If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that brings together the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the moist, buttery charm of pound cake, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion that bursts with fresh strawberry flavor, velvety cream cheese richness, and the perfect crumb that just melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sunny afternoon treat, this cake offers a wonderfully simple way to elevate your dessert game, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe keeps the ingredient list straightforward, but every component plays a crucial role in crafting a luscious, tender cake that’s bursting with flavor and color. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the fresh brightness of strawberries, each ingredient works harmoniously to create that perfect balance.
- Yellow cake mix: The base that provides a moist and fluffy cake foundation with an irresistible buttery note.
- Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: Adds velvety richness and a subtle tang that mimics classic cheesecake texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup), softened: Brings tender crumb and buttery flavor essential to pound cake.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tang.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the batter for balanced flavor.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- Chopped strawberries (1 cup): Infuse fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Keeps the strawberries suspended in batter and ensures even texture.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise perfectly and adds lightness.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for the perfect slow bake that will help the cake stay moist. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your pound cake comes out flawlessly every time. This step is key to prevent sticking, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy. This creamy mixture is the heart of your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe, full of luscious texture and flavor that keeps every slice irresistibly moist.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries
Place your chopped strawberries in a small bowl and toss them with the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This simple trick prevents the fruit from sinking during baking, so each bite of the cake will be dotted with delicious chunks of strawberry rather than all clumped at the bottom.
Step 4: Fold Strawberries into Batter
Gently fold the floured strawberries into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, so the fruit stays intact and the batter remains light and airy, which will help the pound cake bake evenly with beautiful pockets of juicy strawberry goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter smoothly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface for baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The slow bake time ensures the cheesecake and pound cake layers meld beautifully.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, helping it set and making it easier to remove from the pan. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is essential for firm slices and to let the flavors fully develop.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once completely cooled, slice your cake and get ready to enjoy the dreamy combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and buttery pound cake with every bite. This Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe truly shines best when shared with friends and family!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of freshly whipped cream on top for an elegant touch. Fresh strawberry slices or a few mint leaves make beautiful, fresh garnishes that complement and brighten every slice served.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet. A cup of hot coffee or tea also balances the richness of the cake perfectly, making your dessert experience cozy and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake and serve it on colorful plates with a side of warm berry compote or a simple strawberry glaze to intensify the fruit flavor even more. You can also turn your pound cake slices into layered mini trifles by adding whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices between layers for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or keep them refrigerated for up to a week to maintain freshness. Proper storage ensures that the delicious moisture and flavors stay intact.
Freezing
You can freeze this Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Warm slices release the cake’s heavenly aroma and make the cream cheese center wonderfully soft again.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?
You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the cake too wet. Toss them in flour as you would with fresh berries to help maintain texture during baking.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. While you could substitute with Greek yogurt, sour cream really gives the pound cake its signature tender crumb and flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, butter alternatives, and sour cream substitutes like coconut yogurt. The texture may vary slightly, but the cake will still be deliciously rich and moist.
How can I tell when the pound cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two loaf pans. You may need to adjust baking time accordingly, so keep an eye on your cakes towards the end.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe is a real keeper that brings fresh, creamy, and buttery flavors all in one glorious dessert. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress your guests or brighten a cozy moment at home. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with every bite just like I did. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert that combines the creamy tang of cheesecake with the sweetness of fresh strawberries baked into a golden yellow cake. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it’s easy to prepare in one loaf pan and delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the cake does not stick during baking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated for a creamy consistency.
- Prepare Strawberries: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step helps to prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. Gently fold the floured strawberries into the cake batter to evenly distribute them.
- Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the cake once cooled and serve this delightful strawberry cheesecake pound cake, perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Flouring the strawberries prevents them from sinking and creates an even distribution in the cake.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- Allow the cake to cool completely for best slicing results and flavor development.
