Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert that combines the tang of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its velvety texture and delicious flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it for dessert after dinner, this cake will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients for the Cake:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped (or strawberry puree)
For the Glaze (Optional):
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh strawberry juice or puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan for easy removal of the cake.
2️⃣ Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3️⃣ Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a light and tender cake.
6️⃣ Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped fresh or frozen strawberries (or strawberry puree) into the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7️⃣ Pour into the Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8️⃣ Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9️⃣ Make the Glaze (Optional): While the cake is cooling, make the optional glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, strawberry juice or puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an added touch of sweetness.
10️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Once the cake is fully cooled and glazed, slice and serve. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the best creaming results.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid making the cake dense.
Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different, so start checking the cake for doneness at 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Strawberry Puree: If you prefer a smoother cake, use strawberry puree instead of chopped strawberries for a more uniform texture throughout the batter.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
Moist and Flavorful: The cream cheese makes the cake incredibly moist and tender, while the fresh strawberries add a lovely sweetness and tang.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cake has the right balance of sweetness from the sugar and strawberries, with a hint of tang from the cream cheese.
Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its rich and indulgent taste, this pound cake is easy to make and looks impressive when served, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or special occasions.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
FAQ About Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and chop them before adding to the batter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re using the glaze, it’s best to add it right before serving.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Cake Too Dense?
If your cake turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Cake Not Rising?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as old or expired baking powder can affect the rise of your cake. Also, make sure you’re baking at the right temperature and checking for doneness as the cake nears 60 minutes.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Chocolate Chip Strawberry Pound Cake: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake: Swap out strawberries for raspberries to create a different fruity flavor.
Why This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion:
This cake is perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any special occasion. The combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese with fresh strawberries makes it an unforgettable treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re having a casual gathering or an elegant dinner, this cake will be the star of the show.
Success with Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
With its deliciously moist texture and sweet strawberry flavor, this cake is a guaranteed success. It’s easy to make, and everyone will be asking for the recipe! Whether you serve it plain or with the glaze, it’s a delightful dessert that never disappoints.
For more fruity cake recipes, check out Blueberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake or Peach Almond Pound Cake.
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