If you’re craving something that combines the richness of a classic pound cake with the sweet, fruity goodness of fresh strawberries, then this Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a must-try. Imagine a moist, tender cake made even better with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese batter, and fresh, juicy strawberries scattered throughout. It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from an afternoon tea to a special celebration. Trust me, every bite is like a sweet little moment of happiness.

This cake is so easy to make but tastes like something you’d find at a fancy bakery. The combination of cream cheese and strawberries brings out a delicate balance of richness and lightness, making it the perfect treat to indulge in. The strawberries keep the cake moist, while the cream cheese adds a lovely depth of flavor. You’ll definitely be getting second helpings!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion – from birthday parties to quiet afternoons at home with a cup of tea.
Budget-Friendly: This cake uses basic pantry ingredients, with fresh strawberries to add that special touch.
Quick and Easy: While it might look like you spent hours in the kitchen, this cake is surprisingly simple to put together.
Customizable: Want to add a twist? You can swap in other berries or even drizzle some chocolate on top.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hard to resist the moist, flavorful layers of this cake, making it a hit at family gatherings or brunches.

Ingredients in Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this perfectly moist and fruity pound cake:

Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, smooth texture and a subtle tanginess to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
Butter: For that soft, buttery flavor that’s a signature of any great pound cake.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter, bringing out the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: A must for adding a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cream cheese and strawberries.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cake batter, giving it structure and softness.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the cake! Their sweetness and juiciness make this cake irresistible.
Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting the cake and adding a little extra sweetness to the top.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this deliciously indulgent cake:

Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Prepare the Strawberries:
Wash and hull the strawberries, then cut them into small chunks. Set them aside. If you want to get a little fancy, you can sprinkle a little sugar over the strawberries and let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices.

Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Add the Strawberries:
Gently fold in the fresh strawberries. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing, as you want those juicy strawberry chunks to shine through in each slice.

Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown.

Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your cake and enjoy the moist, strawberry-filled goodness. This cake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: these are approximate values and may vary based on exact ingredients used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

This cake is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Top with extra fresh strawberries or a berry compote to make the fruity flavor pop even more.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter to complement the strawberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries will work, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust the baking time, as a bundt pan will likely need a few extra minutes in the oven.

3. Can I use other berries in place of strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute with raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries for a delicious twist on this recipe.

4. How should I store this cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

5. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I add frosting to this cake?
While it’s delicious on its own, a simple cream cheese frosting or whipped cream would pair wonderfully with this cake if you’d like an extra indulgent touch.

7. Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you could substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy effect, though it might slightly change the texture.

8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

9. How can I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
Toss the strawberries in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them in the cake and prevents them from sinking during baking.

10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is everything you could want in a cake: moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet. The cream cheese adds richness, while the fresh strawberries give it a juicy burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!

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