Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, buttery coffee cake bursting with vibrant strawberry swirls and a perfect balance of sweetness. This isn't just any ordinary cake – it's a show-stopping dessert that transforms a simple morning treat into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress brunch guests or treat yourself to a luxurious weekend indulgence, this Strawberry Swirl Coffee Cake promises to be the star of your kitchen, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right from your own oven.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Scatter sliced fresh strawberries over the first layer of batter.
- Warm the strawberry jam slightly to make it more spreadable. Dollop spoonfuls of jam over the strawberry layer.
- Pour the remaining batter over the strawberry and jam layer, using a spatula to spread it gently and evenly.
- Use a knife to create a marbled effect by gently swirling the jam and batter together, creating a decorative pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness and presentation.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Choose fresh, ripe strawberries: Peak-season strawberries will provide the most intense flavor and vibrant color.
- Warm the jam slightly: This makes it easier to spread and creates more beautiful swirl patterns.
- Check for doneness early: Start testing with a toothpick around 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Let the cake cool properly: Allowing it to rest helps set the structure and makes cutting easier.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
