The moment I took the first slice of this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake, my kitchen transformed into a nostalgic wonderland filled with sunshine and sweet memories. Imagine the delight of buttery cake infused with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the delightful creaminess of strawberry milk. It’s like biting into a classic summertime treat, but with a twist that makes it perfect for any occasion!
I originally whipped up this cake amidst a flurry of kids’ birthday party preparations, desperate to bring something homemade to the table—a break from the usual rushed store-bought desserts. What emerged was a beautiful, moist pound cake that not only stole the show, but also turned even the busiest day into a celebration.
This cake is deceptively easy to make and comes together in just over an hour, allowing you to impress family and friends without the stress. So, whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to your brunch or a touch of homemade warmth to a casual gathering, this Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake will be your go-to dessert. Grab your strawberries, and let’s make something magical!
Why is Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake unforgettable?
Irresistible flavor: This cake bursts with the freshness of strawberries paired with a velvety smoothness from strawberry milk, making each bite a delicious treat.
Quick prep: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can beautifully set the stage for your gathering without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfectly moist: The sour cream and butter create a lusciously moist texture that melts in your mouth, keeping everyone coming back for more.
Versatile tribute: Ideal for birthday celebrations, brunch, or even a simple afternoon snack, this recipe fits any occasion seamlessly!
Kid-approved: Watch as your little ones smile with joy, savoring a cake that reminds them of their beloved milkshakes. Make sure to pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Unsalted butter – the key to a rich and creamy texture in your cake.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s lightness.
• Large eggs – they bind the ingredients together for that perfect structure.
• Strawberry milk – brings a delightful flavor that ties in with the cake’s name.
• Sour cream – ensures a moist and tender crumb, perfect for this sweet treat.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the cake.
• All-purpose flour – provides stability and is essential for a successful bake.
• Baking powder – gives the cake a lovely lift and fluffy texture.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
For the Mix-Ins
• Strawberry preserves or puree – infuses the cake with bursts of fruity goodness.
• Finely chopped fresh strawberries – adds texture and a refreshing bite to each slice.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – creates a sweet and smooth glaze that tops off the cake beautifully.
• Strawberry milk – thins the glaze while keeping that strawberry theme alive.
• Vanilla extract – complements the strawberry while adding depth to the glaze.
• Pinch of salt – heightens the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
This delightful Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake is sure to be the highlight of your dessert menu!
How to Make Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan to prevent sticking. This step ensures a beautifully baked cake that comes out effortlessly.
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Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes to achieve that airy texture, making your cake light and delicious.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This process not only combines everything perfectly but also helps build structure in your fluffy pound cake.
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Whisk together the strawberry milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This wonderful mixture adds delightful flavors and moisture, ensuring your cake is irresistibly soft.
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Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. This step aerates the flour, allowing the cake to rise beautifully without any lumps of dry ingredients.
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Alternate adding the flour mixture and the wet mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, combining until just incorporated. This helps maintain the cake’s lovely texture without over-mixing.
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Fold in the strawberry preserves and finely chopped fresh strawberries gently. This step brings those delicious fruity bursts throughout your cake, creating an irresistible flavor with every bite.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
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Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step ensures the cake sets properly, making it easier to slice.
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Whisk the powdered sugar, strawberry milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create the glaze. This simple blend brings the final pop of sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
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Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it set. Once set, slice and serve this delightful treat to amazed friends and family!
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and a smooth batter, which creates a wonderfully moist cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients when mixing the wet and dry components. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the light, fluffy goodness you want in your Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake.
• Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool as directed in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and helps retain moisture for a perfect slice.
• Fruits Quality Matters: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for a stronger flavor and vibrant color. Avoid overripe or mushy berries that may alter the cake’s texture.
• Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a bit more strawberry milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency that perfectly complements the cake.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
Room Temperature: Store your cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and moist for delightful snacking.
Fridge: If you want to prolong freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual slices of Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating: To reheat, thaw slices overnight in the fridge, then microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their delightful texture and warmth.
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe and experiment to suit your taste!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of strawberry milk and sour cream.
For those who want that same taste without dairy, this swap gives a rich flavor that’s still special. -
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Your cake will still be moist and delicious, perfect for those avoiding gluten but wanting that same softness. -
Add Citrus: Mix in the zest of one lemon or orange for an uplifting twist.
This brightens up the cake with a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with strawberries, making every bite a little more vibrant! -
Chocolate Drizzle: Top your pound cake with a chocolate glaze instead of strawberry for a decadent touch.
This twist creates a delightful contrast of flavors that chocolate lovers will adore. -
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture.
Not only does this give the cake a delightful crunch, but it also adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the strawberries. -
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a surprising burst of warmth.
This unique addition will elevate the flavors and leave your taste buds tingling with excitement! -
Frozen Treat: Freeze portions of the batter in cupcake tins and bake as mini cakes for fun, individual treats.
They’re perfect for gatherings or just a quick sweet fix while maintaining that familiar flavor! -
Berry Mix: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity cake experience.
Each berry brings its own unique sweetness, adding a nice twist to the classic strawberry flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake options are perfect for busy home cooks aiming to save time! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing everything except the strawberries and the preserves. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. The fresh strawberries can also be chopped ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days; just sprinkle a little lemon juice on them to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, fold in the strawberries, pour the batter into the pan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a scrumptious cake ready to impress with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake?
Enhance your dessert experience with delectable sides that elevate the charm of this delightful cake.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a cloud-like softness, enhancing the cake’s flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Berries: A colorful mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich pound cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, vanilla goodness pairs perfectly with the cake, offering a delightful temperature contrast that’s truly indulgent.
- Fruit Salad: A light, zesty fruit salad serves as a refreshing side, balancing the sweetness of the cake while keeping things bright and cheerful.
- Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea complements the fruity flavors exceptionally well, making it an ideal beverage choice for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A warm drizzle of rich chocolate ganache over each slice adds a luxurious touch, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.
- Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade offers a bright, citrusy contrast, cleansing the palate beautifully after each rich bite of cake.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy addition that pairs wonderfully with the strawberry essence, delighting all dessert lovers.
Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Choose strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. Avoid any with dark spots or mushy areas. For the best flavor, look for strawberries that are in season, as their sweetness will enhance your Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake!
How should I store my Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake?
You can store your cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out!
Can I freeze Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When a craving hits, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that freshly-baked flavor once again!
What if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out denser than expected, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not using room temperature ingredients. Make sure you only mix until the ingredients are just combined, and let your butter, eggs, and sour cream come to room temperature before starting to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Certainly! Be cautious about using alternative ingredients. For dairy allergies, use non-dairy butter and milk substitutes. If someone has a gluten allergy, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Always check labels for hidden allergens, especially in powdered sugar and strawberry preserves.
Irresistibly Moist Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or loaf pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Whisk together the strawberry milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and the wet mixture to the butter mixture, combining until just incorporated.
- Fold in the strawberry preserves and finely chopped strawberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, strawberry milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.