If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things strawberry, you are going to adore this Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe. This dessert perfectly marries the light, fluffy texture of strawberry cake with a rich, creamy cheesecake swirl, resulting in a stunning bundt cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The vibrant pink hues, fresh strawberry flavor, and luscious cream cheese filling make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a festive party, or simply because you deserve an indulgent moment, this Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and luckily this recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find items that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the strawberry cake mix giving the base vibrant color and lightness, to the cream cheese adding that dreamy richness, and the fresh strawberries lending a burst of natural sweetness and freshness.
- Strawberry cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides a perfectly flavored and tender cake base, packed with strawberry goodness.
- Water (1 cup): Essential for hydrating the cake mix and ensuring a moist crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake soft and tender without overpowering flavor.
- Large eggs (3): Help bind the batter and give structure to the cake.
- Strawberry puree (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Adds natural strawberry flavor and moisture for a vibrant taste.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): The star ingredient in the cheesecake swirl for silky richness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just right, balancing the tartness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheesecake mixture and gives it a creamy consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and smooth flavor to the cheesecake filling.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): Give an extra pop of freshness and texture inside the cake.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the simple glaze that adds sweetness and shine.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the glaze with subtle warmth and sweetness.
- Pink food coloring (optional): For an extra festive look to the glaze if desired.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the strawberry cake batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, vibrant pink batter that’s ready to be poured.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
Next, focus on the luscious cheesecake swirl. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. The creamy texture is key to creating that irresistible cheesecake layer that contrasts beautifully against the strawberry cake.
Step 3: Layer the batters in the bundt pan
Pour about half of the strawberry cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Gently spoon the cheesecake filling over the cake layer, then carefully pour the remaining strawberry batter on top. To create a marbled effect, swirl gently with a knife or skewer—just enough to create pretty ribbons without mixing the layers too much.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake filling baking together will fill your kitchen, letting you know you’re getting close to a delightful treat!
Step 5: Cool and glaze the cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a drop or two of pink food coloring if using. Drizzle this beautiful glaze over the top of the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and charm.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped strawberries or a few edible rose petals on top of the glaze. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also brighten up the presentation and make the colors pop beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bundt cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement its creamy, fruity flavors. Fresh strawberry slices on the side can also enhance the strawberry theme and add extra freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, slice the Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe and serve individual portions with a drizzle of warm strawberry sauce or a handful of microgreens for an unexpected twist. You can also place it on a vibrant cake stand to showcase that lovely marbled interior and rich color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated where it will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the cake individually, wrapped well in plastic wrap then foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain the perfect texture and flavor of this Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake a little warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the cheesecake layer and enhances the flavors, making it feel like a fresh-baked indulgence all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of puree?
Absolutely! Using fresh strawberries blended into a puree adds a vibrant natural flavor and color to the cake batter, though you can also use thawed frozen strawberries with no problem.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
No worries! You can bake this recipe in a 9×13 inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. Keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary slightly with different pan shapes.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a compatible dairy-free milk for the glaze. This way, everyone can enjoy the rich flavors without compromise.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Thicker glaze is excellent for dipping or a more dramatic drizzle.
Is the cheesecake layer too dense?
The cheesecake filling should be creamy and smooth, not dense. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a light texture.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of strawberry and creamy cheesecake love rolled into one delicious dessert. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and destined to be a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or a joyful everyday treat, I encourage you to try this recipe and share its sweet magic with your favorite people.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry cake. Moist and tender, it’s layered with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze tinted pink for a festive touch. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any time a delightful berry dessert is desired.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (optional)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Fold in the chopped fresh strawberries if using.
- Assemble the Bundt Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly. Pour half of the strawberry cake batter into the pan, then gently spoon the cheesecake filling over the batter evenly. Top with the remaining strawberry cake batter, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the filling) comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink food coloring if desired, until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use fresh strawberries in the filling for extra texture and flavor, but this is optional.
- If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding strawberry extract to the batter or glaze.
- Make sure to grease the bundt pan well to prevent sticking, especially in the detailed crevices.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
