Easy Strawberry Crumble Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Nothing says comfort quite like a homemade cake fresh from the oven, and this easy strawberry crumble cake is the perfect example. With juicy strawberries baked into a soft, moist cake and topped with a golden buttery crumble, it’s a dessert that feels both rustic and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a simple treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, a summer dessert to highlight fresh strawberries, or a sweet surprise for family gatherings, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Best of all, it comes together with just a few everyday ingredients, making it as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Crumble Cake

There are plenty of reasons why this strawberry crumble cake will quickly become one of your go-to desserts. It’s not just about the delicious flavor—it’s about the simplicity, versatility, and comforting homemade feel that makes every bite special.

A Perfect Blend of Sweet Strawberries and Buttery Crumble

The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery crumble topping. The combination creates a perfect balance of juicy, fruity freshness and crispy, golden texture. Each bite delivers the best of both worlds: soft, moist cake and a crunchy topping.

Ideal Dessert for Summer or Year-Round Baking

Strawberry crumble cake shines during strawberry season, but it’s just as good with frozen strawberries when fresh ones aren’t available. That means you can enjoy this dessert all year long—whether you’re baking for a summer picnic, a cozy winter treat, or anything in between.

Simple Recipe with Everyday Ingredients

One of the best things about this cake is how approachable it is. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Flour, sugar, butter, and strawberries come together to make a cake that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to prepare.

Great for Family Gatherings and Special Occasions

Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a birthday, or bringing a dessert to a potluck, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Its rustic charm and irresistible flavor make it feel homemade in the best way possible, while still looking like something you’d find in a bakery.

Essential Ingredients for a Homemade Strawberry Crumble Cake

The beauty of this strawberry crumble cake lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you can create a cake that’s soft, flavorful, and topped with a golden, buttery crumble. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Strawberries vs. Frozen Strawberries

• 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  Fresh strawberries are always the best choice, especially during peak season when they’re naturally sweet and juicy. However, frozen strawberries work just as well—just make sure to thaw and drain them first so they don’t release too much liquid into the cake.

The Role of Butter, Sugar, and Flour in the Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup (100 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar or light brown sugar
  The crumble topping is what makes this cake so irresistible. Cold butter cut into sugar and flour creates that signature golden streusel that turns crunchy in the oven while staying rich and buttery in flavor.

Cake Base Ingredients for a Moist Texture

• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  These simple ingredients create the soft, tender cake that holds the strawberries and crumble together. Using buttermilk instead of regular milk adds a slight tang and keeps the cake extra moist.

Optional Add-Ins: Nuts, Vanilla, or Lemon Zest

• 1 tsp lemon zest – brightens the strawberry flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) – adds crunch to the crumble topping.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – brings a warm, cozy note to the streusel.

These optional touches allow you to personalize your homemade strawberry crumble cake and make it even more delicious.

Utensils / Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls – one large for batter, one medium for crumble topping
• Whisk and/or electric mixer – to cream butter and sugar
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
• Spatula – for folding strawberries into the batter and spreading it evenly
• Pastry cutter or fork – to cut butter into the crumble topping
• 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan – or a similar baking dish
• Parchment paper – to line the pan for easy removal
• Knife and cutting board – for hulling and slicing strawberries
• Cooling rack – to cool the cake evenly after baking
• Oven mitts – for safely handling hot pans

Step-by-Step Strawberry Crumble Cake Recipe

Making this easy strawberry crumble cake is simple and rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and topped with the perfect golden crumble.

Preparing the Cake Batter with Strawberries

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or buttermilk, until you have a smooth batter.
5. Gently fold in half of the fresh sliced strawberries into the batter, reserving the rest for the top layer.

Making the Buttery Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crumble.
2. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. For extra flavor, stir in cinnamon, lemon zest, or chopped nuts if desired.

Baking Tips for a Golden, Crispy Finish

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Arrange the remaining strawberries on top of the batter.
3. Generously sprinkle the crumble mixture over the strawberries.
4. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Cooling and Serving the Cake

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. Serve warm for a cozy treat, or let it cool completely for neater slices.
3. For an indulgent touch, pair it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this strawberry crumble cake is how versatile it can be. With just a few tweaks, you can transform it into a new dessert every time you bake it. Here are some delicious variations and serving ideas to try:

Strawberry Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

If you’re looking for the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, turn this recipe into a strawberry coffee cake. Keep the same base recipe, but add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping. The warm spice notes pair beautifully with the sweet strawberries and make it even more comforting.

Adding Other Fruits: Blueberries, Raspberries, or Peaches

While strawberries are the star, this cake also works wonderfully with other fruits. Try mixing in blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley, or swap in sliced peaches or apples for a seasonal twist. Each variation brings a new flavor and texture while keeping the buttery crumble topping as the highlight.

Serving with Whipped Cream, Ice Cream, or Yogurt

This cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with something creamy makes it extra indulgent:

• Whipped cream for a light and airy topping.
• Vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast that melts into the crumble.
• Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a tangy balance that cuts through the sweetness.

Making Mini Strawberry Crumble Cupcakes or Bars

For parties or grab-and-go snacks, you can turn this recipe into strawberry crumble cupcakes or bars. Simply portion the batter into cupcake liners or spread it in a rectangular pan and cut into squares after baking. They’re portable, cute, and perfect for sharing at picnics or lunchboxes.

Tips for Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

One of the best things about this strawberry crumble cake is that it keeps well and tastes just as good the next day. To make sure every slice stays moist and the crumble topping remains crisp, follow these storage and reheating tips.

Best Way to Store Strawberry Crumble Cake

• At room temperature: Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the refrigerator: If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for 3–4 days. This helps preserve the freshness of the strawberries.
• Always let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the crumble soggy.

How to Reheat While Keeping the Crumble Crispy

• Oven method (best option): Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crumble topping crisp.
• Microwave method (quick option): Heat a slice for 20–30 seconds, but note that the topping may soften slightly.

Freezing the Cake for Longer Storage

• To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Keeping Strawberries Fresh in Baked Desserts

• Use firm, ripe strawberries instead of overripe ones to avoid excess liquid.
• Pat strawberries dry before adding them to the batter.
• If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

With these tips, your homemade strawberry crumble cake will stay fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.