If you have a sweet tooth with a soft spot for fruity, creamy desserts, this Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining the lightness of a strawberry cake with the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake, this cake delivers a stunning visual appeal with its lovely pink hue and a taste that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this cake balances freshness with indulgence so beautifully that every bite feels like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet they come together in a way that makes every slice unforgettable. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the strawberry puree lending fresh fruitiness, or the cream cheese adding that dreamy texture that cheesecake lovers crave.
- Strawberry cake mix: Provides a sweet and tender base with a natural strawberry flavor to brighten the cake.
- Water: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down, ensuring a perfect crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps maintain the cake’s soft, fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- Strawberry puree: Fresh or frozen, this intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, working like a subtle flavor booster.
- Cream cheese: Softened to blend perfectly into the cheesecake layer for that creamy decadence.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer to balance the tang of cream cheese.
- Fresh strawberries, chopped (optional): Adds bursts of juicy texture in the cheesecake layer for extra freshness.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: Lightens the glaze, making it easy to pour and perfectly glossy.
- Pink food coloring (optional): Turns the glaze into a pretty pastel pink to match the strawberry theme.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform. This mixture is the flavorful foundation that will bake into a gorgeous pink cake with those signature strawberry notes.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add granulated sugar, the large egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the chopped fresh strawberries if you’re using them. This cheesecake filling is where the magic happens—it’s rich, luscious, and perfectly balanced against the sweeter cake batter.
Step 3: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the strawberry cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly. Gently dollop the cheesecake filling on top and smooth it over the batter. Finish by pouring the remaining cake batter over the cheesecake layer, carefully smoothing the top. This layering creates the signature swirl of strawberry cake and creamy cheesecake inside the bundt shape.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean (the cheesecake layer may still be a little moist, which is perfect). Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing. Patience here will ensure clean slices without the cheesecake layer sticking.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring until smooth and just pourable. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to set beautifully. Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides to add shine and an extra splash of sweetness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, sliced strawberries scattered atop the glaze brighten the cake even further and add a lovely pop of color. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a light dusting of powdered sugar can introduce a delightful crunch and elegance. Whipped cream on the side is always a winner for anyone wanting an extra creamy bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of freshly brewed tea. If you want to balance the sweetness, try serving it alongside a tart berry compote or a refreshing lemony salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, place the Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe on a beautiful cake stand, adorned with edible flowers or strawberry halves arranged around the base. You could also slice it and serve in clear glasses layered with extra strawberry puree and fresh mint for a unique parfait-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen with a bit of time, making every slice just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe, slice it first, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cake slices will keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this treat even weeks after making it.
Reheating
When ready to eat frozen slices, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For that just-baked warmth, microwave slices in 15-second bursts until just warm. Avoid overheating, as this can affect the cheesecake texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of puree?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be blended to create your own puree, which adds a natural fruitiness without any additives. Just be sure to strain out excess juice if you want a thicker puree for the batter.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature is best for the richest, creamiest cheesecake layer. Avoid using reduced-fat versions as they may alter the texture.
Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?
This particular recipe relies on cream cheese and eggs for structure and flavor. However, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and egg substitutes, but expect some differences in texture and taste.
How do I get the bundt cake to come out cleanly?
Make sure to grease your bundt pan well with butter or non-stick spray, and consider dusting it lightly with flour. Letting the cake cool for a few minutes before inverting will also prevent sticking.
Can I use other fruit flavors instead of strawberry?
While this recipe is designed for strawberries, you can try swapping the puree and cake mix for other fruits like raspberry or blueberry. The cheesecake layer pairs nicely with many types of berries, just adjust sweetness accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s a perfect blend of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, ideal for any celebration or simple moments when you want to feel special. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to dessert to brighten up any day!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake combines a moist and flavorful strawberry cake base with a creamy cheesecake swirl running throughout, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and fresh strawberries for a beautifully festive dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (optional)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.
- Make the strawberry cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well blended and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries if using, to add extra strawberry bursts.
- Assemble the cake: Pour half of the strawberry cake batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the cake batter. Then pour the remaining cake batter on top and use a spatula to gently spread it, ensuring the cheesecake layer is covered.
- Bake the cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the vanilla glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink food coloring until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Cut into slices and serve. Optionally garnish with extra fresh strawberries for an added touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed frozen strawberries for the puree to ensure the best flavor.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
- The glaze can be made thicker by adding more powdered sugar or thinner by adding a bit more milk.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
