Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Strawberry season is arguably the best season (for baking, at least). Just adding a handful of the ruby red fruits is enough to take any dessert over the top. Take this berry-studded crumb cake, for example. The one-bowl wonder is not only incredibly easy to throw together on a whim (you dont even need a mixer), its also a perfect breakfast, afternoon snack, or after-dinner dessert. The buttermilk lends a subtle tang and ensures a wonderfully tender crumb.

We recommend pairing this treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream, as the creaminess will complement the sweet-tartness of the berries and the irresistible crumbly topping. One Allrecipes community member actually used it in place of biscuits in strawberry shortcake. Store this Strawberry Buttermilk Crumb Cake in an airtight at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cups white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground nutmeg
• cup unsalted butter, cut into -inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups hulled and halved strawberries

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325F (165C). Line a 9-inch square cake pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.

Step 3: Add the butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Step 4: Measure out 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping.

Step 5: To the remaining mixture, add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, making sure there are no dry clumps of flour remaining.

Step 6: Gently fold in the strawberries.

Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.

Step 8: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Cooks Note

If your strawberries are on the larger side, consider quartering them instead of halving them before adding to the batter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 362
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 57g
• Protein: 5g

Nutrition Breakdown

• Total Fat: 13g (17% of daily value)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (38% of daily value)
• Cholesterol: 62mg (21% of daily value)
• Sodium: 264mg (11% of daily value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 57g (21% of daily value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% of daily value)
• Total Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 5g (11% of daily value)
• Vitamin C: 17mg (19% of daily value)
• Calcium: 109mg (8% of daily value)
• Iron: 2mg (10% of daily value)
• Potassium: 126mg (3% of daily value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Strawberry Crumb Cake

Strawberry Crumb Cake, like many popular American desserts, has its origins in the tradition of using seasonal fruits in baking. The cake itself is part of a long tradition of "crumb cakes," which date back to the early colonial days of America. These cakes typically featured a crumbly topping made of butter, sugar, and flour. The addition of fresh strawberries is a more modern twist, popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as strawberries became widely cultivated in the U.S.

The combination of juicy strawberries and buttery crumbs quickly became a favorite among bakers and home cooks alike. Over time, this cake has become a popular dessert during strawberry season, making it a symbol of spring and early summer gatherings.

Regional Variations

Though Strawberry Crumb Cake is beloved nationwide, its variations can be seen in different regions across the U.S. In the Northeast, particularly in states like New York and Pennsylvania, this cake often appears at picnics, family gatherings, and church bake sales. The flavor profiles may vary slightly with the inclusion of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the crumb topping, a nod to the region's colonial baking traditions.

In the Southern U.S., bakers may incorporate buttermilk, as seen in this particular recipe, which adds a tangy richness to the cake, complementing the sweet strawberries perfectly. In California, where strawberries are grown in abundance, the cake is often made with lighter, airier flour and sometimes topped with whipped cream for added indulgence.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

Strawberry Crumb Cake is often compared to other berry-based cakes like strawberry shortcake or berry cobbler. However, what sets it apart is the texture of the crumb topping. While a traditional shortcake features a biscuit-like base, and cobbler has a biscuit or cakey topping, the Strawberry Crumb Cake's crumb topping is finely mixed with butter and flour, creating a more crunchy and sugary finish. This difference in texture gives the cake a unique appeal, especially when paired with fresh fruit like strawberries.

Another key distinction is that the cake itself is often made with buttermilk, which adds a level of moisture and richness not commonly found in other fruit cakes or cobblers.

Where Its Typically Served

Strawberry Crumb Cake is an all-purpose dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is especially popular as a breakfast cake or a coffee cake, often served with a cup of tea or coffee. Its light, moist texture makes it a great choice for an afternoon snack or as a dessert for a family dinner.

In the summer months, it is a fantastic treat to bring to picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, especially when strawberries are in season. It can also be served as an alternative to traditional birthday cakes, with its sweet crumb topping making it stand out on any dessert table.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that strawberries were first cultivated in North America by Native Americans long before European settlers arrived? The indigenous people of the Americas were the first to enjoy the sweet, juicy fruit, often mixing it into foods or using it as a natural remedy for ailments.

Strawberry Crumb Cakes versatility extends beyond just its basic ingredients. Some bakers swap out the strawberries for other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, creating new flavor combinations while keeping the crumb topping the same. In fact, this flexibility has made the cake a favorite among seasonal fruit enthusiasts, as it can be adapted to use whatever fruits are in season.

Another interesting tidbit is that strawberry-based desserts like this one are often seen as healthier alternatives to chocolate-based cakes. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which means you can indulge a little more guilt-free.

FAQ about Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe

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