Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan or a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Ensure every crevice is coated if using a Bundt pan.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture is very pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air.
Step 4: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 6: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Step 7: In a small bowl, toss the diced fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This coating helps prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Step 8: Gently fold the floured strawberries into the cake batter using a spatula until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
Step 9: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
Step 10: Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 11: Let the pound cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto the wire rack to cool completely before glazing or slicing.
Step 12: For the optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the cooled pound cake before serving.