This Mixed Berry Streusel Coffee Cake strikes a perfect balance between sweet and slightly tangy, making each bite both comforting and refreshing. The combination of brown sugar, lemon zest, and juicy mixed berries creates a vibrant flavor profile elevated by a tender, moist crumb. Topping it off is a golden, cinnamon-kissed streusel that adds an excellent crumbly texture and irresistible crunch. Whether served warm with a cup of tea or enjoyed as a satisfying treat any time of day, this cake is simply delicious to eat.
Why use Frozen Mixed Berries for this cake?
✅ 1. Consistency and Convenience
- Frozen berries are available year-round and provide a consistent flavor and texture.
- They’re already washed, prepped, and ready to use, making baking quicker and more convenient.
✅ 2. Moisture and Texture
- As they thaw, frozen berries release just enough juice to infuse the batter with extra moisture, creating a tender, luscious crumb.
- Their soft texture blends well into the cake without becoming mushy or overpowering.
✅ 3. Bursts of Flavor
- Mixed berries (like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries) add natural tartness, balancing the cake’s sweetness and richness.
- The tanginess from the berries enhances the lemon zest and juice in the batter, tying all the flavors together.
✅ 4. Visual Appeal
- The berries create beautiful streaks of color throughout the crumb, giving the cake a vibrant, rustic look without needing any decoration.
Pro Tip:
If you’re using frozen berries, it’s best to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. This helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the cake structure intact.
What is a Streusel?
A streusel is a crumbly topping made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, and fat (usually butter), and often includes extras like oats, nuts, or spices (like cinnamon). It’s typically sprinkled over cakes, muffins, quick breads, or pies before baking.
Characteristics of Streusel:
- Crumbly texture: It forms a crunchy, golden-brown crust on top of baked goods.
- Sweet & buttery: Adds a rich, slightly sweet contrast to soft or moist cakes.
- Flavor boost: Cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts like almonds or pecans can add depth.
- Visual appeal: Gives a rustic, bakery-style finish to your bake.
Why is it called a Mixed Berry Streusel Coffee Cake?
The hallmark of a classic coffee cake is its crumbly streusel topping, which is present in this mixed berry streusel coffee cake. Traditionally, coffee cakes are moist, tender, and not overly sweet, making them perfect for pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are typically unfrosted, relying on flavorful additions like fruits, spices, and a rich crumb to shine. The combination of juicy berries, a sweet-tangy crumb, and a cinnamon-scented streusel makes this cake a perfect example of a classic coffee cake. It’s called a coffee cake, not because it contains coffee, but because it’s traditionally meant to be enjoyed with coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Instructions
- 1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and line an 8-inch square pan or a similar-sized baking dish.
- 2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add firm butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set aside in the fridge.
- 3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the AP flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, milk powder, oat flour, almond flour, and lemon zest.
- 4. Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In another bowl, beat together the butter, oil, caster sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- 5. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and lemon juice until combined.
- 6. Combine Wet and Dry:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the thawed and drained berries.
- 7. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
- 8. Bake:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- 🍰 Serving Tip:
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.
