This Strawberry Pound Cake is a wonderfully moist quick bread with a tender crumb, packed with juicy fresh strawberries, and topped with a delicious pink strawberry glaze. It makes for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon snack or a sweet addition to your dessert table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the Pound Cake
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
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½ cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
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1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries
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2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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For the Strawberry Glaze
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1 cup diced strawberries
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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2 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
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Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar and softened butter. Beat on high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture is pale in color.
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Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until just combined.
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Add half of the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
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Add 1 cup of the flour mixture and mix, followed by the remaining sour cream and flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
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In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with lemon juice, then coat them with ¼ cup of flour mixture.
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Gently fold 1 cup of the strawberry mixture into the batter.
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Transfer three-quarters of the batter into the prepared pan. Add the remaining strawberries, then cover with the rest of the batter.
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Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool for 1 hour before removing it from the pan.
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To make the glaze, mix the diced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes. Strain the juice, and combine it with lemon juice and powdered sugar to form the glaze.
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Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pound cake and let it set before serving.
Nutrients (per slice)
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Calories: 440
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Carbohydrates: 80g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Cholesterol: 50mg
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Sodium: 131mg
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Potassium: 198mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 56g
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Vitamin A: 387 IU
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Vitamin C: 23mg
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Calcium: 63mg
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Iron: 2mg
The Perfect Texture and Flavor of a Pound Cake
Pound cakes are known for their dense, yet moist texture. They are typically made with a simple combination of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar, which when mixed and baked correctly, result in a rich, satisfying dessert. The inclusion of strawberries takes this classic recipe to the next level. The fresh fruit not only adds flavor but also contributes to the cake’s moistness, ensuring that every slice is tender and full of natural sweetness.
The key to achieving that desirable moistness lies in the combination of ingredients like full-fat sour cream and butter. These ingredients contribute richness while keeping the crumb soft and delicate. By using fresh strawberries, the cake not only gains a pop of color but also a burst of flavor with every bite.
The Role of Fresh Strawberries in the Cake
Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe, bringing both sweetness and moisture to the cake. The diced strawberries are folded into the batter in two stages – one portion is mixed into the batter, and the remaining portion is added later in the baking process. This method ensures that every slice of cake has an even distribution of strawberries, creating pockets of fruity sweetness throughout the cake.
Strawberries also provide an appealing contrast to the richness of the pound cake. Their natural tartness helps balance the overall sweetness of the cake, making each bite a delightful blend of flavors. Additionally, strawberries have a high water content, which helps keep the cake moist during baking.
The Strawberry Glaze: The Finishing Touch
No strawberry pound cake would be complete without the addition of a strawberry glaze. This glaze is made from fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and powdered sugar, resulting in a glossy, pink topping that adds both visual appeal and extra sweetness. The glaze also enhances the flavor of the cake, providing a slight tang from the lemon juice and an extra layer of fruity goodness.
The glaze is simple to make but adds a sophisticated touch to the dessert. After the cake has cooled, the glaze is drizzled over the top, creating a beautiful sheen and a burst of flavor that complements the strawberries within the cake. The glaze not only enhances the taste but also adds a visual appeal, making the cake perfect for serving at special occasions.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Strawberry Pound Cake
While the process of making this cake is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure the best possible result. First, it’s important to make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This includes the butter, eggs, and sour cream. Room temperature ingredients blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture in the final cake.
When mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt, it’s crucial to sift them together. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Additionally, when folding the strawberries into the batter, be gentle to avoid crushing the fruit and releasing too much moisture into the cake. The strawberries should remain intact, creating pockets of juicy fruit in every bite.
One of the key factors in baking a pound cake is the temperature of the oven. Make sure to preheat the oven thoroughly before placing the cake inside. This ensures that the cake begins baking immediately, allowing it to rise evenly and maintain its moisture.
The Versatility of Strawberry Pound Cake
While this strawberry pound cake is already a star on its own, it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. For instance, you can swap out the strawberries for other fresh fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the cake, making it versatile for different seasons and occasions.
Another way to vary the recipe is by adding different extracts to the batter. For instance, almond extract can be used to complement the flavor of the strawberries, or lemon extract can intensify the citrusy note from the lemon juice in the glaze. These subtle changes can transform the cake into something entirely new, allowing for endless flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry pound cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a summer barbecue, or a holiday gathering, this cake will be a hit with your guests. It’s best served with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon snack or dessert.
For a more decadent treat, you can serve the pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly with the moist, fruity cake, elevating it to a truly indulgent dessert.
Additionally, this cake can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside fresh berries, which will complement the strawberry flavor while adding extra color and texture. If you’re looking to make a larger dessert spread, consider serving the pound cake as part of a dessert buffet or alongside other fruit-based cakes and pies.
Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
Strawberry pound cake is a dessert that never fails to impress. Its combination of moist, tender cake and fresh, juicy strawberries creates a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an afternoon snack or as the star of your dessert table, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The cake’s versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious flavor make it an ideal choice for both casual and special events. The strawberry glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, giving the cake a glossy, sweet topping that enhances its overall appeal. With its balance of rich flavor and light, fruity notes, the strawberry pound cake is a delightful dessert that will leave everyone asking for more.