This Strawberry Coffee Cake is the kind of dessert-meets-breakfast recipe that feels like the perfect dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!. It’s soft and buttery, with juicy strawberry swirls running through the center and a golden crumble on top that gives it that signature coffee cake texture. Whether you’re baking for brunch, celebrating the season, or just want something sweet with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

slice of Strawberry Coffee Cake on plate garnished with strawberries and flowers

You get a tender, moist base thanks to the sour cream and buttermilk combo, while the homemade strawberry filling adds brightness and a pop of color. And that buttery crumble topping? It’s everything.

Strawberry Coffee Cake in a baking pan up close to show topping

There’s just something about the smell of this strawberry coffee cake baking that makes the whole house anticipate it coming out of the oven. It’s that warm cinnamon-sugar scent with bursts of sweet berry that gets me every time. I baked this on a slow Saturday morning with my baby in the high chair and my daughter dancing around the kitchen in socks, and for a brief moment—between the crumbs and the chaos—it felt like everything was exactly how it should be.

Strawberry Coffee Cake on a wooden spatula being lifted up

And let’s talk texture. The crumble on top? Buttery and crisp. The inside? Moist, tender, and dotted with juicy pockets of strawberry in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy, tastes bakery-quality, but is honestly so easy to make. My husband grabbed a slice before it even cooled, and my kids were fighting over crumbs like it was the last snack on Earth. If that’s not a winning recipe, I don’t know what is.

Strawberry Coffee Cake in pan with a slice taken out of it

What Exactly is this Cake?

Strawberry Coffee Cake is a soft, moist cake layered with a fresh strawberry filling and finished with a classic crumb topping and optional glaze. It’s not overly sweet like a frosted cake — instead, it has a rich, bakery-style texture and balanced flavor that makes it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between. Think of it as the fruity cousin of traditional cinnamon coffee cake, with a little extra sunshine.

Strawberry Coffee Cake on a wooden spatula sitting on a table

When to Serve

This is one of those bake-ahead cakes that fits into so many moments:

Mother’s Day or spring brunches
Potlucks, church coffee hours, or school events
Weekend breakfast with guests
A cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee
Easter, baby showers, or birthdays

It’s easy enough for a casual Sunday morning but pretty and flavorful enough for a special occasion. I’ve even served it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert — highly recommend.

Strawberry Coffee Cake on a white plate with sliced strawberries

I love recipes like this because they look impressive, but they’re actually super low-effort. No layers, no fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and that golden, crumbly topping everyone goes for first. This is the kind of cake you can throw together while the kids are playing (or melting down), and it still turns out bakery-worthy every time.

Strawberry Coffee Cake slice on a wooden cutting board

Why I Love It

This cake is everything I want in a coffee cake: soft texture, simple ingredients, and just the right amount of sweetness. I love that it uses fresh strawberries for that naturally jammy layer — no fake flavor or boxed mix shortcuts. It looks beautiful sliced and plated, and the crumb topping gives it bakery-level appeal with barely any effort.

My kids were obsessed with it, and even the baby had a few little bites (messy, but worth it!). It makes the kitchen smell amazing and somehow disappears way too fast.

Strawberry Coffee Cake on a white plate with sliced strawberries and little flowers

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?
I don’t recommend it. Frozen strawberries add too much liquid and can make the cake soggy and uneven. Fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?
Coffee cake usually doesn’t have frosting — instead, it’s topped with a crumb or streusel topping and often includes fruit or spices. It’s meant to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake the night before and store it in the fridge. It tastes best the day of, but a quick warm-up in the microwave makes leftovers just as good.

Can I skip the glaze?
Definitely — the cake is sweet and flavorful enough on its own. But the glaze adds that extra bakery-style finish and makes it look even more irresistible.

Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes! A paddle attachment works great. Just make sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients — a light hand makes a fluffier cake.

Can I make it in a smaller pan?
You can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch pan. Just reduce the baking time (start checking around 30-35 minutes).

up close shot of the Strawberry Coffee Cake on a white plate with sliced strawberries

Variations

Berry Swap – Try raspberries or chopped peaches instead of strawberries for a fun twist (just keep the filling ratios the same).

Cinnamon Crumb – Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the crumble topping if you want more of that warm coffee cake feel.

Lemon Kick – Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the cake batter for extra brightness that pairs beautifully with the berries.

Glaze Flavors – Mix in a little vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to your glaze for a different flavor profile.

Mini Cakes – Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized strawberry coffee cakes — great for brunch trays or bake sales.

overhead shot of the Strawberry Coffee Cake on a white plate with sliced strawberries

Why It’s Worth Making From Scratch

Sure, there are shortcut versions of fruit coffee cakes using canned pie filling or box mixes — but once you try this from-scratch strawberry version, you’ll never look back. The difference in flavor is huge: the strawberries burst with real fruit sweetness, and the homemade batter bakes up light and tender with just the right amount of richness. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about swirling together your own fruit layer, knowing you used fresh ingredients and didn’t rely on anything artificial.

Baking this cake from scratch is just as easy as making a boxed mix, but the results feel so much more special — and your whole kitchen smells like a fresh strawberry field meets your favorite bakery. It’s a nostalgic, comforting treat that really feels like a labor of love, even though it’s surprisingly simple.

Strawberry Coffee Cake on plates with a fork and berries on top

Storage and Serving Tips

Let the cake cool at least 15 minutes before slicing to help it set up. Serve slightly warm or at room temp.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours (after that, the fresh strawberries can cause spoilage). For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days, but keep in mind the cake may dry out slightly. You can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Avoid leaving this cake out on the counter longer than a day — the fruit filling can spoil quickly if left unrefrigerated.

Strawberry Coffee Cake ingredients laid out

Ingredient Breakdown (And What Each One Does!)

Let’s talk ingredients—because every part of this Strawberry Coffee Cake plays a delicious role:

All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cake its structure and body. It creates that perfect crumb—soft but sturdy enough to hold the berries and topping.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake base and helps create a tender texture. A little also goes in the crumble topping to give it that golden, crisp finish.
Brown Sugar: Adds richness and moisture to the crumb topping and gives it that cozy caramel-like flavor that pairs so perfectly with strawberries.
Baking Powder: This is your lift! It helps the cake rise and stay fluffy instead of dense.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Eggs: They bind everything together and give the cake structure. Make sure they’re room temperature for best results.
Milk (or Buttermilk): Adds moisture and keeps the crumb tender. Buttermilk adds a slight tang that plays beautifully with the sweet berries and streusel.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor—especially important in simple cakes like this one.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and keeps the cake moist. Cold butter is also used in the crumble to give it that bakery-style crisp texture.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart—fresh strawberries burst with flavor in every bite. Chop them evenly so they bake properly into the batter.
Cinnamon (in the crumb topping): That little touch of spice takes the topping to another level. It gives the cake a comforting, coffeehouse flavor that’s super nostalgic.

crumble topping for Strawberry Coffee Cake in a small bowl

Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Every Time

If you’ve ever had coffee cake turn out dry or dense, the secret usually lies in the mixing. Be sure to cream the butter and sugar well — this creates tiny air pockets that give the cake a light and fluffy texture. Once the dry ingredients are added, switch to a gentle mix, just until everything is combined. Overmixing at that point can lead to a tougher cake. Also, don’t skip the sour cream and buttermilk combo — they’re what keep this cake extra moist and flavorful.

Another tip: don’t worry if the top looks slightly rustic or uneven when you spoon the final batter layer on. That homemade swirl of strawberry filling peeking through the top actually gives it a beautiful bakery-style look once baked. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to taste amazing, and trust me, it will.

Strawberry Coffee Cake in pan with some slices cut out of it

It’s become a weekend go-to in our house. I’ll make it in the morning and by noon, half of it’s gone. The strawberries get soft and jammy as it bakes, and the cinnamon crumb topping adds just enough crunch to balance the fluffy center. It’s sweet but not overly rich, which makes it perfect with coffee—or if we’re being honest, standing at the counter with a fork and no plate.

Strawberry Coffee Cake on a white plate with sliced strawberries with a fork taking out a bite

This strawberry coffee cake is pure comfort in a pan — sweet, soft, and perfect for sharing (or not). It’s the kind of simple baking recipe that becomes a staple: easy ingredients, minimal effort, and big payoff. From lazy Saturdays to spring brunches and even birthday breakfasts, this one always earns rave reviews. Just be prepared for it to vanish fast — everyone goes back for seconds.