Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This coffee cake stands out with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese filling provides a rich, smooth contrast to the spongy cake, while the strawberry layer adds a fresh and fruity touch. The cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and a warm, comforting spice that enhances every bite. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon, cheesecake, and fruit all in one bite!

Strawberry Cinnamon Cheesecake Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

1 box of vanilla cake mix
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup of water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Beat until smooth.
In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the cake batter and spread gently.
Add chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour to make the streusel topping. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the coffee cake cool before serving.

Servings and Timing:

Servings: 9-12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Variations:

Fruit Variations: Swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor twist.
Nutty Streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating:

Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving or reheat it.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

3. Can I make this coffee cake without a cake mix?

Yes, you can make the cake from scratch by using flour, sugar, baking powder, and other basic ingredients. There are many homemade vanilla cake recipes that will work perfectly.

4. How can I make the cheesecake filling less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the cheesecake filling, simply decrease the amount of sugar used in the cream cheese mixture by a couple of tablespoons.

5. Can I add more cinnamon to the topping?

Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the streusel topping for a more intense flavor.

6. Is it okay to use a different type of sugar for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or white sugar. However, brown sugar will give it a richer flavor and a darker color.

7. Can I freeze this coffee cake?

Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

8. Can I skip the streusel topping?

If you prefer a simpler cake, you can skip the streusel topping and just bake the cake with the cream cheese and strawberry layers. It will still be delicious!

9. Can I use other cream cheese flavors?

While traditional cream cheese works best, you can try flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or cinnamon cream cheese, for a fun twist.

10. How can I make the cake more moist?

To make the cake extra moist, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. You can also add a bit of milk if the batter seems too thick.

Conclusion:
This Strawberry Cinnamon Cheesecake Coffee Cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that everyone will love. Its sweet and tangy cheesecake filling paired with fresh strawberries and the warm, spiced cinnamon topping creates an irresistible combination. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy treat for yourself, this coffee cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!