If there’s one dessert that never goes out of style, it’s the Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion. Imagine a golden, buttery bundt cake with a silky crumb that’s swirled with juicy strawberries—and crowned with a glossy, berry-kissed glaze. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, attending a picnic, or just wanting to make an ordinary evening feel a bit more special, this showstopper fits the bill with its irresistible charm and versatility. If there’s ever been a cake that truly suits any gathering and every palate, this is it!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this recipe is just how simple the ingredients are, yet each plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The combination of rich cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and pantry staples makes this Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion both delightful to bake and unforgettable to taste.

Unsalted Butter: Use butter that’s been softened to room temperature for the softest, most tender crumb.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to that velvety richness—make sure it’s softened so it blends seamlessly into the batter.
Granulated Sugar: Gives the cake its delicate sweetness and that classic pound cake crust.
Large Eggs: These add structure and moisture, and each one makes the cake fluffier.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash is all you need to bring out the flavors of the strawberries and cream cheese.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, creating the perfect balance between dense and airy.
Baking Powder: Helps give the cake just enough lift for a soft bite.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, never skip it!
Fresh Strawberries: Toss them in flour so they stay beautifully suspended in every slice.
Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): Sweetens and thickens the rosy strawberry glaze.
Fresh Strawberry Puree (for glaze): Adds a burst of berry flavor and a pretty pink hue.
Vanilla Extract (for glaze): A subtle hint of warmth in the glaze ties it all together.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), and then thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan. This helps the cake come out perfectly every time, with every curve and scallop intact. Don’t forget the nooks and crannies—this is a cake you’ll want to showcase!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is fluffy and light—about 2–3 minutes. This step creates the ultra-smooth base that sets the Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion apart from all others.

Step 3: Add the Sugar

Slowly pour in the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture turns pale and billowy. This aeration is what gives your cake that irresistible, soft crumb. Trust me, patience here pays off in every bite.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition so your batter stays smooth. Blend in the vanilla extract for that rich, homey aroma. At this point, the batter should look luscious and shiny—almost good enough to eat with a spoon!

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step helps avoid clumps in the batter and ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is just barely combined—no overbeating! The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for a dense but delicate pound cake.

Step 7: Fold in the Strawberries

Toss the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of flour (to prevent sinking), then gently fold them into the batter. Every slice will be dotted with juicy bursts of berry, making the Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion genuinely special.

Step 8: Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 75–85 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the deepest part comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 9: Glaze and Finish

For the glaze, puree a few strawberries and whisk them with powdered sugar and vanilla in a small bowl until silky and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake and let the glaze set before slicing. The glaze not only adds a punch of berry flavor but also gives your Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion that irresistible, Instagram-worthy sheen.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion

Garnishes

This cake is a blank canvas for beautiful garnishes. Scatter a handful of fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few edible flowers for a special touch. For a festive look, try a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream right beside each slice.

Side Dishes

Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad or a compote of mixed berries. On cooler days, serve it with a warm mug of tea or coffee. For dessert hour, a contrasting tangy sorbet or lemon curd brightens up every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cake into a dramatic centerpiece by stacking slices with layers of whipped cream and berries for a trifle. Or, cut thick slices and use them as the base for strawberry shortcake or grilled dessert toasts. You’ll never run out of reasons to serve it in new ways!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (not always likely!), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The crumb actually becomes moister overnight, making day-two slices every bit as magical as the first.

Freezing

Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion is freezer-friendly. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, gently microwave a slice for 10–20 seconds or heat in a low oven (300°F) until barely warm. If you’ve frozen the cake, let it defrost thoroughly before reheating for optimal moisture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Be sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries very well before adding them to the batter. Blotting excess moisture with paper towels will help prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

You can store the cake at room temperature for up to three days, but if your kitchen gets warm, refrigerate to be safe. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this without a Bundt pan?

Yes, you can use two standard loaf pans or a tube pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

What’s the best way to get the cake out of the pan?

Generously grease every crevice of your pan with butter and dust with flour before pouring in the batter. Let the cake cool slightly before attempting to remove it, and invert with confidence—the Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion is sturdy when handled with care!

How do I make a thicker glaze?

Just add extra powdered sugar, a spoonful at a time, until the glaze is the consistency you like. It will firm up as it sets, making a perfect topping for your cake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for family, bringing a dish to share, or just want a comforting treat to brighten your day, this Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion never disappoints. Each bite is rich, tender, and loaded with strawberry sunshine. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s become my go-to for celebrating absolutely anything!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake for Any Occasion Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 10-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. The rich cream cheese pound cake is studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a luscious strawberry glaze.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: To 325°F (165°C) and thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan.
Cream butter and cream cheese: In a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until light.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Fold in strawberries: Gently fold in floured chopped strawberries.
Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 75–85 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan.
Make glaze: Blend strawberry puree with powdered sugar and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Notes

Strawberry Tip: Use fresh strawberries in season for best flavor.
Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened.
Butter Temperature: Use room temperature butter for proper creaming.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 75-85 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Dessert Recipe, Strawberry Cake