Strawberry Pound Cake is a rich, buttery dessert infused with the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful springtime treat or a fruity twist on a classic, this cake delivers a tender crumb, gorgeous color, and irresistible flavor. It’s perfect for brunches, parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with real strawberry flavor
- Moist, dense texture—true to classic pound cake style
- Great for special occasions or everyday dessert
- Beautiful presentation with pink glaze
- Freezes well for make-ahead ease
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped or pureed
- Sour cream or buttermilk
For the glaze (optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Strawberry puree
- Lemon juice or vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or loaf pan.
- Prepare strawberries: Wash, hull, and finely chop or puree strawberries. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream or buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Add strawberries and vanilla: Fold in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until the batter is evenly pink and smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 70–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze (optional): Mix powdered sugar with strawberry puree and a splash of lemon juice or vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70–75 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
- Lemon-strawberry twist: Add lemon zest to the batter and glaze for a bright citrus note.
- Strawberry swirl: Swirl strawberry jam into the batter for extra pockets of flavor.
- Cream cheese addition: Replace part of the butter with cream cheese for a denser, richer texture.
- No glaze: Dust the top with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Lasts up to 1 week when wrapped and stored in the fridge.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain them before pureeing or chopping to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
What’s the best pan to use?
A bundt pan or two standard loaf pans work well for this recipe. Grease thoroughly to prevent sticking.
How do I make the cake pinker?
Add a drop or two of red food coloring if you want a more vibrant color.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Is the glaze necessary?
No, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?
You can use jam as a swirl, but for the base cake flavor, fresh or frozen strawberries are best.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt or buttermilk are great alternatives that maintain moisture.
How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—no wet batter.
What can I serve it with?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream are all perfect pairings.
Can I add other fruit?
Yes, try a mix of berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Strawberry Pound Cake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers buttery richness and fresh fruit flavor in every slice. Whether you serve it plain, glazed, or dressed up with whipped cream and berries, it’s a guaranteed hit that’s easy to make and beautiful to serve.
Print
Strawberry Pound Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Pound Cake is rich, buttery, and full of fresh strawberry goodness. It’s the perfect spring or summer dessert—great for brunch, potlucks, or a sweet treat with coffee. The tender crumb and sweet strawberry glaze make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
For the cake:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
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1 tablespoon flour (to toss with strawberries)
For the glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2-3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (or milk for a plain glaze)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
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Toss chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold into the batter.
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Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
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Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
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For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
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Make the strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor.
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You can use frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
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Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist.