Name: Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake: Why You'll Fall in Love Today!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491933H22M55S
Total time: PT-491933H22M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt; 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries; 1 tbsp flour (for coating strawberries); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp strawberry puree or milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake deserves a place in every baker’s recipe collection, and I’m about to show you why. Tired of dense, dry pound cakes that crumble at the first slice? I understand the frustration. This sweet strawberry pound cake transforms the classic dessert into something extraordinary imagine tender, buttery crumbs bursting with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.

As part of the Cooks Foody team, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe alongside Elizabeth Harper in Austin and Daniel Brooks in Portland. What started as Jack’s personal quest for the perfect pound cake has evolved into our most requested recipe. We’ve tested countless variations, and this version delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every time.

Throughout this guide, you’ll discover our foolproof baking techniques, ingredient selection secrets, troubleshooting tips for common pound cake problems, and creative serving suggestions that will make this your signature dessert.

Why This Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake Works

This recipe succeeds where others fail because we’ve eliminated the guesswork:

• Uses everyday pantry ingredients no special equipment or hard-to-find items needed
• Mix in just 20 minutes perfect for spontaneous baking sessions
• Stays moist for days our secret ingredient keeps it fresh longer than traditional recipes
• Adapts beautifully works as cupcakes, mini loaves, or one stunning bundt cake

Choosing the Right Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake Ingredients

Best Strawberries for This Recipe

Fresh strawberries create the most vibrant flavor, but don’t dismiss frozen berries. Choose bright red, fragrant strawberries without white shoulders. For frozen options, select individually quick-frozen (IQF) berries that separate easily they incorporate better into the batter.

Buying Tips

Look for strawberries that feel firm but yield slightly to pressure. The green tops should appear fresh and vibrant. At farmers’ markets, ask vendors which varieties bake best some strawberries hold their shape better than others during baking.

Substitutions

Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or diced peaches using the same measurements. For a tropical twist, try diced mango or pineapple, reducing sugar slightly to compensate for their natural sweetness.

Ingredients & Prep for Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake: Why You'll Fall in Love Today! — Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake: Why You’ll Fall in Love Today!

Cake Prep Essentials

Proper preparation prevents common pound cake disasters. Bring all ingredients to room temperature at least 2 hours before baking this ensures proper emulsification. Hull and dice strawberries into ¼-inch pieces, then toss with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent sinking.

Essential Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2½ cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
• 2 cups diced fresh strawberries

Pantry Staples

Keep these on hand for perfect results: pure vanilla extract (not imitation), fine sea salt, and fresh baking powder (replace every 6 months). Room temperature ingredients mix more easily, creating that signature pound cake texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Pre-Baking Prep for Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously butter and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9×5 loaf pans. The lower temperature prevents over-browning while ensuring the center cooks through completely.

Mixing Method for Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Cream butter and sugar for 5 full minutes until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in strawberries gently.

Baking Your Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan(s), smoothing the top. Bake 75-85 minutes for bundt cake, 55-65 minutes for loaves. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Cooling Your Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Cool in the pan for 20 minutes – this prevents the tender cake from breaking. Invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before glazing or serving. The texture improves after resting overnight.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Avoiding Dense or Dry Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Never overmix the batter – stop as soon as ingredients combine. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. The sour cream adds essential moisture and tang that balances the sweet strawberries perfectly.

Tool Recommendations

Invest in a stand mixer for effortless creaming. A microplane creates perfect lemon zest if adding citrus notes. Silicone spatulas fold ingredients without deflating the batter.

Storage & Serving

Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Slice frozen cake directly from freezer for clean cuts.

Looking for more delicious treats? Follow me on Pinterest at pinterest where I share daily baking inspiration and behind-the-scenes recipe development!

Flavor Variations for Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Citrus Twist

Add 2 tablespoons lemon or orange zest to brighten the strawberry flavor. Replace ¼ cup milk with fresh citrus juice for extra zing.

Chocolate Lovers

Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips with the strawberries. Drizzle cooled cake with melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Seasonal Adaptations

Transform this recipe year-round with seasonal fruits and complementary extracts:

Season	Fruit Swap	Extract Addition	Special Touch
Spring	Rhubarb-strawberry mix	Almond extract	Pink glaze
Summer	Mixed berries	Lemon extract	Whipped cream
Fall	Diced pears	Cinnamon	Brown butter drizzle
Winter	Cranberries	Orange extract	Cream cheese frosting

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Transform simple slices into memorable desserts. Try these combinations:

• Classic: Serve with fresh whipped cream and macerated strawberries
• Elegant: Grill slices and top with vanilla ice cream
• Brunch-worthy: Toast and spread with mascarpone cheese
• Kid-friendly: Create trifles with pudding and fresh berries

For more dessert inspiration, try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for chocolate lovers or these Festive Caramel Apple Slices for seasonal entertaining.

FAQs About Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw completely and drain excess liquid. Pat dry with paper towels before dicing and folding into batter.

How do I prevent strawberries from sinking?
Toss diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons flour before folding into batter. This coating helps them suspend throughout the cake.

Why did my pound cake crack on top?
A crack is actually traditional for pound cakes! It shows proper rising. For a smoother top, run a knife through the center of the raw batter before baking.

Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake Success Awaits

This sweet strawberry pound cake recipe brings joy to every occasion. Fire up your oven and experience the magic of homemade pound cake tonight!

Ready for your next baking adventure? Our Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds make an excellent savory complement to this sweet treat.

Sweet Strawberry Pound Cake: Why You’ll Fall in Love Today!