I love strawberries – don’t you? I love them in yogurt, in smoothies, in salads and my favorite – just all by themselves. I found this flower stand by our house and the guy there sells THE BEST strawberries. Seriously, best ever! When I told him how much I enjoy his strawberries, he got a big smile on his face and said, “yes, we have the best strawberries”. So cute! I’m so spoiled now that I only want to buy from him!
I remembered this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction that uses strawberries in a coffee cake and I knew I had to try it. It was delicious and is great for breakfast, but would be a great dessert too. It was a bit labor intensive, and I used quite a few dishes, but it was worth it.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumb Cake
Ingredients:
Crumb Topping:
3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Cake:
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup (120ml) milk*
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8-10 fresh strawberries, sliced*
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Glaze:
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray an 8-in or 9-in springform pan with non-stick spray. Springform pan is required. Set aside.
Make the crumb topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry blender or mix with hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set in the refrigerator until ready to use. This crumb mixture must be chilled. I used my food processor. It was really fast – worth the extra dishes!
Make the cake: In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the egg and melted butter together on medium speed until combined. Add the milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until thoroughly mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until combined. With the mixer running on low, pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Pour into the prepared baking pan.
In a medium bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth. Add remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and beat on medium speed until combined. Spread over the crumb cake batter. Layer with sliced strawberries. Top with the crumb topping and gently press the topping into the batter.
Bake for 55 – 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out free of cake crumbs. I covered the cake with aluminum foil after 40 minutes to help avoid the top from browning too much. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before glazing. I forgot the glaze completely. But I’m sure it would be delicious.
Make the glaze: Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla together. Remove the sides of the springform pan and drizzle the glaze over the cake. The cake will stay fresh covered at room temperature for 4 days.
Make ahead: Bake the cake as directed and freeze without the glaze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake for 20 minutes at 200 degrees to warm it up. Glaze before serving.
Cindy
My Daughter and I 