Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line with parchment for easy lifting.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in the halved strawberries, saving a few for the top if you’d like a decorative finish.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter reserved strawberries over the surface.
- Make the crumble: combine crumble flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Rub together with fingertips until pearly crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the cake.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs and the crumble glistens golden.
- Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing so the strawberries set slightly — then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For an indulgent dessert, drizzle warm vanilla glaze over slices just before serving. For a festive meal twist, fold in a tablespoon of Grand Marnier into the batter. Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 GF flour; add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend lacks it.
