Strawberry Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A Strawberry Bundt Cake often includes fresh or pureed strawberries in the batter, giving it a natural fruity flavor and a lovely pink hue. It is typically topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that complements the cake’s sweetness and adds a creamy texture.

Strawberry Bundt Cake slice

Ingredients

  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Strawberry Puree or Jam
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda
  • Vanilla Extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Cream Cheese
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Butter
  • Vanilla Extract

Optional Add-Ins

  • Lemon Zest
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Almond Extract

How to Make Strawberry Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

If using fresh strawberries, wash, hull, and either dice or puree them.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the strawberry puree or jam. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Fold in any optional add-ins like lemon zest or chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients 

  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to avoid lumps and achieve the desired sweetness.

Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Adjust Consistency: Add a splash of heavy cream if needed to thin the frosting for easy drizzling or spreading.

Strawberry Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking Tips 

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries or high-quality puree enhances flavor. Avoid overly watery fruit to maintain the right consistency.

Properly Grease the Pan: Ensure the Bundt pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking. Silicone baking spray works well for intricate designs.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and milk to come to room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.

Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to prevent a dense cake.

Test for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Variations of Strawberry Bundt Cake

  • Lemon-Strawberry Bundt Cake
  • Chocolate Strawberry Bundt Cake
  • Strawberry Swirl Cake: Create a swirl effect by layering plain and strawberry batter before baking.
  • Vegan or Gluten-Free: Use plant-based ingredients and gluten-free flour alternatives for dietary adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Bundt Cake

Warm: Serve the cake slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of fresh cream cheese frosting. Warm slices emphasize the cake’s moist texture and fruity flavors.

Chilled: If the frosting has been set in the fridge, serve the cake chilled for a refreshing dessert option, especially during warmer months.

Pairing Ideas

Coffee: A cup of hot coffee, such as a latte or cappuccino, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.

Tea: Light and fruity teas, like green tea or chamomile, complement the strawberry flavors.

Sparkling Lemonade

How to Present the Cake for Gatherings or Parties

Place the cake on a decorative cake stand for a visually appealing centerpiece.

Garnish with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pre-slice the cake for easy serving, or serve it whole for dramatic presentation during slicing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftover Bundt Cake

Room Temperature: If unfrosted, store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For frosted cakes, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Ensure the frosting is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out.

Can You Freeze Bundt Cake? Tips for Freezing and Thawing

Freezing: Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Transfer the cake to the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before frosting or serving.

Reheating Instructions to Keep the Cake Fresh and Moist

Warm slices of unfrosted cake in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Avoid reheating frosted cake directly; instead, let it come to room temperature naturally.

FAQs

Can You Use Frozen Strawberries for the Cake?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Thaw them completely, and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

What’s the Best Bundt Pan Size for This Recipe?

A 10-cup or 12-cup bundt pan works best. Ensure the pan is greased and floured thoroughly to prevent sticking.

How to Fix Frosting That’s Too Runny or Too Thick

  • Runny Frosting: Add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Thick Frosting: Add a teaspoon of milk or cream gradually, mixing well, to loosen it.

More Recipes

Strawberry Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A Strawberry Bundt Cake often includes fresh or pureed strawberries in the batter, giving it a natural fruity flavor and a lovely pink hue. It is typically topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that complements the cake’s sweetness and adds a creamy texture.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries diced or pureed, about 8–10 medium-sized strawberries
  • ½ cup strawberry puree or jam or ¾ cup if not using fresh strawberries
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter 2 sticks, softened
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • ½ cup butter 1 stick, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins (Choose any or combine for extra flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract

Notes on Ingredient Quantities

  • Fresh Strawberries vs. Puree/Jam: If using both fresh strawberries and puree/jam reduce the puree/jam to ¼ cup to avoid an overly moist batter.
  • Adjusting Sweetness: If your strawberries are particularly sweet you can slightly reduce the sugar to 1 ½ cups.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  • If using fresh strawberries, wash, hull, and either dice or puree them.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the strawberry puree or jam. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  • Fold in any optional add-ins like lemon zest or chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  • Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to avoid lumps and achieve the desired sweetness.
  • Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
  • Adjust Consistency: Add a splash of heavy cream if needed to thin the frosting for easy drizzling or spreading.

Notes

Variations of Strawberry Bundt Cake

  • Lemon-Strawberry Bundt Cake
  • Chocolate Strawberry Bundt Cake
  • Strawberry Swirl Cake: Create a swirl effect by layering plain and strawberry batter before baking.
  • Vegan or Gluten-Free: Use plant-based ingredients and gluten-free flour alternatives for dietary adaptations.
Keyword Bundt Cake, Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Strawberry Bundt Cake