Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake

Embrace the delight of strawberries and cream with this exquisite Coffee Cake that combines juicy strawberries with a soft, moist cake and a sweet cream cheese drizzle. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or as a coffee-time treat, this cake promises to brighten your day with every bite.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or vanilla yogurt)
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups strawberries, sliced
• 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)

Cream Cheese Drizzle:

• 1/3 cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be the backbone of your cake’s structure.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the batter.
   • Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, blend in the sour cream (or vanilla yogurt), buttermilk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients will add moisture and richness to the cake.
3. Combine Mixtures:
   • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
   • Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
4. Prepare Pan and Bake:
   • Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan or an 8-inch square baking pan.
   • Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top of the batter for a sweet, crunchy finish.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Drizzle:
   • While the cake is cooling, whisk together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This drizzle will add a luscious, creamy texture that complements the soft cake.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top.
   • Serve this gorgeous Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake as a splendid treat with your morning coffee or as a special dessert.

Enjoy the lush combination of flavors and textures in this Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cake, which makes every slice a perfect harmony of sweet and creamy.