Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake: A Rich, Decadent Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the buttery richness of a classic pound cake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake and the sweet freshness of strawberries, this Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is your ultimate treat. Perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply an indulgent weekend dessert, this cake is a showstopper both in flavor and presentation.
From the tender, buttery pound cake base to the luscious cream cheese filling and vibrant strawberry swirl, every bite offers a symphony of flavors. The light glaze drizzled on top ties it all together, making it not just a cake, but an experience.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason this recipe consistently produces a cake that is moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The secret lies in the careful layering of flavors and textures:
Creamy Cheesecake Filling – The cream cheese mixture adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the rich pound cake. It keeps the cake moist and adds a luxurious layer of flavor that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Sour Cream in the Batter – Incorporating sour cream into the pound cake batter ensures a tender, moist crumb. It reacts with the baking powder to create a light, soft texture without weighing down the cake.
Fresh and Preserved Strawberries – Using both preserves and fresh strawberries gives the cake a bright, fruity taste while keeping the color and texture vibrant. The swirl method ensures the flavor is distributed beautifully.
Slow, Low Baking – Baking at a moderate 325°F allows the cake to cook evenly, avoiding dryness and ensuring that every layer, including the cheesecake filling, bakes perfectly.
This combination of ingredients and techniques ensures that every slice of Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fruitiness.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before you dive into baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Organization is key for a flawless cake.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Swirl:
½ cup strawberry preserves
½ cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp strawberry puree (or milk for a classic glaze)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Tools Needed:
Bundt pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Toothpick or skewer for testing doneness
How To Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake
This recipe is divided into clear steps to make it simple even for beginner bakers.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Make the Pound Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft, airy cake.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the batter emulsifies properly.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. This filling will create a creamy layer in your pound cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the pound cake batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the batter, spreading it evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves and diced strawberries over the cheesecake layer.
Add the remaining pound cake batter on top.
Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the layers to create a marbled effect. Avoid over-mixing to keep distinct layers.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree (or milk), and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Even the best recipes benefit from a few pro tips. Here’s how to ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake comes out perfect every time:
Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and prevents curdling.
Do Not Overmix – When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated to keep the cake light and tender.
Use Fresh Strawberries – Fresh strawberries provide a natural sweetness and texture that canned or frozen fruit cannot replicate.
Swirling Technique – Be gentle when swirling the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Over-swizzling can cause the layers to blend too much.
Check Doneness – Oven temperatures vary; start checking the cake at 60 minutes. The toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling Matters – Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing, then cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
How To Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake
This cake is rich and indulgent, so serving it in moderate slices is ideal. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut through the layers cleanly.
Serving Size: 10–12 slices per bundt cake
Occasions: Birthdays, holidays, brunch, afternoon tea, or any celebration
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance the cake experience with creative serving ideas:
With Fresh Berries – Serve slices with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the rich cheesecake layer.
Ice Cream Pairing – Vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes this cake a decadent dessert.
Beverage Pairings – Pair with coffee, tea, or a sparkling rosé for a luxurious touch.
Time Required
Knowing the time required helps in planning:
Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
Bake Time: 60–75 minutes
Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes before removing from pan, additional 10–15 minutes before glazing
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Why This Cake Is Perfect For Any Occasion
The combination of pound cake, cheesecake, and strawberries creates a multi-layered flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant. It’s visually stunning with its marbled layers and glossy glaze, making it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying a layered cake for the first time, this recipe is approachable and forgiving, yet yields professional results.
Tips for Making Ahead
This cake can be made a day in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature, then add the glaze just before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure they’re thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a bundt cake?
Absolutely! Use cupcake liners and adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before glazing.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is a perfect dessert to impress family, friends, or guests. Its rich, buttery base, creamy cheesecake filling, and fruity strawberry swirl make it irresistible. With proper preparation and these tips, you’ll have a cake that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
This recipe balances sweetness, richness, and fruitiness in a way that few desserts can, making it a timeless addition to any baker’s repertoire. Serve it for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion—it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Summary
Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
Bake Time: 60–75 minutes
Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes before removing, additional 10–15 minutes before glazing
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Serving Size: 10–12 slices
Ingredients: Pound cake base, cream cheese filling, strawberry swirl, powdered sugar glaze
With this guide, you now have everything you need to bake a perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake that’s moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. Enjoy every rich, creamy, fruity bite!