Are you dreaming of warm summer days filled with the sweet scent of strawberries? Then this Strawberry Bliss Pound Cake is the perfect recipe to transport you there! This incredibly moist and flavorful pound cake is bursting with fresh strawberries and is surprisingly easy to make. It's the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate taste of summer with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly light cake.
Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, resulting in a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results; it makes the process quicker and easier.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break the strawberries and cause them to bleed into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from collapsing.
Serve & Enjoy: Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and slice and serve.
Tips for Strawberry Bliss:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh strawberries are best: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Add a glaze: Enhance the cake's flavor by drizzling a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the top once cooled.
Variations:
- Lemon Strawberry Pound Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Raspberry Strawberry Pound Cake: Substitute some of the strawberries with fresh raspberries for a delicious berry combination.
- Strawberry Almond Pound Cake: Add 1/2 cup of slivered almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This Strawberry Bliss Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture, sweet strawberry flavor, and easy preparation make it a must-try recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!