Fresh Strawberry Coffee Cake Recipe

Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.

Eggs: Help to bind the ingredients together and add structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake batter.

Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to leaven the cake.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake.

Strawberries: Provide a fresh, fruity flavor and a burst of color.

When creaming together the sugar and butter, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a light and fluffy texture, which is crucial for the overall structure of the cake. Additionally, when folding in the strawberries, be gentle to avoid crushing them, which can release too much juice and affect the batter consistency.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a hint of coconut flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the cake.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cake denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder as a substitute, but this may affect the texture slightly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, with added protein.

• fresh strawberries - Substitute with frozen strawberries: Thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before using to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

• Allow the fresh strawberry coffee cake to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that no excess moisture is trapped when you store it.

• For short-term storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh on the countertop for up to 2 days.

• If you plan to enjoy the cake within a week, refrigerate it. Wrap the cake in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The cake will stay fresh for up to 7 days in the fridge.

• For longer storage, freezing is your best option. First, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the wrapped cake with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of its freshness. The fresh strawberry coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the cake's texture and flavor.

• For a quicker thaw, you can leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours. However, avoid microwaving it, as this can make the cake soggy.

• Once thawed, you can freshen up the cake by warming it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back its delightful, just-baked aroma and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover coffee cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a slice of the strawberry coffee cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time if needed, but be careful not to overheat.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps to maintain a slightly crispy exterior while warming the inside.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over low heat and place a slice of the coffee cake in it. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method can give a slightly toasted edge to the cake.

• Oven: Used to bake the coffee cake at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• 9x13 inch baking dish: The dish where the batter will be spread and baked.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to cream together the sugar and butter, and to mix the batter.

• Hand mixer: Useful for creaming the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, and for beating in the eggs.

• Spatula: Handy for folding in the strawberries and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the sugar, flour, and sour cream.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center of the cake.

• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking.

• Knife: Used for chopping the fresh strawberries.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the strawberries.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop strawberries and other ingredients the night before to save time on baking day.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can cream the sugar and butter faster and more efficiently than by hand.

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start mixing to ensure it’s ready when you are.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easier cleanup and removal of the cake.