Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake combines the rich and creamy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet, fruity taste of strawberry preserves. This moist, flavorful pound cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special dessert for gatherings. The simple preparation and delicious results make this cake an easy favorite for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine the flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Spoon the strawberry preserves over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
5. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Swap out strawberry preserves for other fruit preserves such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor profile.
• Topping: Top the cake with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor and decoration.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the strawberry flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pan? Yes, you can use a regular loaf pan or a different shaped Bundt pan. Adjust the baking time if necessary, as different pans may require more or less time.
2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though the texture may be slightly different.
3. Can I substitute the strawberry preserves? Yes, you can substitute strawberry preserves with any fruit preserve of your choice, such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach.
4. What can I do if the cake is browning too quickly? If the cake is browning too fast, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
5. Can I make this cake without the preserves? Yes, you can omit the strawberry preserves for a plain cream cheese pound cake. You can also experiment with adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips.
6. Can I add fresh strawberries to the cake? Fresh strawberries can be added to the batter, but it’s important to chop them finely to prevent excess moisture. You may also want to reduce the amount of preserves to balance the moisture content.
7. How do I know when the cake is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, the cake is done.
8. Can I frost the cake? Yes, you can frost the cake with a simple glaze, buttercream, or cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
9. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used as a substitute, butter will provide a richer flavor and better texture.
10. Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, this cake keeps well for a few days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberry preserves. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a personal treat, this moist and flavorful cake is sure to be a hit. With easy preparation and a stunning presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to festive celebrations.

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