Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Mixture

1. Dice fresh strawberries into small pieces.
2. In a small bowl, toss the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
3. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the cake batter. This step helps to prevent the strawberries from sinking during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
3. Set the mixture aside; this will serve as the cheesecake layer in the cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Pound Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Dust it with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour half of the pound cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
2. Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the batter, taking care not to mix the layers.
3. Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
4. Top with the remaining pound cake batter, ensuring the strawberries and cheesecake are fully covered. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
3. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more puree or sugar as needed.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.