Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Crunchy Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (a pinch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and slice fresh strawberries, then lightly toss them with 1 teaspoon of sugar. This helps draw out their natural juices and enhances their flavor while preventing sogginess in the cake.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into a greased 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan. Evenly layer half of the prepared strawberries on top. Repeat by pouring the remaining batter and topping with the rest of the strawberries.
- Create the Crunchy Topping: Combine the softened butter with sugar and a small pinch of flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the cake layers for a signature crunch once baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm strawberries to maintain texture during baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light, fluffy cake.
- Keep the butter cold when preparing the crumble topping for a distinct crunch.
- Allow the cake to cool fully to keep the topping crisp and improve sliceability.
- Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or topping for added warmth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Strawberry cake, Crunch cake, Easy dessert, Homemade cake, Strawberry dessert, Fruit cake, Crunchy topping, Beginner-friendly cake