There’s something magical about the holiday season—it brings us together, fills our homes with warmth, and, of course, tempts us with the aroma of baked goodies. Pound cakes have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, a simple pound cake was the highlight of our family tea-time gatherings. But this year, I wanted to give that timeless classic a holiday makeover, and what better way than with a pop of strawberry?
This Strawberry Swirl Cream Cheese Pound Cake is the ultimate treat for the festive season. It’s rich, buttery, and soft, with swirls of vibrant strawberry glaze running through every slice. Whether you’re sharing it as a thoughtful gift, serving it at a holiday party, or simply enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a cozy winter afternoon, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper. And the best part? It’s easy to make and requires no frosting or fancy decorations—just a little love and a skewer to create those mesmerizing swirls!
Why I Love This Cake
There’s a charm in recipes that combine simplicity with elegance, and this cake does just that. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberry glaze, while the almond and vanilla extracts take the flavor profile to the next level. I remember the first time I made this cake—it was for a small holiday gathering at my home, and the moment I cut into it, my guests gasped at the beautiful marbled design. One guest even asked, “Did you buy this from a bakery?” Nope! Just a skewer and a little swirl magic!
Strawberry Swirl Cream cheese Pound Cake | Festive & Easy | Christmas Special 🎄
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups butter, (softened)
- 3 cups sugar
- 226 grams cream cheese, (softened)
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup strawberry glaze
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). There’s something about warming up the oven on a chilly winter day that makes the kitchen feel extra cozy!
2. Make the batter:
- Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s creamy and fluffy. Slowly add in the sugar, one cup at a time, and keep beating until the mixture is light and airy. This step is key to a beautifully textured pound cake!Next, add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy. One by one, mix in the eggs, beating just until blended after each addition. Pro tip: Crack the eggs into a small bowl first to avoid any shell surprises!
3. Add the dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, beating at low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix, as we want to keep the batter light and fluffy. Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts, and your batter is ready.
4. Layer the batter and glaze:
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. Pour one-third of the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Then dollop about 8 teaspoons of strawberry glaze on top. Grab a wooden skewer or a butter knife and gently swirl the glaze into the batter. Repeat this process for the next layer, and finish with the remaining batter on top.
5. Bake to perfection:
- Bake the cake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a long wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the heavenly aroma of butter, vanilla, and strawberries—pure holiday magic!
6. Cool and serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an extra festive touch, or simply slice and serve.
Video
Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Be gentle when swirling the glaze to avoid overmixing it with the batter.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing—it’ll make those swirls look even more defined!
Serving Ideas:
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a more festive presentation, drizzle a little melted white chocolate on top and sprinkle with edible glitter. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh strawberries.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Wishing you a very Merry Bakemas! Don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to see how your strawberry swirls turn out!
Happy Baking, and Merry Bakemas 2024! 🎄
