Have you ever indulged in a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings people together? The Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is that treat! This luscious cake captures the essence of summer with juicy strawberries nestled in a creamy, decadent base. Studies show that sharing homemade desserts can strengthen family bonds and create precious memories. So why not whip up this delightful recipe and see for yourself? This cake is perfect for all occasions and is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this heavenly cake that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and fresh strawberries:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
If you’re looking for substitutions, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist or almond milk for a dairy-free version!
Timing
This Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is surprisingly quick to prepare! You’ll be ready to enjoy this sweet treat in about 90 minutes:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
This is nearly 20% faster than many comparable dessert recipes, making it a great option for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9-inch baking pan with high sides to prevent sticking. Take a moment to enjoy the anticipation of baking!
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, room-temperature butter, and 3/4 cup of white sugar. Beat the ingredients together until they’re light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Stir in the room-temperature milk, eggs, and vanilla extract into the batter. The aroma of vanilla will already begin to elevate your mood!
Step 4: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a separate bowl. This aerates the flour and ensures your cake will be light and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually add the sifted ingredients into your batter, mixing with an electric mixer until smooth. Don’t rush; a well-mixed batter makes a world of difference!
Step 6: Batter It Up
Spread HALF the batter into your prepared baking pan. This batter can be thick, so try putting small blobs of it across the pan before spreading it out with a knife.
Step 7: Add Strawberries
Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries over the cake batter. The vibrant color of fresh strawberries makes this a visual delight!
Step 8: Cover the Berries
Spoon the remaining batter over the strawberries and smooth it out gently to cover them. It’s okay if some peeks through; it adds to the charm!
Step 9: Finish with Brown Sugar and Nuts
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chopped nuts together, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake for a crunch that complements the soft texture.
Step 10: Bake
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—every oven behaves differently!
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven, place the cake on a wire rack, and allow it to cool completely, or serve warm for a delightful treat.
Nutritional Information
A generous slice of this Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake gives you approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
This cake is a wonderful treat but be mindful of portion sizes, especially when serving guests!
Healthier Alternatives
Want to make this cake a bit healthier? Consider these options:
- Substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce fat content while keeping flavor.
- Replace sugar with stevia or honey for natural sweetness without the caloric load.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for that perfect afternoon snack. For festive occasions, garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting ingredients reach room temperature: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined!
- Skipping the cooling step: A warm cake may fall apart when sliced, so allow it to cool completely.
Storing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months! Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to become a family favorite. The cake’s rich creaminess paired with fresh strawberries makes it a delightful treat for any gathering or just a cozy evening at home with loved ones. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and be sure to explore similar delicious recipes on our blog!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can, but fresh strawberries will provide a better flavor and texture! If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them first.
How can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to use one that contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day ahead; just bake it fresh on the day of serving for the best taste.
What can I serve with this cake?
Pair it with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
This blog post is designed to engage readers of all ages and inspire them to try their hand at baking a delicious Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Happy baking!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious cake capturing summer with juicy strawberries in a creamy base, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until smooth.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Distribute sliced strawberries evenly over the batter.
- Cover strawberries with the remaining batter.
- Mix brown sugar and chopped nuts, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes, monitor as needed.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving, or enjoy warm!
Notes
For a tangy twist, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese or use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: coffee cake, strawberry dessert, summer dessert, family recipe, baking