Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
3. Wash, hull, and chop 1 cup of fresh strawberries into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until creamy and well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
7. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 75–85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top.
2. For extra decoration, drizzle with melted white chocolate.
3. Top with fresh strawberries and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.