Strawberry Crunch Sheet Cake with Buttermilk Frosting

This pretty in pink sheet cake tastes like pure nostalgia, with a moist and tender strawberry cake, tangy buttermilk frosting, and a generous sprinkle of crunchy strawberry shortcake crumbs that add the perfect sweet and salty finishing touch. Inspired by an ice cream truck classic, this strawberry crunch sheet cake combines all the elements you […]

The post Strawberry Crunch Sheet Cake with Buttermilk Frosting first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

This pretty in pink sheet cake tastes like pure nostalgia, with a moist and tender strawberry cake, tangy buttermilk frosting, and a generous sprinkle of crunchy strawberry shortcake crumbs that add the perfect sweet and salty finishing touch.

Inspired by an ice cream truck classic, this strawberry crunch sheet cake combines all the elements you love about the frozen treat in sheet cake form: a tender strawberry buttermilk cake topped with a cloud-like buttermilk frosting and a scratch-made strawberry crunch topping.

Strawberry Crunch Sheet Cake with Buttermilk Frosting cut into serving squares, on a piece of parchment with messy crumbs, cake server, and a bowl of more crumbs and frosting in the background.

There are few things more nostalgic than the ice cream truck, the tinkling sound of the melodic jingle that starts softly at first but gets louder as the anticipation grows. I strongly recall the breathless feeling of frantically running around the house scooping up the loose change from the couch cushions and bolting out the door before it passes you by.

The sound (and taste) of the ice cream truck is a particularly strong childhood memory for me, maybe because we grew up in an area that ice cream trucks did not frequent, so my only experiences with them were when we were visiting our grandparents in Los Angeles, making it an extra special experience.

The ice cream truck felt like a carnival on wheels, but for your tastebuds.

And of all the classic ice cream truck treats, the strawberry shortcake crunch bars are certainly one of the most memorable flavors, with a core of bold strawberry surrounded by creamy vanilla ice cream and an outer coating of crunchy strawberry shortcake crumbs. I’m usually a chocolate girl through and through, but something about that combo of creamy and crunchy, vanilla and fruit hit all the right notes.

This recipe is inspired by that nostalgic ice cream treat, with all the same flavors and textures, reimagined in a party-ready sheet cake.

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Apple Cinnamon Muffins

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is so fluffy and moist, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. A total family favorite!…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is so fluffy and moist, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. A total family favorite!

Apple cinnamon muffins

Here’s a muffin recipe that’s the best cozy baking project: apple cinnamon muffins! These are so delicious everyone will beg for the recipe. Each one has a fluffy, tender crumb, with just the right amount of sweet tart bursts of apples. The best part? Sprinkling with cinnamon sugar before and after baking makes a crunchy, warm spiced topping. You won’t believe how tasty these are!

Ingredients in apple cinnamon muffins

Apples and cinnamon are the best combination, like in oatmeal or apple crisp. So why not translate that into muffin form? These little cakes taste like you picked them up at a local bakery. They’re tall, delicately sweet, and have the best crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder, baking soda, and salt
  • Buttermilk
  • Butter
  • Neutral oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon
Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Best types of apples for baking

The best type of apples for baking? Bake with a firm, crisp tart apple. Crisp tart apples hold up well texture-wise, and their tangy tartness accents the sweetness of baked goods. Here are some of the best apples for baking and cooking. You can use other types too, but the flavor of these types have the best flavor:

  • Pink Lady
  • Jonathon or Jonagold
  • Granny Smith
  • Fuji

The keys to apple cinnamon muffins

These apple cinnamon muffins are so full of flavor, you’ll make them a fall baking staple! (They are in our house.) There are a few keys to the flavor and achieving an even bake. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Use real buttermilk (no substitutes!). Buttermilk is crucial to making a fluffy muffin with a tender crumb. We’ve tried all sorts of muffin recipes and buttermilk is truly the best! Don’t be tempted to use even a buttermilk substitute here! It’s got to be the real thing.
  • For an even bake, fill every other cup in two 12-cup muffin tins. Here’s a key to even baking for muffins: fill every other cup in a tin! This helps them to have beautiful domed tops and an even bake. It’s not required, but helpful for perfect muffins.
  • Baking at 375°F makes a taller muffin. Many muffin recipes bake at 350°F, but a slightly hotter oven makes a taller and fluffier muffin. This recipe also has a large amount of leavener (baking powder and baking soda) for a good rise.
Cinnamon apple muffins

Storage info

Apple cinnamon muffins taste best the day of baking, but they save well too! You’ll want to keep them refrigerated because of the crunchy topping and the moisture in the apples, which can make them soggy if stored at room temperature. Here’s what to know:

  • Refrigerator: Store refrigerated for up to 1 week! Let them stand at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
  • Freeze: Freeze in a sealable container and store up to 3 months.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins

More apple recipes

Love baking with apples! When it’s the season, we love baking them up into muffins, breads, cookies, and crisps. Here are a few more apple recipes:

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is…

Vegetarian. For vegan, go to Vegan Apple Muffins.

Print
Apple cinnamon muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12

Description

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is so fluffy and moist, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. A total family favorite!


Ingredients

For the muffins

  • 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups [280 g] all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup buttermilk*
  • 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Peel and chop the apples and set them aside. Place muffin wrappers in every other muffin cup of two 12-cup muffin tins.**
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center. In a medium bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, neutral oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. In a mix bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients from the batter into the well in the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined and there are no longer streaks of flour.
  6. Add the apples and fold it in with a spatula, taking care not to overwork the batter. (If desired, you can store the batter up to 24 hours before baking.)
  7. Scoop the batter into the muffin papers using a dough scoop: it should fill to the top of the muffin papers. Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar, using half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Bake until the tops are golden and set and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few crumbs, about 20 to 26 minutes total (rotate the pans halfway through baking). Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  9. Brush the top of each muffin with melted butter, place the remaining cinnamon sugar on a plate, and dip each muffin into the plate to coat the top. Transfer to a baking rack to fully cool (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). The muffins are best eaten the day they are made, but they store very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator and last up to 1 week.

