Great Recipes

There are some cakes that look beautiful when they come out of the oven, and then there are cakes that make you stop after the very first bite because the flavor is so comforting and satisfying. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake is definitely the second kind.

It combines everything people love about a classic Southern-style dessert: a rich buttery cake, creamy cheesecake-like pockets of cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and a delicate golden crust. The center stays wonderfully soft and moist while the edges become lightly caramelized from the butter and sugar.

Serve a generous slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and you have a dessert that feels equally appropriate for a Sunday family gathering, an afternoon visit with friends, a holiday table, or a simple homemade treat after dinner.

The combination of strawberries and cream cheese gives this cake a bright fruit flavor, while the buttery cake keeps everything rich and comforting. It is simple enough for a home baker but impressive enough to become the centerpiece of a dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Mixture

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Butter Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

For the Optional Strawberry Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons finely mashed strawberries
• 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Finishing

• Fresh strawberries for decoration
• Powdered sugar, if desired
• Whipped cream, optional

Equipment

• 9-inch round springform pan or deep 9-inch cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Preparation

 

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