Fresh Strawberry Pound Cake is a delightful treat that’s easy to make. With simple ingredients like ripe strawberries, butter, and eggs, you can create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Imagine slicing into a moist cake, each bite bursting with fresh flavor. In this post, you'll find step-by-step instructions and tips to make your baking a breeze. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Moist: This pound cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the addition of fresh strawberries and buttermilk.
- Simple Ingredients: Using everyday ingredients, this cake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual afternoon tea, this cake is a delightful treat that suits any event.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its vibrant strawberry pieces and optional powdered sugar dusting, this cake is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
To start, you need the main ingredients. The softened butter and granulated sugar create a light base. Cream these together until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one by one. This step is key for a rich texture.
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Next, gather your dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. This mix will help your cake rise and stay light.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Now, for the wet ingredients. The buttermilk adds moisture and tang. Mix it with vanilla extract and lemon juice. This blend enhances the cake's flavor and keeps it soft.
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Finally, if you want to garnish, use powdered sugar. A light dusting adds a sweet touch and looks lovely on slices. It’s an easy way to make your cake shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will give the cake a nice rise. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or loaf pan. This step is key to keep the cake from sticking when it bakes.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, take 1 cup of softened butter and mix it with 2 cups of granulated sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The goal is to make the mixture light and fluffy. This adds air to your cake and helps it rise.
Combining Ingredients
Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.
Adding Strawberries
Take 1 cup of fresh strawberries and hull them. Slice them into small pieces. Toss the strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This keeps the berries bright and fresh. Gently fold the strawberries into the batter. Ensure they are evenly mixed in.
Baking the Cake
Now, pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. When baking is done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Moisture
To make your pound cake moist, use buttermilk. Buttermilk adds richness and tang. It helps the cake stay soft. Avoid overmixing your batter; this can make it tough. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Strawberry Preparation
Properly preparing your strawberries is key. Start by hulling and slicing them. Toss them lightly with lemon juice. This keeps them fresh and bright. The lemon juice enhances their flavor, making each bite sweet and tasty.
Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, slice the cake and place it on dessert plates. Add fresh strawberry slices on top. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Enjoy serving this lovely cake at any gathering!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a fluffier texture in your cake.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much.
- Properly Toss Strawberries: Tossing the sliced strawberries in lemon juice not only prevents browning but also enhances their flavor and keeps them from sinking in the batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but not wet batter.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can add zest to your pound cake for a bright twist. Try lemon or orange zest. This small change gives a burst of fresh flavor. Just mix in about a tablespoon of zest when you add the vanilla. The cake will taste even better!
Alternative Fruits
If you want to switch things up, you can use other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work great. Each fruit brings its own flavor and color. Just make sure to adjust the amount to one cup, like with strawberries. Enjoy the fun of mixing and matching!
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free fresh strawberry pound cake, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good mix for baking. You might also want to add a bit of xanthan gum. This will help with the cake's texture. Follow the same steps in the recipe, and you'll have a treat for everyone!
Storage Info
Storing the Cake
To keep your fresh strawberry pound cake tasty, store it properly. Let the cake cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the cake moist. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you use powdered sugar, add it just before serving.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some cake for later, freezing works great. Slice the cake first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as you can. The slices can freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, the cake lasts about three days. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Always check for signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell. Keeping the cake sealed helps it stay fresh longer. This way, you can enjoy every slice of your delicious creation!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. They will work in the recipe. However, the texture may change. Fresh strawberries give a better taste and look. If you use frozen ones, thaw them first. Drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy cake. This way, your pound cake stays moist but not wet.
How do I know when the cake is done?
To check if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, bake it a bit longer. Keep an eye on the cake after 55 minutes. It may take up to 65 minutes.
Can I make this pound cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pound cake ahead of time. Let it cool completely before wrapping it. Store it in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for later. Just slice it before freezing for easy serving.
In this blog post, I covered the ingredients and steps for making fresh strawberry pound cake. I highlighted the main ingredients, baking techniques, and storage tips. You can add fruit or flavor to make it your own. Remember, using buttermilk keeps the cake moist. Follow these tips for a tasty treat that lasts. Enjoy your baking, and share this sweet delight with others!
