Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to celebrations. This cake boasts a rich and creamy flavor profile, highlighted by the freshness of strawberries. Its moist texture and delightful strawberry cream filling make it a standout treat that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Stunning Presentation: With its elegant layers and fresh strawberry topping, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with this recipe, having the right tools is essential. These tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 8-inch cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort, ensuring your batter is perfectly blended and fluffy.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients together without deflating whipped cream or delicate mixtures.
• 8-inch cake pans: Ensures even baking for perfectly shaped cake layers.

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Ingredients

For the Pound Cake:

• 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups cake flour, sifted
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Strawberry Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 cup fresh chopped strawberries

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree or juice
• 1 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• Pinch of salt

Topping:

• Fresh halved strawberries (for decoration)

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pound Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add in the sugar, beating for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in both the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.
6. Sift together the cake flour and salt, then gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing out the tops.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form; set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the strawberry jam/preserves.
4. Gently fold in your whipped cream mixture until fully combined.
5. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one layer of pound cake on a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream filling over it.
3. Add another layer of cake on top and repeat with more filling.
4. Top with the final layer of cake and frost with remaining strawberry cream filling or a light layer of whipped cream for decoration.
5. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar with strawberry puree along with milk as needed until smooth and pourable.

Step 5: Garnish

1. Drizzle glaze generously over your chilled cake, allowing it to drip down sides.
2. Garnish with halved fresh strawberries on top before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake at your next gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual gathering, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve slices plain for a simple yet delicious treat, allowing the rich flavors of strawberries and cream cheese to shine through.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added lightness and sweetness, enhancing the cake’s creamy texture.

A La Mode

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Add more fresh strawberries or mixed berries on the side for an extra burst of flavor and color. This adds freshness and makes the plate visually appealing.

Drizzle Additional Glaze

• Drizzle some extra strawberry glaze over each slice just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also intensifies the strawberry flavor.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the pound cake complement warm beverages perfectly, making it a great choice for brunch or afternoon tea.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

To ensure your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter and better texture.

• Sift Your Flour: Sifting cake flour before measuring helps aerate it, leading to a lighter cake. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake that lacks fluffiness.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An inaccurate oven can cause uneven baking.

• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures the filling stays intact.

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the assembled cake allows it to set properly and enhances flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the dessert’s sweetness while providing a creamy texture.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthier option that complements the flavors in the cake.
4. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse creates a decadent contrast to the fruity aspects of the pound cake.
5. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate while harmonizing with strawberries’ sweet notes.
6. Coffee or Tea: Warm drinks like coffee or herbal tea provide comfort and enhance enjoyment during dessert time.
7. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting savory contrast against the sweet cake.
8. Pistachio Crumble: Crushed pistachios sprinkled on top add crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both texture and taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients – Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Always let your butter, cream cheese, and eggs reach room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the Batter – Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined for the best results.
• Ignoring Baking Times – Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
• Skipping the Cooling Process – Not allowing the cake to cool properly can cause it to crumble when you frost it. Be patient and let it cool completely on wire racks.
• Forgetting to Grease the Pans – If you skip this step, your cake may stick. Always grease and flour your pans thoroughly before adding the batter.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Use plastic wrap or foil if you don’t have a container.

Freezing Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Using frozen strawberries is possible, but fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid first.

How do I make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use margarine instead of butter.

What can I substitute for cake flour?

You can make your own cake flour by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch. For every cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons and replace them with cornstarch.

How do I store leftovers of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavor extracts. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!