Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the richness of cream cheese with the vibrant flavor of strawberries. This cake is ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to summer gatherings. With its moist texture and creamy filling, it stands out as a crowd-pleaser while being simple enough for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of cream cheese and butter keeps this pound cake tender and moist.
• Flavorful Layers: Each bite is packed with fresh strawberries and a luscious cream filling.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or just as a sweet snack.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Stunning Presentation: The beautiful layers and vibrant glaze make it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the baking process. Having everything ready will make your time in the kitchen enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly and smoothly, which is crucial for creating the perfect pound cake texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking; using the right amounts will yield the best results.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cakes to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

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
• tsp almond extract (optional)
• tsp salt

For the Strawberry Cream Filling:

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

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 23 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 oven to 325F (163C). 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 sugar and continue to beat for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
6. Sift the cake flour and salt together, then gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer 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. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; then add strawberry jam/preserves.
4. Fold whipped cream into strawberry cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
5. Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream filling on top.
2. Add second layer of cake and repeat with more filling.
3. Top with final layer, frost entire cake with remaining strawberry cream filling or a light layer of whipped cream for a smooth finish.
4. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar with strawberry puree and a bit of milk until smooth and pourable.
2. Drizzle glaze generously over chilled cake, allowing it to drip down sides.

Step 5: Garnish

1. Top with halved fresh strawberries before serving.
2. Chill until ready to serve.

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 you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging on your own, here are some serving suggestions to enhance this delicious cake.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the cake.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors, providing a perfect contrast.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an indulgent touch and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also provide a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness.

Served with Fresh Berries

• A mix of fresh berries alongside the cake elevates the presentation and offers extra juiciness.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Sift Cake Flour: Sifting cake flour before measuring prevents lumps and ensures an even distribution in your batter for a lighter cake.

• Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to keep the pound cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cakes as baking times can vary by oven. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean layers.

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered Greek yogurt with granola offers a creamy and crunchy contrast.
3. Honey Roasted Nuts: Sweet, crunchy nuts provide an interesting texture that complements the soft cake.
4. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after each bite of cake.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats echo the flavors in the cake and make for an elegant presentation.
6. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons add tropical flavor notes that pair well with strawberry.
7. Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee enhances dessert time, making it more enjoyable.
8. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over each slice will add sweetness and richness that many will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and small missteps can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to watch for when making your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can cause your batter to be uneven. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth blend.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can make the cake dense. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated for a fluffy texture.

• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Packing flour into the measuring cup can lead to a dry cake. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if unsure.

• Neglecting Cooling Time: Removing the cake too early from the pan can cause it to break. Let it cool in the pan for the recommended time before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.

• Stovetop: In a non-stick skillet over low heat, warm slices for about 5 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe that may help you along the way.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking?

Sinking can occur due to underbaking or overmixing. Ensure you bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and mix just until combined.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well but may add extra moisture. Thaw and drain them before using to maintain the cake’s texture.

What is the best way to frost the cake?

Using an offset spatula makes frosting easy and smooth. Spread a thin layer of filling between layers before frosting the outside for even coverage.

How should I store leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavors paired with fresh strawberries make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!