Baking has always been a passion of mine, and I’m always looking for new ways to experiment with classic desserts.
I decided to try the Strawberry Crumb Cake recipe when I found myself craving something fruity and comforting, yet a little different from the usual strawberry shortcakes or pies.
The idea came from my love for crumbly toppings and the desire to incorporate fresh, seasonal strawberries.
What sets this cake apart from others is the balance between the rich, buttery cake base and the sweet, juicy strawberry layer, topped with a perfectly crisp and cinnamon-spiced crumb topping.
It’s the ultimate combination of flavors and textures, making it both satisfying and refreshing. The addition of sour cream and buttermilk also adds a subtle tang that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries, giving it a unique twist.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a cake that will become a new favorite!
How To Prepare Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×9-inch or similar)
- Oven
- Knife (for chopping strawberries)
- Pastry cutter (optional, for crumb topping)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (80ml) sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature, whisked
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or use extra vanilla extract)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup salted butter, cold and cubed

How To Make Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking dish (or a similar-sized pan).
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, sour cream, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ tablespoons of flour with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Toss the chopped strawberries in the flour-sugar mixture until well-coated. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the ¾ cup flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture until the crumbs form and the mixture resembles coarse sand.
5. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Layer the strawberries over the cake batter, then sprinkle the crumb topping over the strawberries.
6. Bake:
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy your delicious strawberry crumb cake!
Expert Tips
1. Go Fresh with Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen berries can add excess moisture and affect the crumb topping.
2. Sift the Flour: Sift the flour before adding it to the batter. It helps incorporate air and ensures a lighter, fluffier cake.
3. Butter the Pan Generously: For a crisp, golden crust, butter your baking pan generously, then lightly flour it. This helps the cake release easily once baked.
4. Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients Separately: Always whisk your wet ingredients together before adding them to the dry ones. This prevents clumps and ensures an even batter.
5. Chill the Crumb Topping: Before sprinkling, chill the crumb topping in the fridge for 15 minutes. This keeps it from melting into the cake and gives it a crisp, crumbly texture.
Why We Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Strawberry Crumb Cake recipe because it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, moist cake with the fresh burst of strawberries is a dream, and the crumb topping? It’s the best part!
That buttery, slightly crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast to the tender cake. Plus, it’s so easy to make, but looks and tastes like something from a fancy bakery.
Every time I bake Strawberry Crumb Cake recipe, the whole house fills with this irresistible sweet aroma, and it’s always a hit with family and friends.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this Strawberry Crumb Cake recipe never disappoints. It’s one of those recipes that I can’t help but make again and again.
Storage And Shelf Life
To store your Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, though the crumb topping may lose some of its crispness.
If you’d like to keep it even longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can easily substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just be sure to adjust for the moisture content, especially with juicier fruits.
How do I store the strawberry crumb cake?
You can store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Why is my crumb topping not crunchy?
If your crumb topping turns out soft, it’s likely due to using warm butter or overmixing. Make sure to use cold butter and avoid mixing too much to maintain that perfect crumbly texture.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. I recommend adding any glaze or dusting it with powdered sugar just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Conclusion
My experience baking the Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe was a huge success. The cake turned out to be everything I hoped for moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the strawberries and the crunch of the crumb topping.
It was the perfect treat to enjoy with family and friends, and everyone loved it! I hope this recipe inspires others to try their hand at baking and to embrace the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.
With a little patience and the right ingredients, I’m confident that anyone can make this amazing Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe and enjoy the rewards of their baking efforts.
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Strawberry Crumb Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×9-inch or similar)
- Oven
- Knife (for chopping strawberries)
- Pastry cutter (optional, for crumb topping)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup 80ml sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg room temperature, whisked
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or use extra vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
For the Crumb Topping:
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking dish (or a similar-sized pan).
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, sour cream, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ tablespoons of flour with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Toss the chopped strawberries in the flour-sugar mixture until well-coated. Set aside.
Prepare the Crumb Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix the ¾ cup flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture until the crumbs form and the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Layer the strawberries over the cake batter, then sprinkle the crumb topping over the strawberries.
Bake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy your delicious strawberry crumb cake!