There’s something irresistible about a moist, rich loaf cake—especially when it involves the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the creamy tang of Philadelphia cream cheese. If you’re craving a delightful homemade treat that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Cake is your go-to dessert. This loaf cake checks all the boxes, whether for a brunch gathering, afternoon snack, or indulgent breakfast.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the strawberry cream cheese loaf cake prep, offer expert baking tips, and share why this cake deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Ready to bake up some joy?
🍓 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Cake
Strawberries and cream cheese are a classic combination for a reason. Here’s what makes this loaf cake so special:
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the cream cheese, the crumb stays rich and tender.
- Natural Sweetness: Fresh strawberries add bursts of juicy flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no fancy equipment required.
- Versatile: Serve it as dessert, breakfast, or a sweet snack.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake in batches and enjoy later!
🛒 Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Let’s start with the basics. This loaf cake uses pantry staples, along with fresh strawberries and high-quality cream cheese.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Spoon and level for accuracy |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | Leavening agent |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Room temperature |
| Philadelphia cream cheese | 8 oz (1 block) | Room temperature, full-fat |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¼ cups | For sweetness |
| Eggs | 2 large | Adds structure and richness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional: add almond extract for a twist |
| Milk or buttermilk | ½ cup | Adds moisture |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 ½ cups, chopped | Washed and patted dry |
🥣 H2: Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Cake Prep Steps
Below is your easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to preparing this beautiful loaf cake.
H3: 1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour the strawberries to prevent them from sinking.
H3: 2. Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Cream Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the sugar, and continue to beat for 2-3 minutes until light.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
H3: 3. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
H3: 4. Combine Wet and Dry
- Alternatively, add the dry ingredients and milk to the cream cheese mixture.
- Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
H3: 5. Fold in Strawberries
- Gently fold in the prepared strawberries using a spatula.
H3: 6. Bake to Perfection
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
📌 Pro Tips for the Perfect Loaf
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added to avoid a tough crumb.
- Check doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.
- Let it rest before slicing—this helps the cake hold its shape.
- Enhance flavor by drizzling a lemon glaze or adding white chocolate chips.
🔁 Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Wrap tightly; keeps for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
🧁 Variations and Add-ins
Looking to switch it up? Try these delicious twists:
- Lemon zest for a bright citrus note.
- Chopped nuts for crunch (walnuts or pecans work great).
- Chocolate chips for a richer loaf.
- Blueberries as a strawberry alternative or addition.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Protein | 4g |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients and portions.
🎉 When to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Cake
This loaf cake is wonderfully versatile and fits many occasions:
- Brunch parties
- Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day
- Afternoon tea
- Office potlucks
- Holiday gift baskets
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can make two loaves or use a bundt pan for a larger version.
📝 Final Thoughts: A Cake Worth Baking Again and Again
If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Loaf Cake hits the sweet spot. It’s rich, moist, and bursting with fruity flavor—ideal for casual snacking or celebratory moments. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners but tasty enough to satisfy seasoned bakers.
👩🍳 Ready to Bake?
Try this recipe and let your kitchen fill with the delightful aroma of strawberries and cream cheese. Don’t forget to:
- Leave a comment below with your results.
- Share a photo on social media and tag your creations.
- Bookmark this recipe for your next bake day!