Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake

Indulge in the Ultimate Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake

This Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake is a dreamy dessert that combines rich, buttery cake with a luscious strawberry layer and a velvety cream cheese swirl. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of sweet strawberries, tangy cream cheese, and a tender, moist crumb. The aroma alone—warm vanilla, caramelized sugar, and fresh berries—will fill your kitchen with irresistible comfort. Whether served at brunch, as a dinner finale, or simply with afternoon tea, this cake is guaranteed to delight everyone.

Key Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes | Servings: 12 generous slices

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Batter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

For the Strawberry Layer

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl (Optional)

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (Optional)

• Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or extra strawberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour either a 12-cup bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 8 oz cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed for 5–7 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

4. Mix Wet and Dry

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix to keep the cake tender.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Layer

Gently toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar, flour/cornstarch, and lemon juice (if using). The flour/cornstarch helps thicken the juices during baking.

6. Optional: Cream Cheese Swirl

Beat 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.

7. Assemble the Cake

Pour half the batter into the pan. Add half the strawberry mixture, dollop with cream cheese swirl (if using), then repeat layers. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect, avoiding overmixing.

8. Bake and Cool

Bake for 60-75 minutes (bundt) or 45-55 minutes (9×13 pan) until a skewer inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in-pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Success

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter, cream cheese, and eggs blend more smoothly, avoiding lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter leads to a dense cake. Stir just until combined.
• Even Slicing: Cut strawberries uniformly to prevent uneven baking.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the cake (not strawberries) to check.
• Cool Properly: Letting the cake rest prevents crumbling when slicing.

Variations & Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Healthier: Replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup; use whole wheat pastry flour.
• Fruit Variations: Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work beautifully.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk alternatives.

Storage & Reheating

Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave (10–15 seconds) or oven (300°F for 5–10 minutes) before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Why did my cake sink?

Overmixing, underbaking, or opening the oven too soon can cause sinking.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! Bake 1 day ahead and store covered for best texture.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition per Serving (Estimate)

Calories: 420 | Protein: 6g | Carbs: 58g | Fat: 19g. Note: Values vary with substitutions.

Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake

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• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 85
• Yield: 12 generous slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian,Halal

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Description

A tender, moist butter cake layered with fresh strawberries and a tangy cream cheese swirl, perfect for any occasion. Combines southern comfort with vibrant fruit and creamy texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar, whipped cream, or extra strawberries (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a bundt pan or 9×13-inch pan
Beat softened butter and 8 oz cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth
Gradually add 2 cups sugar and beat on medium-high for 5-7 minutes
Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition
Stir in vanilla extract
Whisk together 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt separately
Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients
Mix on low speed just until combined, avoiding overmixing
Toss strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp flour/cornstarch, and lemon juice
Spread strawberry mixture evenly over cake batter in the pan
If using, mix 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla for swirl
Spoon cream cheese swirl over strawberries and gently swirl with a knife
Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Cool 10-15 minutes before serving with optional toppings

Notes

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing
Cornstarch can replace flour in strawberry layer if preferred
Omit lemon juice for a more neutral strawberry flavor
Add optional toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream when serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days

• Prep Time: 25
• Cook Time: 60
• Category: Featured
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous slice
• Calories: 1400
• Sugar: 200g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 80g
• Saturated Fat: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 180g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 200mg