Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of dessert! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake. This cake is not just a treat; it’s a sweet memory waiting to happen. Picture fresh strawberries mixed with creamy goodness, baked into a soft pound cake that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion!
Why Make This Recipe
So why should you bake this cake? First, it’s super easy to make. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves the combination of strawberries and cream cheese. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is the answer. Trust me, once you make it, it will become a family favorite!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Here’s how to make this yummy cake step by step.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to help the cake come out easily.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until everything is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to keep it airy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir until just combined—do not overmix!
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries to spread that fruity goodness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This cake is best served at room temperature. You can slice it up and enjoy it plain, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra touch!
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but make sure to let it sit out for a bit before serving, so it’s not too cold.
Tips to Make Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are really soft for the best mixing.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the greasing and flouring of the bundt pan. This step helps the cake come out beautifully!
- You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish.
Variation
Feel free to switch things up! You can add chocolate chips or replace strawberries with blueberries or raspberries. The sky’s the limit!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the cake.
2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
3. Can I make mini versions of this cake?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time and use smaller pans like muffins or mini bundt pans.
Now you’re ready to bake! Enjoy every bite of your Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake!