Ah, the sweet magic of a good strawberry cheesecake pound cake! Let me tell you, this recipe brings back some of my fondest memories from summer picnics and family gatherings. The first time I made this cake, I was convinced I could convince everyone that I was a professional baker (spoiler alert: they believed me!). The ooey-gooey cream cheese, the vibrant pink splash of strawberries, and the undeniably moist pound cake make this treat an absolute showstopper.
Now, I love this recipe not just for its incredible taste but also for its simplicity. You get the luxuriousness of cheesecake, the comforting density of pound cake, all in one delightful slice. It’s like giving your taste buds a lovely hug! Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
What’s in Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake?
Let’s dive into the delightful components of our easy strawberry cheesecake pound cake!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake, all-purpose flour provides the right structure. I like to use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Sugar: Sweet, sweet sugar! This recipe calls for granulated sugar that adds sweetness and retains moisture in the cake.
Baking powder: A key leavening agent that helps our cake rise to that perfect fluffy consistency. It’s like giving the cake a little boost!
Salt: A small but mighty ingredient that enhances the flavors of our cake. Trust me; don’t skip it!
Eggs: These add moisture and help bind our ingredients together. I recommend using large, room temperature eggs for the best results.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing. I love using high-quality butter for rich flavor.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract infuses the cake with a comforting aroma and heavenly taste.
Cream cheese: This is what gives the pound cake its cheesecake-like richness! Always use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
Fresh strawberries: These luscious red berries add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color! I usually go for organic strawberries when they’re in season.
Is Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Good for You?
As delicious as this pound cake is, let’s talk about the health aspects!
Strawberries: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, fresh strawberries are a heart-healthy choice. They can help fight inflammation and are low in calories—a personal favorite of mine!
Cream cheese: While creamy and delicious, cream cheese should be enjoyed in moderation. It’s rich in fat, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, maybe save this cake for a special occasion.
Overall, this pound cake has a fair share of treats that are meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Remember, balance is key!
Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs (room temperature)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
This recipe serves around 8-10 people, perfect for sharing (or not!).
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Grab your softened cream cheese and beat it into the mixture until well combined. You want it smooth—no chunks here!
6. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want that lovely texture!
7. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. You can really feel the summer vibes coming together!
8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Let’s Spice It Up!
– Consider adding a swirl of strawberry puree to the batter for a visually stunning effect!
– You can swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous.
– Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
I hope you give this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake a whirl! It’s a delightful treat that resonates with sweet memories and fresh flavors. Don’t forget to share your baking experience with me—I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking, friends!