Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

The Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pound cake with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser at birthday parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with family. The soft texture and vibrant glaze make it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Moist: The combination of butter and sour cream ensures a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh Flavor: The addition of fresh strawberries throughout the cake and glaze elevates its flavor profile, making it irresistible.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve it as a casual dessert or dress it up for special occasions with garnishes like extra strawberries.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can successfully bake this cake without advanced skills.
• Perfectly Sweetened: The balance between the sweet pound cake and the zing from the strawberry glaze creates a delightful harmony.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan or bundt pan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in organizing your ingredients effectively.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy batter.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temp
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp flour (to toss with strawberries)

For the Strawberry Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tbsp pureed strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A drop of pink food coloring (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325F (163C). Grease and flour a 9×5 loaf pan or a bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with flour.
6. Toss chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking; then gently fold into the batter.

Step 2: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top evenly.
2. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
3. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze

1. Blend or mash strawberries into a smooth puree.
2. Mix 2 tablespoons of puree with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually add more puree until you achieve your desired consistency.
3. Optionally add a tiny drop of food coloring for an extra vibrant pink hue.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, pour glaze generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired for an added touch.

Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a burst of flavor and color. Simply serve the cake slices alongside a handful of these berries for a refreshing touch.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy texture complements the dense pound cake perfectly.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice. This adds lightness and balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Coffee or Tea

• Serve with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink enhances the flavors of the cake, making for a cozy dessert experience.

Brunch Delight

• Consider serving strawberry pound cake as part of a brunch spread. It pairs well with other breakfast items like yogurt and granola.

Layered Parfait

• Crumble pieces of cake into a glass and layer it with yogurt and fresh strawberries to create an eye-catching parfait.

How to Perfect Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

To ensure your Strawberry Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
• Test for Doneness: Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean; too wet means it needs more time.
• Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before applying the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures it stays beautifully on top.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Pound Cake can elevate your meal even further. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious side that balances richness with lightness.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese can add savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
4. Savory Scones
   Cheese or herb scones offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making them an exciting addition.
5. Nuts & Dried Fruits
   A small bowl of mixed nuts or dried fruits adds crunch and enhances flavor diversity on your dessert table.
6. Green Salad
   A refreshing green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of rich pound cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in a tough texture. Mix until just combined, especially after adding flour.
• Skipping the flour toss for strawberries: Failing to coat strawberries with flour may cause them to sink in the batter. Toss them lightly with flour before folding into the mixture.
• Not checking for doneness: Overbaking can dry out the cake. Use a toothpick to test; it should come out mostly clean when done.
• Using too much glaze: While it’s tempting to drench your cake, excess glaze can make it soggy. Pour just enough to coat the top and let it drip down the sides.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep away from strong odors in the fridge.

Freezing Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before using them in the batter.

How do I know when my Strawberry Pound Cake is done?

Check your cake by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out mostly clean, your cake is ready!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you prefer not to use almond extract, simply omit it or replace it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract.

How should I store leftover glaze?

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before using again.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Pound Cake with Strawberry Glaze is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavors according to your preference. Enjoy making this delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!