Have you ever craved a dessert that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of cream, sweet strawberries, and a soft, buttery texture? If so, the Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake might just be your next favorite recipe! This delightful cake not only tantalizes the taste buds but also fills your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goodness.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into creating the perfect Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake. You’ll discover stunning preparation tips, common pitfalls to steer clear of, and much more. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a delicious gathering of ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and moisture.
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cake’s texture.
- 6 large eggs (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and adds fluffiness.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure of the cake.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Leavens the cake for a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for added protein.
- Substitute vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic alternative.
Timing
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
This is approximately 20% less time than the average cake recipe, making it a quick yet indulgent treat for any occasion!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 6: Pour and Smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This ensures even baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 slice, assuming 12 slices total):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
This rich cake is a delightful indulgence, perfect for special occasions!
Healthier Alternatives For Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake
Consider making these modifications to enhance the health benefits:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Substitute mashed bananas or applesauce for half of the butter to reduce fat content.
- Incorporate fresh strawberries or blueberries in place of some of the sugar for natural sweetness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This delectable cake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top for an elegant presentation.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice for added brightness.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are some typical pitfalls to look out for:
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to ensure consistent results.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
- Skipping the cooling time: Let the cake cool before cutting; this helps maintain its structure.
Storing Tips For Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake
To ensure your Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake stays fresh:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months. Remember to slice it before freezing for easy access!
Conclusion
In summary, the Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake is a scrumptious dessert that’s both simple to prepare and delightful to enjoy. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Ready to bake? Try this recipe today and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pan is best for a pound cake?
Using a bundt pan is ideal as it allows for even baking and creates a beautiful presentation.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance, and it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
While buttermilk enhances moistness and flavor, you can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
How do I know when my cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If there is batter on the toothpick, continue to bake for a few more minutes.
Delight in the rich flavors and soft texture of your Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake! Happy baking!
PrintHomemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy strawberry pound cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.
Notes
To enhance the health benefits, consider using Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk and whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry pound cake, Italian cream cake, homemade cake recipes, cream pound cake, strawberry dessert recipe