Memorial Day Weekend was upon us, and of course, I wanted to bake something for the two gatherings my husband and I were attending. I really wanted to utilize fruit as a way to welcome in these warmer days ahead. I feel like I bake with blueberries quite often (they're just so delish!), so I wanted to try something with strawberries, the other yummy fruit. After scrolling through Pinterest and not finding anything aside from Strawberry Shortcake, I decided to once again return to my favorite website: Sally's Baking Addiction. She never lets my down!
When I came across this recipe I knew I HAD to bake it. It was everything I was looking for: it's unique, it has a crumble topping, it utilizes strawberries, it's light and fresh, it uses pretty basic ingredients (most of which I already had on hand), and it was something I could slice and serve at gatherings.
I will say, it wasn't the easiest of recipes to make because it does have a lot of different components. But if you just put some music on, take your time with it, and carefully follow the step-by-step instructions, it'll all be worth it.
This cake is amazing for so many reasons. It's the best of both worlds, really, almost like a strawberry shortcake, coffee cake muffin, and a cheesecake all had a baby (a very delicious baby at that). Each bite is filled with a luscious vanilla cake (that has almost a similar texture to pound cake), a creamy cream cheese and strawberry filling, and is topped with a heavenly crumble that I could honestly eat on it's own.
If you're looking for something new to bake this summer, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
Here's What You Need:
Crumb Topping
3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Cake
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup (120ml) milk*
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
2/3 cup (134g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8–10 fresh strawberries, sliced*
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Vanilla Glaze
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Here's What To Do:
Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray an 8-in or 9-in springform pan thoroughly with non-stick spray. Springform pan is required. Set aside.
Make the crumb topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry blender or mix with hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set in the refrigerator until ready to use. This crumb mixture must be chilled.
Make the cake: In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the egg and melted butter together on medium speed until combined. Add the milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until thoroughly mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until combined. With the mixer running on low, pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Pour into the prepared baking pan (batter will be very thick!).
In a medium bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth. Add remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and beat on medium speed until combined. Spread over the crumb cake batter. Layer with sliced strawberries as shown in the photo above. Top with the crumb topping and gently press the topping into the batter.
6. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out free of cake crumbs (or until the center only has a slight jiggle). Be careful not to overbake. I covered the cake with aluminum foil after 40 minutes to help avoid the top from browning too much. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before glazing.
7. Make the glaze: Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla together. Remove the sides of the springform pan and drizzle the glaze over the cake.
The cake will stay fresh covered in the refrigerator for 4 days. Enjoy!
Notes
Freezing Instructions: Bake the cake as directed and freeze without the glaze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake for 20 minutes at 200 degrees to warm it up. Glaze before serving.
Milk: Any milk including soy, almond, buttermilk, regular is OK for the cake. I used 2%.
Strawberries: Frozen strawberries are fine – thaw and blot dry before using.
Recipe will also be posted to our TikTok soon so you can watch us make this!
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