare the Crumb Topping:

  • Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to form coarse crumbs.
  • Keep the topping in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
  • Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Alternate adding flour and buttermilk to the mixture until fully combined.
  • Finally, gently fold in the fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix.

3. Assemble and Bake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  • Next, sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the batter.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations and Tips

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:

  • Add Rhubarb: For a tart twist, make a strawberry rhubarb crumb cake by adding diced rhubarb to the batter.
  • Use Different Berries: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary preferences.

In addition, if you’re concerned about dryness, you can follow this guide on keeping pound cakes from being dry, which offers useful advice applicable to crumb cakes as well.

Storing and Serving Strawberry Crumb Cake

  • At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • In the Refrigerator: The cake will stay fresh for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat to enjoy.

Are you looking for another fruit-based dessert? You might want to try this peach cobbler cheesecake recipe, which is a creamy and fruity alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

How Do I Make the Crumb Topping Crispier?

To make the crumb topping extra crispy, ensure you’re using cold butter and avoid overmixing. Additionally, keeping the topping chilled until it’s time to use can help maintain its texture.

Can I Make a Vegan Version?

Absolutely! Replace butter with a vegan alternative and use almond milk instead of buttermilk for a vegan-friendly strawberry crumb cake.

Strawberry crumb cake is a delicious, versatile dessert that works perfectly for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a casual brunch or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to impress. Furthermore, with endless variations and easy storage options, you can enjoy this cake any time of the year. Try it today, and don’t forget to explore other great desserts like this cream cheese pound cake for even more baking inspiration!

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