1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries if using. Set aside.
3. Make the Strawberry Cake:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling over the batter, making sure not to touch the sides of the pan.
Pour the remaining strawberry cake batter on top, covering the cheesecake filling completely.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not touching the cheesecake filling) comes out clean.
5. Cool:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add pink food coloring if desired to achieve a pink glaze.
Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk until you reach your desired thickness.
7. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the bundt cake. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
8. Serve:
This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply as a delightful dessert to enjoy with family and friends!
