Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake – A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion!

Are you craving a delightful dessert that’s both creamy and fruity, with a touch of sweetness that melts in your mouth? Look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake.

This irresistible treat combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet, tart flavor of fresh strawberries. The result? A delicious coffee cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack.

With layers of moist cake, velvety cream cheese filling, and a burst of strawberry goodness, this coffee cake will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this cake is a must-try! 🍓💖

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

✅ Sweet & Tangy Flavor – The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a delightful flavor balance.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
✅ Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to the sour cream and cream cheese, the cake is incredibly moist and soft.
✅ Simple Ingredients – You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry and fridge!
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it ahead of time and have it ready when you need it.

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this dreamy strawberry cream cheese coffee cake, here’s what you’ll need:

🍰 For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Gives the cake a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the cake.
• ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the cake just right.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the cake together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb.

🧀 For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese – The star ingredient for the creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For extra flavor depth.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the cream cheese mixture.

🍓 For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries – Sliced thinly for that fresh, fruity burst.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – To enhance the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds a subtle tartness to the strawberries.

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

✔️ Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
✔️ Low-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter option.
✔️ Swap sour cream for plain yogurt for a tangy twist.
✔️ Add a handful of chocolate chips for a chocolatey flavor boost.
✔️ Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and texture.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream the butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
4️⃣ Add the eggs and vanilla – Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Mix in the dry ingredients and sour cream – Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.

🔥 Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1️⃣ Beat the cream cheese – In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Add sugar, vanilla, and egg – Mix in the sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

🔥 Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1️⃣ Slice the strawberries – Cut the fresh strawberries into thin slices and place them in a bowl.
2️⃣ Sweeten the strawberries – Add the sugar and lemon juice, tossing gently to coat the berries. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

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🔥 Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1️⃣ Layer the batter – Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
2️⃣ Spread the cream cheese filling – Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it evenly.
3️⃣ Top with remaining batter – Add the remaining cake batter on top of the cream cheese layer and smooth it out carefully.
4️⃣ Add the strawberry topping – Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the batter, pressing them gently into the cake.

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🔥 Step 5: Bake the Cake

1️⃣ Bake the cake – Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2️⃣ Check for doneness – If the top is browning too quickly, cover the cake with aluminum foil and continue baking.
3️⃣ Cool the cake – Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This strawberry cream cheese coffee cake is perfect just as it is, but here are some fun ways to serve it:

🍰 Serve with a dollop of whipped cream – The light creaminess complements the cake’s richness.
🍓 Top with more fresh strawberries – Add a few extra slices for an even fruitier bite.
☕ Pair with a cup of coffee – The perfect combination for brunch or a relaxing afternoon.
🍦 Serve with vanilla ice cream – For a decadent treat that’s sure to impress!

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers

• Room temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a day or two, it can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container.
• Refrigeration: If storing for a longer period, keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftover cake in a plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Reheat a slice for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
• Oven: Warm the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes if you want it to be slightly crispy on the outside.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just make sure to thaw them and drain the excess liquid before using.

2️⃣ Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

3️⃣ Can I use another fruit instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries would be delicious alternatives.

4️⃣ Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version, and use almond or coconut milk instead of sour cream.

5️⃣ Can I add a crumb topping?

Yes, a cinnamon sugar crumb topping would be a great addition! Simply mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons melted butter, and sprinkle it on top before baking.

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🍰 Conclusion – A Sweet, Fruity Delight

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is everything you could want in a dessert—sweet, creamy, fruity, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a brunch gathering, a family dessert, or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

With layers of fluffy cake, tangy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, every bite is pure bliss. Try this recipe today and let me know how much you love it! 🍓❤️