Notes

*Buttermilk is the magic ingredient which makes the most consistent texture and rise! Don’t be tempted to leave it out or use a buttermilk substitute. It’s worth it (we promise).

**Baking in every other muffin cup makes for a more consistent bake. If all you have is a 12-cup muffin tin, you can use that too.

  • Category: Muffin
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Baked
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Apple cinnamon muffins, apple cinnamon muffin, cinnamon apple muffin

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Cornmeal Pancakes

These cornmeal pancakes are ultra fluffy and golden! Fry up a stack and drizzle with maple syrup for a satisfying…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

These cornmeal pancakes are ultra fluffy and golden! Fry up a stack and drizzle with maple syrup for a satisfying breakfast.

Cornmeal Pancakes

There are so many types of pancakes, from buttermilk to blueberry to cottage cheese. Here’s one that rises to the top of our list: Cornmeal Pancakes! These tasty flapjacks are crisp and golden on the outside, with a fluffy interior that tastes just like cornbread. Top them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of butter and they’re perfect for a morning breakfast or special brunch! Our son Larson especially gobbled these down (though he has yet to meet a pancake he doesn’t like!).

Ingredients in cornmeal pancakes

Cornmeal pancakes are a fun cozy breakfast, and come out beautifully fluffy and golden. The magic ingredient? Buttermilk, which makes that airy texture and adds a hint of tang to the flavor. You’ll want to use the real stuff here (no substitutes!). Otherwise, you might have all the other items on hand in your pantry and fridge. Here are the ingredients for cornmeal pancakes:

  • Fine ground cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Egg
  • Salted butter
  • Buttermilk
Cornmeal

Use real buttermilk for the best results

Buttermilk is absolutely crucial to making a light and fluffy muffin with a beautiful crumb. Many people, ourselves included, are often tempted to use even a buttermilk substitute: the most popular is milk and lemon juice (or another acidic ingredient like apple cider vinegar).

But for the best flavor and rise, it’s got to be the real thing! The substitute can work in a pinch, but there’s something about the flavor and texture that’s luxuriously rich when you use actual buttermilk.

Cornmeal Pancakes

Tips for cooking cornmeal pancakes

Cornmeal pancakes come together in the same way as any other pancake. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, then cook on a skillet until golden brown! However, there are a few nuances to the process that are helpful:

  • Use a large griddle: a non-stick surface is helpful. Some griddles have uneven heating, so use a quality griddle or skillet. A non-stick surface is a plus, though you’ll still want to cook the pancakes in butter to get them golden brown.
  • Experiment to find the right heat level. Medium low heat is ideal, but it’s different on every stovetop. It should take a few minutes to get the pan up to heat. If the heat is too low, the pancakes won’t puff as much when cooking.
  • Don’t worry if the first pancake isn’t perfect! Use it as a test for honing in your pancake skills and adjust the heat accordingly.
  • The batter sometimes becomes very thick while waiting for the second batch. If so, add a teaspoon or two of buttermilk until the batter is pourable. 

Mix-ins, toppings, and variations

Want to mix up these cornmeal pancakes? It’s fun to add mix-ins to add a burst of flavor. You can also add fun toppings to step them up. Here are a few ideas:

  • Blueberries: Pour the batter into circles on the griddle, then place a handful of blueberries into the top of each pancake (this works better than mixing them into the batter). 
  • Strawberries or raspberries: Add a handful of sliced strawberries or raspberries to each pancake while it cooks.
  • Pecans: Add a hint of nutty flavor with a handful of finely chopped pecans in each pancake.
  • Fruit syrup or compote: Top the pancakes with blueberry syrup or strawberry compote for a fruity contrast.
  • Nut butter: Try them slathered with almond butter for hearty breakfast.
Cornmeal Pancakes

Cornmeal pancake leftovers and storage info

Cornmeal pancakes are easy to store: they’re actually great as leftovers. Store them refrigerated for tasty snacks with nut butter and a little maple syrup. Cornmeal pancakes store in a sealed container for up to 5 days refrigerated and 3 months frozen. It’s a nice way to extend the life of a batch.

What to do with leftover buttermilk

Most buttermilk recipes don’t use the entire container. What to do with the remainder if you buy it for these cornmeal pancakes?

More recipes with cornmeal

Got cornmeal? Here are a few more ways to use it:

This cornmeal pancakes recipe is…

Vegetarian. For gluten-free, use 1-for-1 gluten-free flour. For vegan, use a flax egg in place of the egg.

Print
Cornmeal Pancakes

Cornmeal Pancakes


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8

Description

These cornmeal pancakes are ultra fluffy and golden! Fry up a stack and drizzle with maple syrup for a satisfying breakfast.


Ingredients

  • ¾ cup fine ground cornmeal
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons melted salted butter, cooled
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, and buttermilk.
  2. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then stir gently to combine until the batter comes together and is pourable but slightly lumpy.
  3. Lightly butter a skillet or griddle and wipe off extra grease with a paper towel. Heat the skillet to medium low heat. Pour the batter into circles (about ¼ cup). Cook the pancakes until the bubbles pop on the top and the bottoms are golden. Then flip them and cook until cooked through. If the batter becomes very thick on the second batch, add a teaspoon or two of buttermilk until the batter is pourable. 
  4. Place the cooked pancakes under an inverted bowl to keep them warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain an even temperature. Serve immediately with butter and maple syrup.
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Cornmeal pancakes

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.