Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake 🍓🍰
There’s something truly special about a homemade pound cake, especially when it’s infused with the delightful flavors of strawberries and cream cheese. This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is rich, moist, and bursting with fresh fruit goodness, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a backyard barbecue, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
Why make this recipe?
This recipe brings together the dense and buttery texture of a classic pound cake with the sweet and tangy taste of strawberries. The addition of cream cheese adds a delicious creaminess that elevates the cake to a new level. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the beautiful pink hue and strawberry flavor makes it a showstopper on any dessert table! 🌟
How to prepare Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⏲️
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced 🍓
- A pinch of salt 🧂
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan to prevent sticking. 🏭
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. 💪
- Add in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 🍳
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. 🥄
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Be careful to not overmix the batter. 🍓
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. ⏱️
- Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 🌬️
How to serve Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This delicious pound cake can be enjoyed as is, or you can elevate it even further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Adding fresh strawberry slices on top makes for a beautiful presentation! 🍦🍓
How to store Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Store leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature overnight. ❄️
Tips for preparing Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- To achieve a lighter texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour.
- Fresh strawberries work best, but if you’re short on time, you can use frozen strawberries (just be sure to thaw and drain them first). 👍
Variations
- Add some lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor twist. 🍋
- Try using different berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry pound cake! 🫐
FAQs
Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though it might slightly change the texture and flavor of the cake.
Q2: How long does it take to bake this cake?
A: The cake will take about 70-80 minutes to bake at 325°F (163°C). Make sure to check with a toothpick to see if it’s done. ⏱️
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. It stays moist and delicious for several days, making it a great option for prep-ahead desserts. 🗓️
Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake! 🍰✨