Some desserts just feel like sunshine—and Strawberry Pound Cake is one of them. The kind of cake that appears on picnic blankets, church potlucks, and quiet porch afternoons. It’s soft and rich, with a dense, buttery crumb and bright pops of real strawberries in every bite. Whether it’s served warm with tea or chilled from the fridge on a hot day, it’s a dessert that tastes like home, summer, and smiles.
Growing up, my grandmother made this cake every spring when strawberries were at their peak. She’d head to the farmers’ market early in the morning, always returning with a basket of ruby-red berries that perfumed the whole kitchen. Her version of Strawberry Pound Cake was simple and perfect—no mixers, just a big bowl, a wooden spoon, and lots of love. We’d eat thick slices on the back porch, the glaze dripping onto our fingers, always followed by seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich, buttery flavor: Classic pound cake texture with a hint of vanilla and bright berry bursts.
- Fresh strawberry flavor: Chopped strawberries baked right into the batter and topped with a fruity glaze.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for brunch, dessert tables, tea time, or gifting.
- Freezer-friendly: Great to make ahead and enjoy later.
Strawberry Pound Cake
- Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
Description
Some desserts just feel like sunshine—and Strawberry Pound Cake is one of them. The kind of cake that appears on picnic blankets, church potlucks, and quiet porch afternoons. It’s soft and rich, with a dense, buttery crumb and bright pops of real strawberries in every bite. Whether it’s served warm with tea or chilled from the fridge on a hot day, it’s a dessert that tastes like home, summer, and smiles.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup sour cream
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1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Strawberry Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons mashed strawberries (strained if juicy)
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1–2 teaspoons milk (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment for easy removal.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. This creates the base for a tender crumb.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, alternating with sour cream. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to crush them.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and mashed strawberries until smooth. Add a touch of milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
Notes
This Strawberry Pound Cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days. The flavor intensifies the next day, making it perfect for baking ahead.
Nutrition
- Calories: 370
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped

For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons mashed strawberries (strained if juicy)
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (optional, for thinning)
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY POUND CAKE:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. This creates the base for a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Mix and Fold
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, alternating with sour cream. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, being careful not to crush them.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and mashed strawberries until smooth. Add a touch of milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
Drizzle over the cooled cake and let set before slicing.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and color. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well first.
- Toss strawberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter—this helps prevent sinking.
- Check your oven early. Every oven bakes differently—start checking for doneness at the 60-minute mark.
- Let it cool before glazing. If the cake is too warm, the glaze will soak in or slide off.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
This Strawberry Pound Cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days. The flavor intensifies the next day, making it perfect for baking ahead.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before chopping and adding to the batter.
Can I freeze Strawberry Pound Cake?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute with a similar tang and texture
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage—just hold off on the glaze until ready to serve.

Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these fruity favorites:
- Decadent Bird’s Milk Cake
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Strawberry Milkshake Pound Cake
- Heaven on Earth Cake
CONCLUSION:
Strawberry Pound Cake is one of those timeless bakes that never fails to impress. With its buttery crumb, juicy berry flavor, and sweet glaze, it’s the kind of cake that feels equally at home at a picnic or a celebration. It’s simple to make, satisfying to share, and always leaves people asking for the recipe. The next time strawberries are in season—or you just want a taste of spring—give this cake a try. It’s a slice of comfort you’ll want again and again.

