Here’s a comprehensive and heartfelt recipe for Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, complete with its history, ingredients, instructions, benefits, formation, nutritional info, and a conclusion for the true lovers of rich, homemade desserts.
🍓 Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
📝 Introduction
Pound cakes have long been a symbol of Southern hospitality, family gatherings, and celebration. With the indulgent richness of cream cheese and the fresh, fruity punch of strawberries, this variation elevates a classic to a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether served with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries on top, this cake is perfect for spring and summer, and just as comforting year-round.
📜 A Brief History
The original pound cake hails from 18th-century Europe, named for its straightforward formula: one pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. As it made its way to the American South, bakers began experimenting by adding sour cream, cream cheese, or buttermilk for added moisture and tang.
Cream cheese entered the scene in the 1800s, with Philadelphia Cream Cheese trademarked in 1872. Strawberries, long celebrated in desserts, are a natural pairing. Together, they form a dessert that honors tradition while embracing luscious, fruity flavor.
🍓 Ingredients
Wet ingredients:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances the berry flavor)
Dry ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or well-drained frozen)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to toss strawberries and prevent sinking)
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions & Method
- Prepare your pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan thoroughly.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until fluffy.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold together: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.
- Toss strawberries: In a small bowl, toss diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon flour. Gently fold them into the batter.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & glaze: Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with glaze once fully cooled.
🌿 Benefits
- Cream cheese adds protein and calcium, while creating a tender crumb.
- Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Homemade baking avoids preservatives found in store-bought goods.
- Moderation-friendly: Slice small for an elegant and satisfying portion.
🧬 Formation (Science of the Cake)
- Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air, creating lift.
- Cream cheese softens the crumb and provides a slight tang.
- Tossing strawberries in flour suspends them evenly in the batter.
- Low baking temperature ensures a dense, even texture, essential to pound cake structure.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin C (from strawberries): ~15% DV
💖 Conclusion for the Lovers of Pound Cake
If you’re someone who finds joy in the warmth of a kitchen, the smell of vanilla and strawberries baking, and the anticipation of sharing something homemade with loved ones—this cake is for you. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a memory in the making, a centerpiece at brunch, or a just-because-you-deserve-it treat.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and maybe even sneak a second slice.
🥄 Bonus Serving Ideas for the Lovers
- Top with fresh whipped cream and extra strawberries
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- Drizzle with white chocolate or lemon glaze for elegance
- Cube and layer in a strawberry trifle with whipped cream and berries
- Toast a slice and top with mascarpone for breakfast!
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