Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Introduction
Moist, dense, and rich—this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the dessert that dreams are made of. Blending the buttery goodness of traditional pound cake with the subtle tang of cream cheese and a swirl of real strawberry puree, this cake is a true showstopper. It’s tender, flavorful, and beautifully marbled with pink ribbons of strawberry that make every slice feel special.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is pure elegance, but with the simplicity of a one-bowl classic. The cream cheese makes the crumb soft and rich, while the strawberry swirl adds color, brightness, and a touch of seasonal flair. It’s the perfect dessert for spring gatherings, summer brunches, or anytime you want a cake that impresses without stress.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and puréed (or finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Optional: 1–2 drops red food coloring for a vibrant pink hue
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Grease and flour a bundt pan or loaf pan, or spray with baking spray.
2️⃣ Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy and light—about 3–5 minutes.
3️⃣ Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each.
Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Alternate Wet & Dry
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk.
Start and end with flour. Mix on low speed, just until combined.
6️⃣ Prepare Strawberry Swirl
Mix strawberry purée with 2 tbsp sugar.
Add red food coloring if a more vibrant color is desired.
7️⃣ Assemble and Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
Dollop spoonfuls of strawberry mixture over it.
Top with the remaining batter.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry through the batter for a marbled effect.
8️⃣ Bake
Bake for 75–90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Loosely tent with foil halfway through if browning too fast.
Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9️⃣ Serve
Slice and serve as-is, or drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla).
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for extra flair.
⏱️ Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 75–90 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Calories: ~430 per slice
💡 Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients make for a smoother, creamier batter.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the cake tender.
- For stronger strawberry flavor, cook the purée down slightly before swirling.
- Store at room temperature (up to 3 days) or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Pair with a glass of blueberry lemonade
- Add alongside other fruity favorites like caramel apple nachos or strawberry mojito
🧾 Final Thoughts
This Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a celebration of comfort and charm—perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or whenever you need a gorgeous dessert that delivers on flavor. The creamy texture, strawberry swirl, and rich buttery crumb will have everyone asking for seconds.
💬 Share Your Swirl!
Tried this recipe? Tag @ChefManiac with your sweet pink slice! Want a printable version or tips on turning this into mini loaf gifts? Just say the word—I’m here to make your baking beautiful.
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