Strawberry Pound Cake

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic pound cake, and when you add the luscious sweetness of fresh strawberries, it transforms into an extraordinary treat. This Strawberry Pound Cake is perfect for everything from casual family breakfasts to elegant afternoon teas. Its moist, tender crumb, combined with the subtle tang of cream cheese and a sweet strawberry glaze, makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at something new, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Why This Recipe Works

Not all pound cakes are created equal. What sets this Strawberry Pound Cake apart is the combination of cream cheese, butter, and fresh strawberry puree. Here’s why this recipe consistently produces a perfect cake:

Cream Cheese for Moisture: The cream cheese adds richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist without being heavy.

Balanced Sweetness: Three cups of sugar provide just the right sweetness, complementing the natural tartness of the strawberries.

Fresh Strawberries: Pureed strawberries not only add flavor but also a subtle pink hue, making the cake visually stunning.

Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: This technique ensures a tender crumb by preventing overmixing.

Proper Baking Temperature: Baking at 325°F allows the cake to cook evenly, producing a golden exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

The combination of these techniques makes this Strawberry Pound Cake reliably moist, flavorful, and irresistibly soft.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Before diving in, gather your ingredients and tools. Having everything prepared ensures smooth execution.

Ingredients for the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese, softened

3 cups granulated sugar

6 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup milk

½ cup pureed strawberries

Ingredients for the Glaze:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

3 tbsp strawberry puree

1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)

Garnish:

Fresh strawberries (whole and sliced)

Tools:

Bundt pan (greased and floured)

Medium mixing bowl

Large mixing bowl

Electric mixer

Spatula

Sifter

Wire rack

Whisk

Having these ready ensures your baking process is stress-free and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the fun part: creating your Strawberry Pound Cake masterpiece.

How To Make Strawberry Pound Cake

Follow these steps carefully for the best results. Each step is designed to ensure maximum flavor and perfect texture.

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan, or use a nonstick baking spray. Prepping the pan properly ensures the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and that the leavening is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a light, tender cake. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup of softened butter, 8 oz cream cheese, and 3 cups granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (approximately 3–4 minutes). This step incorporates air, giving your Strawberry Pound Cake its signature lift.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add 6 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures the batter remains smooth and emulsified.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Strawberry Puree

Mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract and ½ cup pureed strawberries. This combination enhances the cake’s flavor and gives it a delicate strawberry aroma and a soft pink hue.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a light golden crust and a moist, tender interior.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling prevents the glaze from melting immediately and helps the cake maintain its shape.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and 3 tbsp strawberry puree. Add milk, 1 tbsp at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip beautifully over the cake.

Step 10: Glaze and Garnish

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Strawberry Pound Cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Decorate with fresh strawberries, either whole or sliced, for an elegant presentation.

Tips + Tricks & More For Strawberry Pound Cake Success

Creating a perfect Strawberry Pound Cake is easier with a few insider tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, cream cheese, and eggs should be at room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps.

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide better flavor and natural sweetness. Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them before pureeing.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing after adding the flour can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light, airy crumb.

Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Start checking at 70 minutes; if a toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Cool Properly: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before inverting. Removing it too early can cause it to break.

Customizable Glaze: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more or less milk, depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner drizzle.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Following these tips ensures your Strawberry Pound Cake comes out perfect every time.

How to Serve Strawberry Pound Cake

This cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

Slice thick pieces for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.

Serve as a dessert after dinner, topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Pair with fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Serving your Strawberry Pound Cake at room temperature is ideal, as the flavors and texture are at their best.

Serving Suggestions

Elegant Presentation: Arrange fresh strawberries around the cake on a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Layered Dessert: Slice the cake horizontally and add whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a layered strawberry dessert.

Tea Time Favorite: Serve small slices with a hot cup of green or black tea.

No matter the occasion, this Strawberry Pound Cake adds a touch of sophistication and comfort.

Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Baking Time: 70–80 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Planning ahead ensures your Strawberry Pound Cake is ready right on time for serving.

This Strawberry Pound Cake recipe is a celebration of flavor, texture, and elegance. Each step is designed to maximize moisture, sweetness, and visual appeal. With its tender crumb, rich cream cheese undertones, and fresh strawberry aroma, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or a simple weekend treat. The glaze adds a final flourish, making it not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this Strawberry Pound Cake is guaranteed to impress. With detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions, anyone can recreate this dessert masterpiece. By following this guide, you’ll have a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly unforgettable.