Strawberry Pound Cake: Sunshine in a Slice

Sun-Kissed Strawberry Pound Cake You Can Bake Tonight

I grew up sharing slices of a bright, strawberry-studded pound cake with friends on sunny afternoons. The scent of vanilla, lemon, and ripe berries would drift through the kitchen, drawing everyone to the table like a magnet. This Strawberry Pound Cake is my modern twist on that memory—soft, buttery, and studded with juicy berries that burst with every bite.

Today’s version keeps that classic pound-cake texture—rich, dense, and sliceable—while lightening it with fresh strawberries and a touch of lemon to wake up the flavors. It’s the kind of cake that looks impressive enough for guests, but is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Bake it once, and you’ll be asked for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour — provides structure and a tender crumb
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder — helps the cake rise without becoming airy
• 1/4 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and moisture
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar — sweetens evenly and creamily
• 4 large eggs, room temperature — bind and enrich the batter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature — keeps the crumb moist
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt — extra moisture and tenderness
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — classic cake flavor (plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional)
• 2 cups (about 300 g) diced fresh strawberries — folds into the batter for juicy bursts
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional) — brightens the overall flavor
• Glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease well and dust with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 3–4 minutes. The mixture should look whipped and airy, not curdled.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter may look glossy and a bit thick—that’s perfect.
5. Beat in sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla, and lemon zest if using. Scrape down the bowl so everything is evenly incorporated.
6. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter comes together; overmixing can make the cake dense.
7. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, so they’re evenly distributed but not crushed. The batter will be thick and speckled with ruby bits.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
9. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. If you’re using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice or milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Tips & Variations

• Texture tweak: For a lighter crumb, substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• Fruit swap: Try blueberries or sliced ripe strawberries drained of excess juice for a different berry profile.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend plus 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already include it); bake as directed.
• Make-ahead tip: The cake stores well wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before slicing for best texture.
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and your favorite dairy-free milk; add an extra tablespoon of yogurt alternative for moisture if needed.
• Flavor boosters: A pinch of almond extract pairs beautifully with strawberry; start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• Storage: For longer life, wrap tightly and freeze slices individually; thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a toaster oven.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the cake thick and finish with a light drizzle of lemon glaze and a few fresh strawberry halves for color. Serve with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy treat.

Pair it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal, or serve alongside roasted citrus veggies for a brighter dinner option.

Presentation matters: dust the slices with powdered sugar and garnish with a sprig of mint or a tiny berry skewer for a Pinterest-perfect moment.

FAQs

How do I thicken or adjust a runny glaze?

If the glaze is too thin, whisk in additional powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired thickness. If it’s too stiff, whisk in a tiny splash of lemon juice or milk, then adjust as needed.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake, cool completely, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate up to 3 days. Glaze is best added close to serving to keep the surface glossy.

How should I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Warm a slice in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or reheat in a microwave in short 15–20 second bursts until just warm. A light glaze or a scoop of ice cream helps restore moisture.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries, but thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture. They may release more liquid, so you might add a tablespoon or two of flour to the batter to prevent sinking.

Is this cake gluten-free-friendly?

Absolutely. Use a reliable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and, if your blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add 1/2 teaspoon to help with structure. Bake as directed, but keep an eye on the center as GF batters can behave differently.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Wrap slices tightly or store the whole cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring slices to room temperature or rewarm gently before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Pound Cake is a celebration of simple, welcoming flavors—sunny berries, buttery crumb, and a kiss of lemon. It comes together with confidence, yet feels special enough to share with friends, family, or a crowd of late-afternoon procrastinators on Pinterest. Bake it for moments of kitchen joy, then watch it become a staple in your dessert rotation.