Introduction
Baking is one of those activities that feels like love in action. It brings together the warmth of your home and the joy of creating something delicious. For many, there’s nothing quite like the smell of a cake baking in the oven. It fills the air with sweet promises of comfort and happiness. The delightful mingling of flavors can evoke memories of family gatherings and cherished moments. That’s precisely what this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze embodies—a treat that captures the essence of spring and summer, with vibrant strawberries elevating the experience.
This cake is not just a dessert; it is a celebration of strawberries, making it perfect for any occasion, big or small. The rich cream cheese base combines beautifully with fresh strawberry notes to create a flavor profile that’s both tender and bold. If you are searching for a recipe that stands out, you’re in the right place. This fruity pound cake brings joy to gatherings and comforts on quiet afternoons alike, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should take the time to bake this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze. Let me tell you why it’s worth it! First, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of strawberries and cream cheese creates a moist cake that many will love. Whether you are hosting a birthday party or simply need a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake fits seamlessly into any occasion.
Second, the recipe is surprisingly simple. With ingredients that you likely have on hand and straightforward steps to follow, this cake is approachable for bakers of any level. You don’t need to be a professional to impress friends and family with your culinary skills.
Finally, the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and the rich taste of cream cheese make this pound cake feel special. It doesn’t only look lovely with its pretty glaze and fresh strawberries adorning the top but also tastes like a slice of sunshine. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes joy and comfort with every bite. So, let’s get started!
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze
Baking this delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is about preparing each component with care and love. You’ll see that each step is manageable, allowing your kitchen to become a haven of fragrant sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take a bundt pan and grease it well with butter, then sprinkle a bit of flour around, ensuring it’s fully coated. This process helps the cake release easily once it’s baked.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until they reach a light and fluffy texture. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, helping your cake become airy and tender.
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Once the mixture is fluffy, add each of the four large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to build the structure of your cake. After adding all the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor.
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In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. Gradually add this flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture, alternating it with the pureed strawberries. Mix just until combined; be careful not to over-stir to keep the cake’s texture light.
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When the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top. This will help it bake evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is an exciting moment! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until the mixture is smooth and drizzle-worthy. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze
Serving this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is as joyful as baking it. Cut generous slices to share with your loved ones. The bright pink glaze and fresh strawberries on top are visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for any table.
Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet conclusion to your evening meal, every bite offers a sweet surprise. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, adding a touch of elegance. Feel free to serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
This cake also makes a stunning addition to potlucks and birthday celebrations, as it can be easily transported. Just remember to keep it covered and chilled if it’s a warm day!
How to Store Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze
Proper storage is key to keeping your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake fresh. If you find that you have leftovers (though it might disappear quickly), here’s how to store it:
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Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it. You can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to keep out air.
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Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need more time, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you have a craving!
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When ready to eat a frozen slice, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can enjoy it cold or leave it at room temperature for a little while for that fresh-baked feel.
Tips to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze
Even though this recipe is straightforward, here are some handy tips to elevate your baking experience:
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Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened completely. This helps them blend easily, ensuring a smooth cake batter.
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Don’t skip the pureed strawberries or the glaze! They add not only flavor but also keep the cake moist.
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For a prettier presentation, use a gentle hand when glazing. Drizzle the glaze over the cake using a spoon or whisk, allowing it to create lovely drips down the sides.
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Make sure to grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly. Nothing is more disheartening than a cake that sticks in the pan!
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Experiment with other fruits. If strawberries aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them out for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.
Variations
While this recipe is delightful as it is, you may want to mix things up a bit. Here are a few variations to consider:
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Berry Medley: Instead of just strawberries, you can fold in a mix of other fresh berries. Blueberries and raspberries blend well with the cream cheese and provide added bursts of flavor.
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Chocolate Swirl: For the chocolate lovers out there, consider swirling in melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the batter before baking. This adds a rich chocolatey aspect that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter. This gives the cake a delightful crunch and extra depth in flavor.
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Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter can brighten the flavors even more, adding a citrusy freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
FAQs
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Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just follow the storage tips to keep it fresh. -
What kind of strawberries works best?
Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can also work, but they may make the batter a bit watery if not properly drained. -
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used in this recipe. However, it may alter the texture slightly, making it a bit less rich. -
How can I tell when the cake is done?
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. -
What should I serve with this cake?
Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pair excellently with the cake, enhancing its flavors while adding creamy richness.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to create heartwarming memories in your kitchen. Whether you are baking for yourself or others, this cake will surely bring smiles and happiness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delightful baking journey. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist pound cake made with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, topped with a sweet strawberry glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a bundt pan with butter and lightly flour it.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with pureed strawberries. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Don’t skip the pureed strawberries or the glaze!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg