If you love baking and sweet treats, then you'll adore my Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake recipe. This easy-to-follow guide gives you step-by-step instructions to create a moist, delicious cake bursting with fresh strawberries. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this delightful dessert will impress everyone. Ready to bake the perfect pound cake? Let’s dive into the tasty details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Moist: This pound cake is incredibly moist thanks to the addition of sour cream, making each slice a delightful treat.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The fresh strawberries not only add a burst of flavor but also a lovely color, making the cake visually appealing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a summer picnic or a cozy winter gathering, this cake fits perfectly on any dessert table.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Detailed List of Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for topping)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
To create a tasty Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake, you need simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in the cake's flavor and texture.
First, start with all-purpose flour. It gives the cake structure. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. The salt balances the sweetness. Softened unsalted butter adds creaminess. Granulated sugar sweetens and makes the cake light.
Next, you'll need three large eggs. They bind the batter and add moisture. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. Sour cream ensures a moist cake with a slight tang. Fresh strawberries add sweetness and flavor.
For serving, you'll want powdered sugar for a sweet dusting. Whipped cream is perfect for topping each slice. It adds a light and fluffy touch that pairs well with strawberries.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bake a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the loaf pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan and grease it well. Dust it with flour to help the cake release easily.
2. Whisking dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, take 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until they blend well. Set this bowl aside.
3. Creaming butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter. Pour in 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps add air, making the cake rise nicely.
Combining Ingredients
1. Incorporating eggs and vanilla: Crack 3 large eggs into the bowl, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
2. Mixing dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate with ½ cup of sour cream. Start and end with the flour mix. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix; keep it light and airy.
3. Folding in strawberries: Take 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. Gently fold them into the batter. Be careful not to break the berries too much; you want those lovely pieces in your cake.
Baking the Pound Cake
1. Pouring batter and smoothing surface: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly.
2. Baking time and toothpick test: Bake the pound cake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
3. Cooling process: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess so your cake stays perfect.
Tips & Tricks
Expert Tips for Perfect Cake
- Ensuring the right batter consistency: The batter should be thick yet smooth. Mix until just combined. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Avoid over-mixing as it can make the cake dense.
- Tips for folding in strawberries: Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the batter. Use a spatula and work slowly. This keeps the fruit intact and evenly spread in the cake.
- Importance of cooling before serving: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan. Then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation ideas for serving: Slice the pound cake and place it on a colorful plate. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a fresh strawberry on the side for a pop of color and taste.
- Ideal accompaniments: Serve the cake with whipped cream and extra sliced strawberries. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a fun twist.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When incorporating the dry ingredients and strawberries, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Fresh Strawberries are Key: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries may make the batter soggy and change the texture.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the fruit in this pound cake. Try using blueberries or raspberries for a twist. Both berries add a nice taste and color. If you want something richer, make a chocolate strawberry shortcake pound cake. Add cocoa powder to the batter. Use fresh strawberries in the mix for a fun surprise. This mix gives you a sweet and tasty dessert.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour mix. This way, you can enjoy the cake without worry. For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for coconut oil. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream. Both changes keep the cake moist and tasty. These options allow everyone to enjoy this delightful treat.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your strawberry shortcake pound cake fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep the cake moist. Store wrapped cake at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, place it in an airtight container.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your pound cake, first slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy the cake, take out a slice and let it thaw. You can leave it at room temperature or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Enjoy it with some whipped cream for a delightful treat!
FAQs
Common Questions Regarding Strawberry Shortcake Pound Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This helps keep your cake from getting soggy. Frozen berries may be softer but still taste great.
How do I know when the cake is done? You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. The edges should also pull away from the pan a bit.
What should I do if my cake is too dense? If your cake is too dense, it may need more air. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well. Also, check that you measured your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
Recipe Adaptations
Can I substitute ingredients? Yes, you can! If you need to swap out ingredients, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also use almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just remember that this may change the cake's texture.
What are some low-sugar options? For a low-sugar cake, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also reduce the sugar by a quarter and add more strawberries for natural sweetness. Just be careful as too little sugar can affect the cake's rise.
In this post, we explored how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake pound cake. We covered ingredients like fresh strawberries and sour cream, along with easy, step-by-step instructions for baking. I shared helpful tips for perfect cake texture and lots of variations to try. Remember to store your leftovers correctly, and feel free to adapt the recipe to fit your diet. With these pointers, your pound cake can be a crowd favorite! Enjoy your baking adventure and all the tasty outcomes.
