Strawberry cream cheese coffee cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, all layered on top of a moist and fluffy cake. It’s perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or as a dessert any time of day. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this irresistible cake from scratch, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
To start, gather your ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to prepare the cake batter. Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl, including flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Next, make the cream cheese filling by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread half of the cake batter into a greased baking dish, then top with the cream cheese mixture. Spoon the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl in fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor.
Bake the cake in a preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving, either warm or at room temperature.
For the perfect slice every time, follow these tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Adjust baking times based on your oven’s temperature accuracy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
Get creative with your cake by trying different fruit fillings or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the cake batter.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Can I omit the cream cheese filling? While the cream cheese filling adds richness to the cake, you can omit it if desired or substitute it with a different filling of your choice.
4. Can I use a different type of fruit? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a unique flavor combination.
5. How should I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or wrap tightly and freeze for longer storage.
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