If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that blends the rich decadence of cream cheese with the bright, fresh burst of strawberries, you’ve hit the jackpot. The Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe is a delightful treat that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Every bite melts with creamy sweetness and just the right hint of strawberry, making it an instant favorite whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a luscious, homemade indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients you likely already love. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creaminess of the butter and cream cheese to the fresh tang of strawberries, building layers of texture, flavor, and that gorgeous pink hue.
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming power, it adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese: Brings a smooth, tender crumb and delightful tang that makes this pound cake extra special.
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar: Balances out the tang and adds sweetness without overpowering the strawberries.
- 6 large eggs: Provide structure and help create that perfect, dense pound cake texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A warm note that enhances the strawberries’ natural flavor and the cake’s richness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, offering stability without weighing it down.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Just enough to give the cake a light lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Amplifies all the sweet and savory flavors.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (finely chopped): The star ingredient, bursting with freshness and juicy sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the smooth glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds depth and aroma to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (optional): Boosts both strawberry flavor and color in your glaze for visual wow-factor.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature helps the cake bake evenly and slowly, giving it that soft, tender crumb. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan, which will give your pound cake an elegant shape and ensure it releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until perfectly smooth. This step creates the creamy base that makes your pound cake unbelievably rich and moist, so give it a good 3-5 minutes for best results.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until your mixture turns light and fluffy — this is key to a tender crumb. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter velvety and emulsified.
Step 4: Stir in Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Blend in the vanilla extract for that classic cake aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. Slowly combine these dry ingredients with your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries
Carefully fold the finely chopped strawberries into the batter. Dusting the strawberries with a bit of flour before adding prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking — a little trick that keeps the cake beautifully studded with juicy fruit throughout.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 75 to 85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While your cake cools, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract, stirring until the glaze reaches a perfect drizzle consistency. For an extra pop of strawberry flavor and color, swirl in strawberry puree before drizzling over the cooled cake. This glaze adds a delicate, sweet finish that perfectly complements the pound cake’s rich texture.
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar do wonders. You could also add a sprig of mint for a fresh color contrast. These simple touches keep the spotlight on the cake’s fresh and creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
This pound cake pairs delightfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, balancing the cake’s density with lightness. A cup of tea or coffee also complements this dessert perfectly, rounding out a cozy treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake and serve it on rustic wooden boards for a casual vibe or on fine china for a more elegant gathering. For a charming twist, layer slices between fresh strawberries and whipped cream to create petite strawberry shortcake bites. The possibilities are endless when you have The Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe in your repertoire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pound cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake tender and moist without drying out. If you’ve already glazed it, refrigeration may be better to preserve the topping.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pound cake stays delicious for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake warm, simply microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it in a low oven wrapped in foil. This will bring back that freshly-baked feel, perfect for cozy afternoons.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely, but be sure to thaw and drain them well, then pat dry before folding into the batter. This prevents excess moisture from soaking the cake and altering its texture.
Is cream cheese necessary in this pound cake?
Yes! The cream cheese adds moisture and a delicious tang that makes this pound cake stand out from the crowd. Without it, the cake won’t have the same rich texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just double-check the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake’s structure.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?
Dusting the strawberries with a little flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay suspended evenly throughout the cake, giving you beautiful bursts of fruit in every bite.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Blueberries or raspberries work well, either on their own or mixed with strawberries, to add variety and keep the cake exciting.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that combines richness, freshness, and that undeniable homemade charm, The Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s always a delight to share this cake with friends and family, and I promise once you try it, it’ll become a staple for celebrations and cozy afternoons alike. So grab those berries, crank up the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying pound cakes you’ll ever taste!
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The Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a luscious, moist dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a rich cream cheese and butter base, infused with fresh strawberries and topped with a delicate vanilla glaze, this cake combines classic flavors with a fresh fruity twist. Ideal for celebrations or everyday indulgence, it’s guaranteed to delight strawberry lovers.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped and dusted with flour
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (optional, for flavor and color)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and lightly flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, blending it evenly throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet batter, folding carefully until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries that have been dusted with flour, this prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading and smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 75 to 85 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to firm up before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make and Apply Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, adding the optional strawberry puree for extra flavor and color. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth batter.
- Dusting strawberries with flour prevents them from sinking during baking, ensuring even distribution.
- Test cake doneness with a toothpick at the minimum bake time to avoid overbaking and drying out the cake.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if necessary, just pat them dry first.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by varying the amount of milk added.
