Oh my goodness, friends! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you today: Easy Strawberry Pound Cake! This delightful cake has been a reliable companion for my summer gatherings, special occasions, and even just cozy afternoons at home with a cup of tea. There’s something utterly heartwarming about the combination of fluffy pound cake and sweet, juicy strawberries that makes it hard to resist!
The first time I made this cake was for a friend’s birthday, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The moment I drizzled that glaze over the top and added fresh strawberries, everyone was gathering around the table eagerly waiting for a slice. Not only does it look fabulous, but the taste is just out of this world. If strawberries are in season, this cake celebrates them beautifully! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make some magic together!
What’s in Easy Strawberry Pound Cake?
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to create this heavenly dessert!
All-purpose flour: A must-have for any baking, this flour gives our cake its structure and light texture. The foundation, if you will!
Granulated sugar: Sweetness! This is what helps to create that deliciously tender crumb we all love in a pound cake.
Unsalted butter: Butter makes everything better! It adds moisture and flavor, and we want it softened to get that lovely fluffy texture when creaming with the sugar.
Large eggs: These little wonders bind our ingredients together and give the cake some needed lift.
Sour cream: This ingredient is my secret weapon; it keeps the cake moist and gives it that delightful tanginess we crave.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla is non-negotiable for me. It adds depth and that classic dessert flavor!
Baking powder: A little lift goes a long way, and this helps our cake rise.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Fresh strawberries: The stars of the show! Diced and folded into the batter, they add bursts of deliciousness in every bite.
Powdered sugar: This is what we’ll use for our simple yet scrumptious glaze that takes the cake to a whole new level!
Milk: Just a splash helps to thin our glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
Extra diced strawberries: Because you can never have too many strawberries on your cake!
Fresh mint leaves: Totally optional, but if you want to impress, the mint adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness!
Is Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Good for You?
Let’s talk health—for every decadent treat, there’s a silver lining, right?
Strawberries: These bright berries are low in calories and pack a punch of antioxidants and vitamin C. Not to mention, tasty!
Sour cream: While it adds richness, opting for a low-fat version can help lighten things up a bit without sacrificing moisture.
As with all goodies, moderation is key! Indulging in a slice or two is what dessert is about, but you might want to save a few slices for sharing—no one can resist a homemade cake!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness. This recipe serves about 8-10 people, so feel free to share or keep it all to yourself (I won’t tell!).
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
– Extra diced strawberries, for topping
– Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Easy Strawberry Pound Cake?
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these steps for some seriously delicious strawberry pound cake.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to prevent any sticking surprises later on.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is the fun part!
3. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and heavenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Fold in those beautiful, diced strawberries into the batter with love—be gentle to keep those juicy bits intact.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing out the top for an even bake.
7. Pop that beauty into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk to make it smooth and pourable. Drizzle it generously over the cooled cake.
10. Top the pound cake with additional diced strawberries and garnish with fresh mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy!
11. Slice, serve, and prepare for the compliments to start rolling in!
Serving Suggestions for Extra Delight
Okay, here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your strawberry pound cake to the next level:
– Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—seriously, it takes it to dessert royalty status.
– Consider a drizzle of dark chocolate over the top for a fun twist.
– Pair it with a nice cup of tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. It makes for a delightful afternoon treat!
I hope you take the plunge and give this Easy Strawberry Pound Cake a try! Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures and how your cake turns out! Remember to share with friends (or don’t—I won’t judge)! Happy baking!