Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This ensures that the batter is evenly distributed and will bake uniformly.
2. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the 60-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
3. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until it’s fully cooked through.

Cool and Serve

1. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This step allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
2. After 10 minutes, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the cake to cool completely before slicing helps it retain its shape and texture.
3. Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. You can also garnish with finely chopped fresh strawberries for a burst of color and added freshness. These garnishes are optional but will make the cake look even more enticing and beautiful.
4. Slice and serve the cake as a delightful dessert. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy it on its own as a sweet treat for any occasion!

Tips

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can increase the amount of pureed strawberries or use strawberry extract in addition to the vanilla extract.
• If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure they are thawed and drained of any excess liquid before pureeing them.
• Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.