There’s something magical about a warm, homemade cake fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a cozy, sweet moment, this Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the perfect indulgence. With the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the classic texture of a pound cake, it’s a dessert that everyone will adore. This recipe brings a burst of flavor that’s perfect for any time of year — from a summer afternoon tea to a holiday family gathering.
What makes this cake even more special is the use of fresh, ripe strawberries, which add a natural sweetness and vibrant color. Imagine slicing into the cake and seeing those juicy strawberry pieces tucked inside each layer, topped with a light, glossy glaze. The result is an incredibly moist and tender cake that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
If you’re looking for a cake that’s easy to make but packed with flavor, this is the recipe for you! Here’s why:
- Rich, Moist Texture: Thanks to the combination of butter, cream cheese, and eggs, this pound cake boasts a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh Strawberries: The chopped strawberries infuse the cake with a delightful burst of fruity goodness, making every bite feel fresh and summery.
- Versatile: Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a holiday feast, or a simple afternoon snack, this cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
- Easy Glaze: The optional glaze is super easy to make and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients to create this show-stopping dessert:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing strawberries)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fresh strawberry goodness.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Making this cake is easier than it looks! While the baking time is a little longer than a typical cake, the process itself is quite straightforward. Just follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect pound cake every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is the base of your cake, so it’s important to get a silky texture here. The cream cheese will add a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Step 3: Add the Sugar and Beat Until Light and Fluffy
Now, add the granulated sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your cake. It incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise and stay light.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract at this point. The eggs will give the cake structure, and the vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it warm and inviting.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake and helps prevent clumping when you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 7: Toss the Strawberries in Flour
Toss the chopped fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of flour to coat them. This helps prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. Gently fold the flour-coated strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
Step 8: Pour the Batter Into the Prepared Pan
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared bundt or tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. The batter will be thick, but it will spread nicely once in the pan.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 80–90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake, as every oven is a little different. The cake should be golden brown on top, and the edges will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Step 10: Cool the Cake
Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps set the cake’s structure and makes it easier to glaze if you’re choosing to do so.
Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze (Optional)
If you’d like to add a little extra sweetness to your cake, whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a shiny, sweet finish that enhances the strawberry flavor.
Tips for Success: How to Make This Cake Perfect Every Time
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to be lumpy and affect the cake’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
- Fresh Strawberries Work Best: For the most flavorful cake, opt for fresh strawberries that are ripe and sweet. Frozen strawberries can release too much moisture, affecting the texture of the cake.
- Check the Cake’s Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake after about 75 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze. This ensures that the glaze sets properly and doesn’t melt into the warm cake.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a showstopper on its own, but it can also be served in a variety of ways to enhance the experience:
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of a slice adds richness and a creamy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Pair with Fresh Berries: For an extra burst of freshness, serve the cake with more fresh strawberries or other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Enjoy with a Hot Beverage: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. It’s the perfect afternoon treat for a cozy moment.
- Turn it into a Dessert for Special Occasions: This cake can easily be dressed up for celebrations. Serve it at birthdays, holidays, or as the dessert centerpiece at a summer picnic.
Why This Cake is a Must-Try
If you’re searching for a cake that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress, this Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is exactly what you need. It combines the richness of cream cheese with the fresh, natural sweetness of strawberries, all while maintaining the tender, buttery texture of a classic pound cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a slice of happiness, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Conclusion: Sweeten Your Day with This Delicious Pound Cake
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade cake with loved ones, and this Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake will certainly do the trick. With its moist, rich texture and fresh strawberry flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Try it today, and let it bring a little sweetness to your world!