Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake – A Sweet Classic with a Fruity Twist
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade pound cake, and Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake takes that classic dessert to a whole new level. Rich, buttery, and perfectly dense, this cake is infused with real strawberry purée and balanced with warm vanilla flavor. The result is a soft, velvety crumb with a delicate pink hue that feels both elegant and nostalgic.
This Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake is the kind of dessert that works for everything—from family gatherings and holidays to casual weekends when you just want something sweet with your coffee. It’s not overly fancy, yet it looks stunning on the table, especially when finished with a glossy pink strawberry glaze dripping down the sides.
What makes this recipe special is how it combines simplicity with indulgence. Using everyday pantry staples along with fresh or frozen strawberries, this cake delivers bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake is approachable, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
Why This Recipe Works for Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
This Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake works so beautifully because of the thoughtful balance of ingredients and technique. Pound cakes are traditionally dense and rich, and this recipe honors that heritage while adding moisture and flavor from strawberries and cream cheese.
The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an exceptionally tender crumb. Butter brings richness and flavor, while cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar and strawberries. The strawberry purée not only flavors the cake but also contributes natural moisture, preventing dryness even after long baking.
Using six eggs provides structure and stability, which is essential for a cake baked for over an hour. The slow baking temperature allows the Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake to cook evenly, preventing a dry exterior while ensuring the center is fully baked.
Finally, the strawberry glaze reinforces the flavor profile. Instead of overpowering the cake, it complements it, adding sweetness and visual appeal without masking the vanilla-strawberry balance that makes this cake so special.
Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake – What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make a perfect Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake, you’ll need simple ingredients that work together to create rich flavor and texture.
For the Pound Cake
Unsalted butter (softened): The foundation of richness and flavor
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb
Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and moisture
Cream cheese (softened): Adds creaminess and balances sweetness
All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its classic pound cake structure
Baking powder: Just enough lift without losing density
Salt: Enhances all the flavors
Strawberry purée: Fresh or frozen strawberries blended smooth
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth
Optional diced strawberries: For texture and extra bursts of fruit
For the Pink Glaze
Powdered sugar: Smooth, sweet base
Strawberry purée or juice: Natural flavor and color
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness
Food coloring (optional): For a brighter pink finish
Each ingredient in this Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake plays a specific role, so using high-quality butter, real vanilla, and ripe strawberries will make a noticeable difference in the final result.
How to Make Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake – Step-by-Step
Making Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake is straightforward, but attention to detail ensures bakery-level results.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan thoroughly, making sure to reach every crevice to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together for 4–5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a light yet dense texture in your Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual process ensures a smooth batter and prevents curdling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Strawberry Purée
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in stages, alternating with the strawberry purée. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries (Optional)
If using diced strawberries, gently fold them in at the end to avoid crushing them.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake – Making the Perfect Pink Glaze
The glaze is the finishing touch that elevates this Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake from simple to stunning.
Whisk powdered sugar with strawberry purée and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more purée or powdered sugar as needed. If you want a brighter pink, add a drop or two of food coloring. Drizzle the glaze over the fully cooled cake, letting it naturally drip down the sides.
Tips + Tricks for Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake Success
Achieving the best Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake comes down to a few expert tips:
Always use room-temperature ingredients for smooth mixing
Don’t rush the creaming process—it builds structure
Use fresh strawberry purée for the brightest flavor
Avoid opening the oven door during baking
Let the cake cool completely before glazing
These small details make a big difference in texture, flavor, and appearance.
More Helpful Tips for Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil
Strain strawberry purée if it’s too watery
A kitchen scale ensures consistent results
Store the cake covered to maintain moisture
Each tip ensures your Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake stays tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it sliced thick or thin, depending on the occasion. It’s delicious on its own but even better with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
For a more elegant presentation, dust lightly with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
This Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake pairs beautifully with:
Fresh whipped cream
Vanilla or strawberry ice cream
Fresh berries on the side
A drizzle of white chocolate or strawberry sauce
It’s perfect for brunches, baby showers, birthdays, and holidays.
Time Breakdown for Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 70–80 minutes
Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
The slow bake is what gives Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake its signature texture.
Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake for Special Occasions
This cake is a showstopper at celebrations. Its soft pink color and rich flavor make Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake ideal for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, or summer parties.
Storing and Freezing Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
Store Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
From its buttery crumb to its fruity glaze, Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake is comforting, beautiful, and unforgettable. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests.
Final Thoughts on Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels homemade, indulgent, and timeless, Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake is the perfect choice. With its rich texture, real strawberry flavor, and classic pound cake base, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Once you try this Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.