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Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
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Few desserts capture the essence of indulgence and freshness like a Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake. With its velvety texture, tangy cream cheese flavor, and juicy bursts of strawberry, this pound cake is a year-round showstopper — perfect for birthdays, brunches, picnics, or simply treating yourself.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect strawberry cream cheese pound cake — from ingredient tips to pro baking techniques, FAQ answers, and even storage hacks. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe will walk you through every step.
A Sweet Slice of History
The traditional pound cake traces its roots back to 18th-century Europe, named for its original formula: a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. Over time, the recipe evolved — adding flavors like vanilla, citrus zest, and yes, even cream cheese — for a richer, more moist cake.
Today, when you add strawberries into the mix, you’re not just creating a dessert, you’re blending the timeless charm of classic baking with a burst of fruity freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get that dense yet moist crumb, you’ll need a mix of high-quality ingredients. Here’s what goes into this luscious loaf:
Cake Base:
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1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
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8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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2 ½ cups granulated sugar
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6 large eggs
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
Strawberry Swirl:
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1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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½ teaspoon lemon juice
Optional:
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Whipped cream or vanilla glaze for topping
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Here’s your step-by-step guide for baking success:
✅ Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
✅ Step 2: Make the Strawberry Swirl
In a small saucepan:
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Combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
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Let cool to room temperature.
✅ Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
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In a stand mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
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Add sugar gradually and continue beating until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).
✅ Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
✅ Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
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Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.
✅ Step 6: Assemble the Cake
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Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan.
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Add spoonfuls of strawberry mixture, then swirl gently with a knife.
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Add the remaining batter and repeat the swirl process.
✅ Step 7: Bake
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Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Why Cream Cheese Makes It Magical
Cream cheese is the secret weapon in this pound cake. It adds:
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Richness – Giving the cake a buttery yet tangy flavor.
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Moisture – No dry pound cake here!
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Structure – Helps balance the heaviness of eggs and butter.
Unlike traditional pound cakes, the addition of cream cheese keeps the crumb tender and luscious, even after a few days.
Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake
Here’s how to avoid common baking mistakes and get the best results:
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Use room temperature ingredients – It ensures smooth blending and an even texture.
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Don’t overmix – It can lead to a dense, tough cake.
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Avoid opening the oven too early – Wait at least 60 minutes before checking.
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Test doneness – Use a skewer or long toothpick inserted into the thickest part.
Serving Suggestions
A cake this good deserves to be dressed up or kept simple — your call!
Pair with:
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A dollop of whipped cream
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A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
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Fresh sliced strawberries on top
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A drizzle of strawberry glaze or white chocolate
Variations You Can Try
Want to put a twist on the classic?
Blueberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Swap strawberries for blueberries for a more tart profile.
Lemon Strawberry Pound Cake
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy contrast.
Strawberry Chocolate Marble
Add a layer of melted chocolate chips for extra richness.
Storing & Freezing Tips
This cake is surprisingly easy to store — and gets even better the next day.
Room Temperature:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
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Lasts up to 1 week. Bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer:
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
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Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
❓ FAQs About Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes — just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Absolutely! Just reduce the quantity slightly and adjust the baking time to around 60–70 minutes.
Q3: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Q4: How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Use a high-quality non-stick spray and flour your Bundt pan well, especially around crevices.
LSI & NLP Keywords to Use in Your Blog
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Final Thoughts
This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity. Whether you’re baking for a special event or indulging in a cozy weekend treat, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your go-to dessert collection. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll be slicing into this heavenly cake in no time.
For more details, visit the full recipe