Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake

#### For the Strawberry Topping:
– 1 pint **fresh strawberries**, hulled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons **granulated sugar** (to bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries)
– 1 tablespoon **lemon juice** (optional, for a little extra zest)

### How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake

#### 1. **Prepare the Pound Cake Batter:**
– Preheat your oven to **325°F (163°C)** and grease and flour a **9×5-inch loaf pan**. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
– In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Set it aside.
– In a large bowl, beat the **butter** and **cream cheese** together until smooth and creamy. The combination of butter and cream cheese is key to getting that rich, cheesecake-like flavor in the pound cake.
– Gradually add the **granulated sugar** and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about **3-4 minutes**.
– Add the **eggs**, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the **vanilla extract**.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **sour cream** and **milk**. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
– Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

#### 2. **Bake the Pound Cake:**
– Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about **60-75 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
– Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about **10 minutes**. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 3. **Prepare the Strawberry Topping:**
– While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a small bowl, toss the sliced **strawberries** with the **sugar** and **lemon juice**. This will draw out the natural juices from the strawberries and make them even more flavorful.
– Let the strawberries sit for about **15-20 minutes** to macerate, turning soft and juicy.

#### 4. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the pound cake has cooled, place it on a serving platter. Spoon the macerated **strawberries** over the top of the cake, allowing some of the juices to soak into the cake for extra flavor and moisture.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice the cake and serve! Each slice should have a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake flavor, buttery pound cake, and sweet, tangy strawberries on top. The cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

### Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake

– **Use room temperature ingredients:** Make sure both the **butter** and **cream cheese** are softened before you start. This ensures they mix properly and helps create a smooth, lump-free batter.
– **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
– **Check the cake for doneness:** Ovens vary, so start checking your cake around **60 minutes**. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
– **Fresh strawberries are key:** For the best topping, use **fresh, ripe strawberries**. Frozen strawberries may release too much water and could make the topping soggy.

### Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake

**Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake** combines everything you love about two classic desserts into one perfect package. The rich and dense pound cake, with its hint of cheesecake flavor, serves as the ideal base for the sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply because you want a treat that everyone will love, this cake is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a simple yet elegant dessert for a dinner party, or enjoy it as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee. It’s also a fantastic dessert for spring and summer when strawberries are in season, but it can be made year-round with fresh berries.

### Conclusion: A Showstopper Dessert for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and delicious, **Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake** is the answer. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and beautiful topping, it’s a cake that will wow your guests (or just make you feel like a baking superstar). The combination of buttery pound cake and creamy cheesecake, paired with sweet strawberries, is a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. Try this recipe today and indulge in the perfect dessert!