Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake

Name: Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Birthday Food | Cake & Fun

I love baking a good coffee cake, and this Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake is my latest obsession. It's incredibly easy to whip up, requiring just a handful of fresh strawberries and pantry staples. The buttery crumble on top adds a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the moist cake. Whenever I serve it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, everyone raves about it. Trust me, once you take a bite, you'll be reaching for seconds, so make sure to save a piece for yourself!

Created by

The Chefkarlcooks Team

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:26:18.680Z

Every time I bake this Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake, I’m reminded of lazy Sunday mornings. I discovered this recipe when I wanted something bright and fruity to pair with my morning coffee, and it has quickly become a household favorite. The combination of ripe strawberries and a crumbly topping is pure bliss.

What sets this cake apart is the method of folding in the strawberries at the end, which keeps them juicy and prevents them from breaking down completely. This way, each slice is packed with sweetness, and every crumb delivers a punch of berry goodness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Deliciously sweet strawberries in every bite
Crispy crumble topping for added texture
Perfectly pairs with coffee for a cozy breakfast

Perfecting the Cake Batter

When preparing the cake batter, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and uneven baking. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick when you're done combining. Folding the strawberries gently into the batter is crucial; you want to preserve their structure to avoid excess juice bleeding into the cake, which could make it soggy. Aim for a lightly angled spatula rather than a whisk for this step to prevent smashing the strawberries.

Using sour cream is key to achieving a moist texture in this coffee cake. It not only adds richness but also helps to tenderize the cake. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even a mixture of milk and vinegar. Just remember, the tanginess of the sour cream enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

Creating the Ideal Crumble

The crumble topping is what elevates this coffee cake, providing a delightful contrast to the soft cake below. For the perfect crumble texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted; this helps to maintain distinct clumps rather than a uniform dough. The mixture should resemble wet sand when mixed thoroughly, so be cautious not to overmix. Use your fingers to work the ingredients together – it helps achieve that flaky consistency which makes each bite irresistible.

If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider substituting half of the rolled oats with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. This will add an additional crunch and depth to your crumble while complementing the sweetness of the strawberries. If you'd like a more spiced version, feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger in addition to the cinnamon.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake:

Cake Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

Crumble Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your delicious Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients and fold in the chopped strawberries.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, softened butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Set aside.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cake batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can also mix in some blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley cake.

Storage Tips

To store your Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture without getting soggy. The cake can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, but if you're planning to keep it longer, refrigerating it is advisable. It can last up to a week in the fridge, and that slight chill can enhance the flavor of the strawberries even more.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This allows you to enjoy a piece of this delightful coffee cake any time you wish! To reheat, simply allow the slice to thaw in the fridge overnight, and then warm it in a microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake shines on its own but can be elevated with a few simple additions. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the cake’s flavors. For a richer experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm cake and cold cream.

Pairing this cake with your favorite coffee or tea makes for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a brunch setting, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to add some brightness and balance to the meal. It’s versatile enough to stand alone as a dessert as well, making it a winning choice for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.