I can still remember the first time I baked this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake. It was a sunny spring afternoon, and I was craving something sweet and fruity. When I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try. The combination of rich, buttery pound cake and juicy, fresh strawberries sounded absolutely divine.
As I gathered the ingredients and got to work, the aroma of the cake baking filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to take that first bite and see if it lived up to my expectations. When the timer finally dinged and I pulled the cake from the oven, it was golden brown and absolutely irresistible. I let it cool, then drizzled on a tangy glaze and added a few extra strawberry slices on top.
That first slice was pure perfection. The pound cake was moist and tender, with a delightful strawberry flavor in every bite. It was like a strawberry milkshake transformed into a decadent dessert. Needless to say, this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake quickly became a new family favorite. I’ve made it for parties, potlucks, and even just as a special treat on a random Tuesday. No matter the occasion, it’s always a hit.
Why This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
What makes this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake recipe so special? It all comes down to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, buttery pound cake provides a sturdy base, while the fresh strawberries lend a burst of juicy sweetness in every bite. And the secret ingredient? A touch of vanilla extract that enhances all the other flavors and ties the whole cake together.
I’ve experimented with this recipe over the years, and I’ve found a few key techniques that make all the difference. First, you’ll want to make sure you cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy – this creates a wonderfully tender crumb. And be sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, or you’ll end up with a tough, dense cake. Finally, folding in the fresh strawberries at the very end ensures they stay nice and juicy, rather than getting lost in the batter.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and helping to create that classic pound cake texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A small amount of baking powder gives the cake a gentle rise and a light, airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The rich, creamy butter is the star of the show, giving the pound cake its signature buttery taste and tender mouthfeel.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sugar to create a perfectly sweet, moist cake.
- 4 large eggs: The eggs provide structure and richness, contributing to the pound cake’s dense, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and gives the cake a wonderfully fragrant aroma.
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries: These juicy, vibrant berries are the key to the Strawberry Milkshake flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Instructions
Preparing Your Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is a breeze to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 75 minutes. You’ll need a few basic baking tools, like a stand mixer, a loaf pan, and a sharp knife for chopping the strawberries.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3- One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter comes together. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries by hand.
5- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6- Allow the Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help them incorporate together seamlessly.
- Don’t be tempted to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake texture.
- For the juiciest, most flavorful strawberries, use fresh, in-season berries if possible. Frozen berries can work in a pinch, but they may release more liquid.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. This will help you get clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is the perfect dessert to serve at any gathering, from casual family dinners to fancy brunch parties. It makes a lovely addition to a Mother’s Day or Easter spread, or you can enjoy a slice as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
For optimal enjoyment, I recommend serving the pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy, cool toppings complement the rich, fruity cake beautifully. You can also drizzle on a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra sweet touch.
As for beverages, this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea. And of course, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a tall, frosty strawberry milkshake – the ultimate pairing for this indulgent dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you want to enjoy the cake over a longer period, you can also freeze it. Simply wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before slicing and serving.
To reheat a slice, you can pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Just be sure not to overheat, or you’ll dry out the cake.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
Creative Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Variations
While the classic Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is absolutely delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe.
For a seasonal twist, try swapping in other fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a decadent touch, or sprinkle in some toasted chopped nuts for a lovely crunch.
Another fun variation is to turn the pound cake into cupcakes or mini loaves, perfect for individual servings. You can even bake the batter into a Bundt pan for a stunning presentation.
And if you want to take the strawberry flavor to the next level, try adding a strawberry swirl or dolloping on a strawberry cream cheese frosting. The possibilities are endless!
Making Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, there are a few simple substitutions you can make to enjoy this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake in a healthier way.
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder to help the cake rise properly.
For a vegan version, replace the butter with your favorite plant-based butter alternative, and use flax or chia eggs in place of the regular eggs. You can also swap the granulated sugar for a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
And if you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar to 1 cup and use erythritol or another low-calorie sweetener instead. Just be sure to adjust the other wet ingredients accordingly to maintain the right texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding them into the batter.
Q: How long does the cake take to bake?
A: The total baking time for this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is 60 minutes. You’ll want to bake it at 350°F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake keeps well for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze the cooled cake for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake recipe yields 10 servings. The exact serving size will depend on how you slice the cake, but this should give you a nice, generous portion.
Q: What if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
A: If your Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake doesn’t rise as much as you’d like, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Be sure to follow the mixing instructions carefully and check the freshness of your ingredients.
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake, a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This moist and tender pound cake is infused with the sweet taste of fresh strawberries, creating a delightful twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
– For a sweeter cake, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the batter.
– If you prefer a more pronounced strawberry flavor, you can use 1 1/2 cups of chopped strawberries.
– Store the Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is truly a dessert that will delight your senses in every way. From the moist, tender crumb to the burst of juicy strawberry flavor in every bite, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope you’ll give this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake a try. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with loved ones, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a sweet pick-me-up. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!