Strawberry Coffee Cake
A luscious strawberry coffee cake featuring a creamy cheese layer, fruity filling, and crunchy nut topping, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, softened butter, and sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the milk, well-beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the cheese-egg mixture and mix until smooth; the batter will be stiff.
- Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Spread the fruit pie filling or strawberry preserves evenly over the batter.
- Dot the remaining batter over the fruit layer and spread gently; some filling will show through.
- Mix the brown sugar and chopped nuts.
- Sprinkle the sugar and nut mixture over the top of the cake.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Warm the cake slightly and drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese. If you don't have strawberry preserves, any fruit pie filling can be substituted. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. Make sure to beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly for a fluffy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or dessert. Consider serving with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Coffee Cake contains roughly 419 calories, with 3g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you'll need to make a compote by cooking them down with sugar to create a similar consistency to preserves. This enhances the flavor and ensures the cake remains moist.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for the nuts if there are allergies?
If there are nut allergies, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch without the allergens. Alternatively, add more fruit or a sprinkle of oats for texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).