Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake
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.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a bundt pan or 9x13-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
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