Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is pure magic disguised as dessert! Imagine the plush richness of classic pound cake, rippled with creamy cheesecake and studded with juicy strawberries, all tucked beneath a dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. Each bite brings together everything you love about a summery strawberry cheesecake, but in the form of a showstopping pound cake that’s just as perfect for celebrations as it is for a treat-yourself kind of afternoon. Get ready—this is the kind of recipe that turns a simple gathering into something unforgettable!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of everyday staples and a few standout ingredients, you’ll coax out layers of flavor and texture in every forkful of Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake. Each ingredient plays a starring role, so don’t skimp—embrace the magic of kitchen simplicity!

• Unsalted butter: Gives the cake its tender crumb, rich flavor, and creamy foundation—be sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens each layer and helps to create that classic pound cake texture.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing moisture and richness.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that supports the cake’s dense yet tender structure.
• Baking powder: Just a touch brings a gentle lift to the crumb so the cake isn’t too heavy.
• Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
• Heavy cream: Adds luxurious moisture and richness; don’t substitute for lighter dairy.
• Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting layers.
• Fresh strawberries: Diced for brightness and little bursts of fruit—choose ripe berries for best flavor.
• Cream cheese (for both cheesecake and frosting): Makes both the ripple and the topping extra creamy, tangy, and decadent.
• Powdered sugar: Keeps the frosting fluffy and smooth without any grittiness.
• Strawberry puree: The secret weapon in the frosting, infusing it with pure strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Take a generous hand to your Bundt or round cake pan by greasing it well and dusting with flour. This ensures your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake will pop out beautifully with every detail intact.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pound Cake Batter

With your butter soft and ready, beat it together with the sugar until it turns pale and fluffy—it should look almost like frosting! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each for an ultra-smooth, glossy batter. This extra attention now means a perfectly even texture later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a second bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps the leavening and salt distribute evenly, making sure every bite of cake is as good as the last—but don’t combine with the wet ingredients just yet!

Step 4: Combine & Add Strawberries

Now, add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with splashes of heavy cream. Start and end with the flour. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold those sweet diced strawberries in last. This approach keeps the strawberries bright and stops them from sinking.

Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a clean bowl, blend the soft cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until it’s completely smooth and luscious—no lumps allowed! This cheesecake filling will become the heart of your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake.

Step 6: Layer & Assemble

Spoon half of your pound cake batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to create an even layer. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture as the next layer, then cover gently with the remaining cake batter. Try to avoid swirling—distinct layers are the goal!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 75–85 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the pound cake cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost, as patience pays off here.

Step 8: Whip up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Now for that final, strawberry-kissed flourish! Beat the softened cream cheese with butter until perfectly creamy, then slowly add powdered sugar. Finish by mixing in strawberry puree and vanilla, blending until you have a dreamy, pale pink frosting.

Step 9: Frost & Decorate

Once the cake is utterly cool, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously over the surface, letting it drip temptingly down the sides. Top it all off with fresh strawberries for a showstopping finish your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake totally deserves!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake

Garnishes

Go all out on garnishes! Pile on fresh berries, extra strawberry slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A few sprigs of mint or a light drizzle of strawberry sauce can make each slice of Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake look impossibly photo-ready.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich on its own, but it loves simple partners: think a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a handful of plump blueberries for a lovely color contrast. For afternoon tea, add a cup of Earl Grey or a tall glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Try transforming your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake into elegant trifle layers with whipped cream and more berries. Or cube it up for dessert skewers—alternating with fresh strawberries and marshmallows for party-perfect bites. It even holds its own at brunch, plated with fresh fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake fresh, cover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Its moist crumb and creamy layers hold up beautifully for up to five days. It’s the kind of cake that somehow tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted slices or even the whole cooled cake wrapped snugly in plastic wrap plus foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. The cake’s density means it freezes extremely well—just wait to garnish until game time.

Reheating

If you love your cake slightly warm, bring slices to room temperature or nudge them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The frosting will soften a bit, giving a melt-in-your-mouth experience without drying out the crumb.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in the cake?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them very well before dicing, otherwise excess moisture can affect the cake’s texture. Tossing the pieces with a bit of flour before folding them in helps prevent sinking.

Is it possible to make this as cupcakes?

You can! Divide the cake batter and cheesecake layer equally among cupcake liners, layering as you would in the cake. Adjust your baking time to about 22–26 minutes, and keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick.

How can I make the strawberry puree for the frosting?

Simply blend fresh (or thawed frozen) strawberries until smooth. If you prefer a silky texture, strain out the seeds with a fine mesh strainer before adding to your frosting. Homemade puree offers the freshest, brightest flavor.

What’s the best way to keep strawberries from sinking in the batter?

Lightly toss diced strawberries with a tablespoon of flour before mixing them into your batter. This quick trick coats the fruit and helps it “float” among the cake, ensuring an even distribution in every slice of Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake.

Do I have to frost the cake, or is it good plain?

While the Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is honestly delicious even without the frosting, the strawberry cream cheese topping takes it to another level. If you want to pare it down, a simple dusting of powdered sugar will still look gorgeous and taste amazing.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dessert that feels both comforting and a little bit magical, Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is exactly what you need. It’s a love letter to everything luscious about strawberries, cheesecake, and pound cake combined. Try it for your next occasion—or just because—and let each slice turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary!