Indulge in the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery with this Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake. Combining the richness of cream cheese and butter with the bright, sweet flavor of fresh strawberries, this cake brings the best of both worlds – the decadence of cheesecake and the soft texture of a pound cake. The strawberry jam swirl adds a beautiful touch of sweetness and color, making every slice a treat for the eyes and the palate.

This cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Its moist, dense texture paired with the creamy and fruity elements makes it a delightful dessert that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or just because, this strawberry cheesecake pound cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Deliciously Creamy

The cream cheese in the batter gives this pound cake a rich, creamy texture that’s similar to cheesecake, making it extra indulgent.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweetness

The fresh strawberries and strawberry jam create the perfect amount of sweetness without being overwhelming, making it ideal for dessert lovers.

3. Easy to Make

This cake is simple to prepare, requiring only basic ingredients and a straightforward method. Even beginners will find it easy to make.

4. Gorgeous Presentation

The strawberry jam swirl not only adds flavor but also gives the cake a stunning visual appeal that will wow guests.

5. Versatile

This pound cake can be served as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even as a special treat for brunch. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Butter
Cream cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Strawberries
Strawberry jam

Variations

1. Add More Fruit

For an even more fruity flavor, add additional berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to the batter or jam swirl.

2. Top with Whipped Cream

Serve your strawberry cheesecake pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

3. Use a Different Jam

If you prefer another flavor, feel free to swap the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam.

4. Gluten-Free Version

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free, and make sure the jam is also gluten-free.

5. Make It with a Cheesecake Layer

For an added cheesecake flavor, swirl in a layer of cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and egg between the cake batter layers.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures the cake won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air, helping the cake rise.

Step 3: Beat in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of flavor.

Step 4: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to break them up too much.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Jam

Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and spoon half of the strawberry jam over it. Pour the remaining batter over the jam and then spoon the rest of the jam on top.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This ensures it holds its shape and flavors develop fully.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before starting. This will help them blend together more smoothly.

2. Chop the Strawberries Small

Chop the strawberries into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cake, giving you a perfect bite every time.

3. Check for Doneness Early

Ovens vary, so start checking your cake around the 70-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready.

4. Cool Before Slicing

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

5. Use a Loaf Pan Liner

If you want to make sure your cake doesn’t stick, consider lining your loaf pan with parchment paper or using a non-stick pan.

How to Serve

This strawberry cheesecake pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further with a few simple additions. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness. For a more festive touch, drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. It’s perfect for dessert at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just as a special treat for yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to refrigerate it to extend its freshness.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, simply microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

2. Can I substitute the strawberries with another fruit?

Yes, you can use other berries or even fruit like peaches or apples for a different flavor.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.

4. Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can use any type of fruit jam or preserve you prefer, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot.

5. How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?

Make sure to gently fold in the strawberries and avoid overmixing the batter. You can also toss the chopped strawberries in a little flour before folding them in.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

7. How do I know when the cake is done?

Test the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Start checking at around 70 minutes of baking time.

8. Can I make this in a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan, but adjust the baking time as needed. A bundt pan may require slightly less time to bake.

9. Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, you can drizzle the pound cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

10. How do I keep the cake from drying out?

Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container to retain moisture. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap before storing.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly blends the flavors of rich cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries. Its soft, moist texture and the gorgeous jam swirl make it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration, a special gathering, or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy every delicious bite!