Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489510H12M4S
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 3 cups granulated sugar; 6 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped and tossed in 1 tablespoon flour; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Prepare to fall head over heels for this irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake! Every slice is buttery, dense, and bursting with real strawberries, while the tangy cream cheese amps up the tenderness and flavor. Finished with a fresh strawberry glaze that’s as pretty as it is delicious, this cake easily transforms an ordinary day into a celebration. Whether for brunch, a picnic, or just a well-deserved treat, this classic dessert is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The amazing thing about Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can come together to make something magical. Each item here plays an essential role in building the cake’s rich structure, dreamy texture, and show-stopping flavor.

Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened, for a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and irresistible richness.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a subtle tang and unbeatable moistness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create a gorgeous golden crust.
Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients and give the cake its signature pound cake structure.
Vanilla extract: A full tablespoon adds depth and warmth, rounding out the strawberry notes.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender but sturdy crumb.
Baking powder: Just a touch ensures the cake rises beautifully without losing its dense character.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and highlights the sweetness of the strawberries.
Fresh strawberries: Chopped and tossed in flour so they stay suspended throughout each bite.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Dissolves smoothly for a glossy, sweet finish.
Strawberry puree (for glaze): Intensifies the strawberry flavor and gives that gorgeous pink color.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): A whisper of vanilla in the glaze completes this dreamy cake.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, ensuring you reach every curve and crevice. This step is key for releasing your stunning Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake in one beautiful piece!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. This process is crucial—it lays the foundation for the cake’s luscious texture and even crumb.

Step 3: Add the Sugar

Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until fully incorporated. The mixture should double in volume and look pale and creamy. This step helps aerate the batter so your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake bakes up tender and rich.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure everything blends smoothly. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined, infusing the batter with a gentle warmth.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any bitter or salty pockets in your finished cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, gently add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined. Take care not to overmix—this is the secret to a perfectly tender Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake.

Step 7: Fold in the Strawberries

Toss the chopped strawberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This clever trick keeps the berries from sinking, so you’ll get juicy strawberry pieces in every slice.

Step 8: Fill the Pan and Bake

Spoon the thick batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 75–85 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then gently invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. For the whimsical strawberry glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh strawberry puree, and a touch of vanilla. Drizzle generously over the cooled Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake and let the glaze set before slicing.

How to Serve

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect presentation, scatter additional chopped fresh strawberries or a handful of whole berries over the glazed cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves gives an extra pop of color and a fresh finish that makes this dessert look as incredible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Though Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake can absolutely stand on its own, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream can take each bite to new heights. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side of lemon sorbet or a fruit salad bursting with seasonal berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic slice! Cube pieces of pound cake and layer them with whipped cream and strawberries for a crowd-pleasing trifle. Or, grill thick slices just until warm and toasty, then top with more glaze or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a unique twist on dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to three days, provided it’s stored in an airtight container. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating for optimal freshness. Always bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then allow to come to room temperature. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy strawberry season flavors any time you crave them.

Reheating

If you like your pound cake slightly warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. For a whole cake, gently warm it in a 300°F oven (covered loosely with foil) for 10–15 minutes. The glaze will melt a little, making it taste as fresh as the day you baked it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the strawberries very well, and toss them in flour as you would with fresh berries to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.

Do I need to use a Bundt pan or can I use a different pan?

While a Bundt pan gives Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake its signature look, you can also bake it in two loaf pans or a tube pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and keep an eye on doneness.

What’s the best way to make the strawberry glaze thicker or thinner?

If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. For a thinner consistency, simply add a bit more strawberry puree until you reach your ideal drizzle.

How do I keep pound cake from sticking to the pan?

The trick is to thoroughly grease every inch of the pan and dust it with flour, tapping out any excess. Letting the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before turning it out also helps prevent breakage.

Can I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually improves with time, so feel free to bake it a day in advance. Just store it well wrapped, and glaze it shortly before serving for the freshest finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake enough for berry season (or any time you want a little extra sweetness in your life). Each bite is moist, flavorful, and so pretty it’s almost a shame to cut into—until you taste it! Give this recipe a whirl, and watch it disappear slice by slice. Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to share a piece with someone you love!