Nothing beats the combination of soft, fluffy cake, juicy strawberries, and a crunchy crumb topping. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, this strawberry crumb cake is for you! Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just because—this cake will steal the show. 🎂✨
“A perfect strawberry crumb cake has three key elements: a moist cake base, a buttery crumble topping, and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.” 🍓
Table of Contents
What is Strawberry Crumb Cake? 🤔
Strawberry crumb cake is a delightful fruit-based coffee cake featuring a moist vanilla-flavored cake base, a layer of fresh or frozen strawberries, and a buttery crumble topping.
Unlike traditional cakes, this one doesn’t require frosting. Instead, it relies on its sweet strawberry filling and the satisfying crunch of its crumb topping to deliver a mouthwatering experience.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crumb Cake ❤️
✔ Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
✔ Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just mix, layer, and bake!
✔ Perfect Balance: Not too sweet, just the right amount of crunch and moisture.
✔ Versatile: Works for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee.
✔ Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project that kids will love to help with.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Crumb Cake 🛒
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the key ingredients that make this cake a success.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups | Forms the base of the cake and crumble. |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Adds sweetness to both the cake and crumble. |
| Butter (melted) | ½ cup | Gives the cake richness and makes the crumble crispy. |
| Eggs | 2 | Provides structure and binds ingredients together. |
| Milk | ½ cup | Ensures a moist texture. |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Adds depth of flavor. |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp | Helps the cake rise. |
| Strawberries (sliced) | 1½ cups | The star ingredient! 🍓 |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup | Gives the crumble its rich, caramelized flavor. |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Enhances the crumb topping. |
Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Which One to Use? 🍓
Both fresh and frozen strawberries work, but here’s what you need to know:
- Fresh Strawberries: Give the best flavor and texture. Slice them thinly for even distribution.
- Frozen Strawberries: Can be used if fresh are unavailable. Do not thaw before adding, or they may release too much liquid and make the cake soggy.
Choosing the Right Flour and Sweeteners 🍯
- Flour: Stick to all-purpose flour for a classic texture. If you prefer a denser cake, try using half whole wheat flour.
- Sweeteners: White sugar gives a clean sweetness, while brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth to the crumb topping.
The Secret to a Buttery and Crunchy Crumb Topping 🏆
The best part of a crumb cake? The crispy, golden-brown topping! Here’s how to perfect it:
✔ Use Cold Butter: For a classic crumb texture, cut in cold butter instead of melted.
✔ Mix Until Crumbly: The mixture should resemble wet sand before sprinkling on top.
✔ Don’t Overpack: Sprinkle the crumbs loosely so they bake into a crispy topping.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Strawberry Crumb Cake 👨🍳
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s bake this beauty! Follow these simple steps:
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3️⃣ In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
4️⃣ Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
5️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Making the Crumb Topping
1️⃣ In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2️⃣ Add cold butter and use a fork or your fingers to combine until crumbly.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake batter.
3. Baking and Cooling Tips for Best Texture
✔ Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
✔ Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.
✔ Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during baking.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 🚨
Even though making a strawberry crumb cake is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Let’s go over these issues and how to fix them so you can bake a perfect cake every time!
1. Cake Too Dry? Here’s What Went Wrong 😕
A dry cake is a disappointment! Here are a few possible causes and solutions:
❌ Overbaking: If the cake stays in the oven too long, it loses moisture.
✅ Solution: Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready!
❌ Too Much Flour: Adding extra flour makes the cake dense and dry.
✅ Solution: Always measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping it directly from the bag.
❌ Not Enough Liquid: Reducing milk or butter can result in dryness.
✅ Solution: Stick to the recipe’s measurements and avoid reducing liquids.
2. Soggy Bottom? How to Fix It 🤯
A soggy cake bottom is usually caused by too much moisture from the strawberries. Here’s how to avoid it:
❌ Using Thawed Frozen Strawberries: When frozen strawberries thaw, they release excess liquid.
✅ Solution: Use frozen strawberries straight from the freezer instead of letting them thaw.
❌ Adding Too Many Strawberries: Too much fruit can overwhelm the cake with moisture.
✅ Solution: Stick to 1½ cups of sliced strawberries to maintain the right balance.
❌ Underbaking the Cake: If the center is still raw, it will be gooey.
✅ Solution: Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.
3. Crumb Topping Melts Instead of Staying Crunchy? 😟
If your crumb topping melts into the cake instead of staying crispy, here’s why:
❌ Butter is Too Soft or Melted: Warm butter causes the crumbs to dissolve.
✅ Solution: Use cold butter, and cut it into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry cutter until it forms a crumbly texture.
❌ Overmixing the Crumb Topping: If the mixture becomes a dough instead of loose crumbs, the topping won’t bake properly.
✅ Solution: Stop mixing as soon as the texture looks like coarse crumbs or wet sand.
❌ Spreading the Crumbs Too Thin: A thin layer won’t provide enough crunch.
✅ Solution: Make sure the topping is evenly distributed and slightly thick to get that perfect crunch.
Variations and Customizations 🧁
Want to make this cake your own? Try these fun variations!
1. Gluten-Free and Vegan Options 🌱
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Vegan: Use almond milk instead of regular milk and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
2. Adding Nuts, Spices, or a Drizzle of Glaze 🌰✨
- Crunchy Twist: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping for extra texture.
- Spiced Version: Mix nutmeg or cardamom into the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Glaze It Up: Drizzle the finished cake with a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for extra sweetness.
For a delightful twist, consider pairing your strawberry crumb cake with our lemon glaze recipe for an extra zing!
Pro Tip: A lemon zest garnish adds a fresh, citrusy contrast to the sweet strawberries! 🍋
Best Ways to Serve and Store Strawberry Crumb Cake 🍰
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions 🎉
This cake is versatile and perfect for:
✔ Breakfast Treat: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee ☕
✔ Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍦
✔ Afternoon Snack: Pair with tea for a delightful midday break 🍵
How to Store and Keep It Fresh Longer 🍱
To keep your cake fresh:
📌 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
📌 Refrigerate: If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
📌 Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Final Tips for the Best Strawberry Crumb Cake 🍓🎂
Before you start baking, here are some expert tips to make sure your strawberry crumb cake turns out perfect every time!
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients 🥚🧈
Cold ingredients don’t mix well, which can affect the cake’s texture. Always let your eggs, milk, and butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter 🌀
Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing will lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a soft, fluffy one.
3. Evenly Distribute the Strawberries 🍓
To prevent all the fruit from sinking to the bottom, lightly coat the strawberry slices in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
4. Bake in the Right Pan 📏
For best results, use a 9-inch round or square baking pan. If using a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. Let the Cake Cool Before Slicing ❄️
As tempting as it is to dig in right away, letting the cake cool for at least 15 minutes ensures the structure sets properly and prevents it from falling apart.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Strawberry Crumb Cake! 🍰
There you have it! A moist, fluffy, and crumbly strawberry crumb cake that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking! And don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it truly your own.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy strawberry crumb cake? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Happy Baking! 🎂✨