It’s that time again—when the strawberries at the market practically shout your name, and all you can think about is whipping up a Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake that could make even the most stoic of taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine this: the sweet, juicy berries mingling with rich cream cheese in a cake that’s as tender as a hug from your grandma. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering if you’ve accidentally opened a fancy bakery right in your own home.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What is the best way to store Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
- Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
- How do I make my Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake more flavorful?
- Is there a dairy-free option for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
- Conclusion for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- 📖 Recipe Card
This recipe isn’t just any old cake; it’s the kind of dessert that makes family gatherings feel like a scene from a rom-com. Picture this: everyone gathered around, forks in hand, eagerly awaiting their slice of heaven, and you, the star of the show, casually revealing your secret weapon. Just wait until they taste it. Trust me; they won’t see it coming!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- The harmonious blend of creamy and fruity flavors delivers an unforgettable taste experience.
- Its delightful pink hue makes it visually stunning and sure to impress guests at any gathering.
- Enjoy it as a dessert or treat yourself to a slice with morning coffee—it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose firm, ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and flavor; they’ll be the stars of your cake.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor; allow it to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds structure and sweetness; adjust according to your preference.
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter; it provides richness and moisture needed for a perfect pound cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: Sifted flour helps achieve a fluffy texture; make sure to measure accurately.
- Baking Powder: Use fresh baking powder to ensure your cake rises perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation varieties if possible.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; don’t skip this ingredient!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. You’ll want them to become best friends in your mixer.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Then, mix in vanilla extract until everything is well combined—you’re building flavor layers here!
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined—don’t overdo it or your cake will be tougher than my uncle’s old leather jacket.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries—be careful not to mash them! You want those juicy bits distributed throughout without turning them into mushy puddles.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell like bliss by now!
Transfer to plates once cooled slightly, slice yourself an indulgent piece, and watch as everyone dives in!
You Must Know
- This delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is not only a showstopper but also incredibly easy to make.
- The bright strawberries dance with the creamy richness, creating a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Perfect for any occasion, this cake will impress your family and friends.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming the butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Then, gradually add sugar and eggs while mixing. Once combined, fold in the flour and fresh strawberries for an even texture before pouring into a prepared pan to bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries if you want to mix things up. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest for extra flavor, making this cake truly your own masterpiece.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it warm later, pop slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour; this keeps your pound cake tender.
- Finally, let the cake cool fully before slicing to maintain its shape and moisture.
It reminds me of the first time I made this cake for my best friend’s birthday party; everyone asked for seconds! The combination of flavors was a hit and became a staple in our gatherings thereafter.
FAQs:
What is the best way to store Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
To keep your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong its freshness, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. This method allows you to enjoy your delicious cake months later without losing its flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing them into your batter. Frozen strawberries may alter the texture slightly, but they will still provide that delicious fruity flavor. Incorporating these berries is a great way to enjoy this cake year-round.
How do I make my Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the batter. These ingredients complement the strawberries beautifully and add depth to the overall taste. Additionally, using high-quality cream cheese can also elevate the creaminess and richness of the cake, making every bite a delight.
Is there a dairy-free option for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?
Yes, you can create a dairy-free version of Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake by substituting traditional cream cheese with a plant-based alternative such as cashew cream or almond-based cream cheese. Ensure that all other ingredients are also dairy-free. With these substitutions, you can still enjoy a moist and flavorful pound cake that satisfies everyone’s cravings.
Conclusion for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
In summary, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. By using fresh or frozen strawberries, you can enjoy this dessert year-round. Storing it properly ensures maximum freshness while exploring flavor enhancements like vanilla or lemon zest adds an extra layer of deliciousness. With simple adjustments, this recipe remains accessible for all dietary preferences. Enjoy baking and indulging in this sweet delight!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a luscious dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese. This moist and tender cake boasts a beautiful pink hue, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Perfect for family celebrations or as a delightful treat with your morning coffee, this pound cake will surely impress everyone who takes a slice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
