Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake

Rich and tender, this delightful Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake bursts with fruity sweetness—moist, buttery, and perfect for spring gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and tender crumb: Thanks to the buttermilk and balanced fat ratio.
  • Fresh strawberry flavor: Real fruit pieces add natural sweetness and color.
  • Easy loaf style: No need for layers or frosting—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
  • Versatile: Serve it plain, glazed, or with whipped cream and extra berries.
  • Elegant but simple: A beautiful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon strawberry puree (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh strawberries
¼ cup white chocolate chunks (optional)
Powdered sugar glaze or whipped cream with fresh berries for topping

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree, if using.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chunks, if using.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze or serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per slice

Variations

  • Lemon twist: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
  • Chocolate lover’s version: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of white chocolate.
  • Berry blend: Mix in raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry cake.
  • Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to adapt for dietary needs.
  • Mini loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
  • Freezing: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a toaster oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Do I need to use the strawberry puree?

No, it’s optional and just adds a hint of extra strawberry flavor and color.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white?

You can, but it will change the flavor slightly, making it richer and more caramel-like.

How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking?

Toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to help suspend them.

Can I make this in a bundt pan?

Yes, just adjust the baking time and grease the pan well.

What type of glaze works best?

A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze or a cream cheese glaze both pair beautifully.

Can I skip the chocolate?

Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own or with just strawberries.

Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can lead to a dense texture.

Is this cake overly sweet?

Not at all—it’s balanced by the tart buttermilk and fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake is a delightful, soft loaf packed with springtime charm. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings, it’s a show-stopping yet simple dessert that will become a go-to favorite. Bursting with fresh berries and subtle sweetness, it’s perfect for brunches, holidays, or whenever you crave a homemade treat.

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Strawberry-topped buttermilk pound cake with pink glaze dripping down the sides.

Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and tender classic pound cake made with creamy buttermilk and bursts of fresh strawberries. This beautifully moist loaf is perfect for spring gatherings, brunch, or a sweet afternoon indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry puree (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • ¼ cup white chocolate chunks (optional)
  • Powdered sugar glaze or whipped cream with fresh berries for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree, if using.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chunks, if using.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze or serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg