Why make this recipe
Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of butter, cream cheese, and strawberries. This cake is perfect for any gathering, from birthday parties to weekend family dinners. It has a moist texture and a creamy layer of cream cheese that makes each slice irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to make, which is a bonus for busy bakers!
How to make Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving, then top with fresh strawberries if desired.
How to serve Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake
Serve this cake at room temperature or chilled. You can enjoy it plain or enhance it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top. It’s a great dessert for any occasion and always impresses guests.
How to store Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Tips to make Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Experiment with different fruits mixed into the cream cheese layer, like blueberries or raspberries, for a unique twist.
Variation
For a chocolate version, you can add cocoa powder to the cake batter. Replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder, and you’ll have a rich chocolate cake that still features that creamy filling.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe for a lighter option.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
3. What type of strawberries should I use?
Fresh strawberries are best for topping, but you can also use frozen ones if they’re out of season. Just thaw and drain them before using.

Southern Strawberry Cream Cheese Butter Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1.5 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk, until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving, then top with fresh strawberries if desired.