Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberries. This moist and velvety cake is not only visually stunning with its vibrant pink hue, but it is also perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, hosting a birthday party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this cake shines in both flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Moist: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream ensures this cake remains incredibly moist.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for bundt cakes, cupcakes, or even as a wedding cake centerpiece.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bake this delicious cake.
• Beautiful Presentation: Its vibrant pink color makes it an eye-catching dessert for any event.
• Flavorful Twist: The addition of strawberry Kool Aid gives it a unique flavor profile that your guests will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake tester

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing the cream cheese and butter.
• Bundt pan: Provides the classic shape for your pound cake and ensures even baking.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Ingredients

A vibrantly pink, strawberry pound cake that is moist, and velvety thanks to cream cheese and sour cream. It’s dense enough to be used for wedding cakes but works for bundt cakes or cupcakes, too!

• 1 cup butter (unsalted – room temperature)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 eggs (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 packets unsweetened strawberry Kool Aid (the kind you add sugar to)
• 3 cups flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan

• Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
• Dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Tap out excess flour by lightly tapping the pan.

Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese and Butter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat the room-temperature cream cheese and butter on low speed until well blended.
2. Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

1. Add eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is mixed in completely before adding the next one.
2. Mix in the Kool Aid powder, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour and salt.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
3. Mix just until blended; avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing out the top.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
2. Carefully remove from pan; drizzle with glaze or dust with confectioner’s sugar if desired.
3. Let it cool completely before slicing into delicious pieces.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Serving Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is all about enhancing its flavor and presentation. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Top slices with fresh strawberries for a burst of color and flavor. The juicy fruit complements the cake’s richness beautifully.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream to add a light, fluffy texture. This pairing balances the density of the cake wonderfully.

As Cupcake Bites

• Cut the cake into small squares and serve them as mini cupcakes. They are perfect for parties or as finger food at events.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Enhance the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds sweetness and makes for an attractive finish.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pairing this cake with vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. It’s especially delightful when served warm.

At Afternoon Tea

• Slice the cake into petite servings for an afternoon tea gathering. It pairs well with tea or coffee, offering guests a sweet treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Achieving the perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake requires attention to detail in both preparation and baking. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better blending and a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as even slight variations can affect how well your cake rises.
• Cool in the pan briefly: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to maintain its shape.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness without drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

When serving Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes that enhance the overall experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce on top offers an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the sweetness of the cake, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
4. Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio topping can add texture contrast while introducing nutty flavors that pair nicely with strawberries.
5. Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce drizzled over each slice brings additional layers of flavor that complement the strawberry notes.
6. Coconut Whipped Topping: For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped topping adds a tropical flair that works well with strawberries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can prevent proper mixing. Always let your butter, cream cheese, and eggs sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth; overmixing can affect the texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement; fluff up the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake a little early. Insert a cake tester around 1 hour and 15 minutes to ensure it’s perfectly baked without being overdone.
• Forgetting to cool properly: Not letting the cake cool in the pan can cause it to break apart. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Freezing Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Wrap slices or whole cakes in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for added protection against freezer burn.

Reheating Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil if necessary to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, and warm gently for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake denser?

You can achieve a denser texture by reducing the amount of sour cream or adding extra flour. Experiment with small adjustments until you find your perfect balance.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of Kool Aid?

Yes, using fresh strawberries is a great way to enhance flavor! Puree ripe strawberries and substitute them for the Kool Aid mix, adjusting sugar as needed.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use two loaf pans instead. Just watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.

How should I decorate my Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake?

Consider drizzling a simple glaze or topping with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. You can also dust with confectioner’s sugar for an elegant finish.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips, or experimenting with different fruit flavors. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and enjoy its rich flavors!

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a moist and velvety dessert that perfectly marries the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberries. This stunning cake, characterized by its vibrant pink hue, is versatile enough for any occasion—be it weddings, birthday parties, or simply a sweet indulgence at home. With its unique flavor from strawberry Kool Aid and beautiful presentation, your guests will be eager for a slice. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this cake is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 packets unsweetened strawberry Kool Aid
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grease and flour a bundt pan.
3. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth; gradually add sugar.
4. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by Kool Aid, vanilla, and sour cream.
5. In another bowl, whisk flour and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
6. Pour batter into bundt pan and bake for about 90 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. For added flavor, replace Kool Aid with pureed fresh strawberries; adjust sugar accordingly.