Name: Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 ½ cups granulated sugar; 6 large eggs; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract; 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced or pureed; ½ cup shredded coconut (optional); ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); Powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake Recipe

This cake is the perfect balance of decadent creaminess and fruity freshness. The tender crumb pairs wonderfully with the strawberry flavor, while the cream cheese element adds a smooth and tangy contrast. It’s a show-stopping dessert that looks elegant on any table but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just because, this recipe guarantees rave reviews.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Cream cheese
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Fresh strawberries (diced or pureed)
Shredded coconut (optional)
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease and flour a bundt pan or loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until well incorporated.
Gently fold in fresh strawberries, along with coconut or nuts if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–14 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 70–80 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use a strawberry glaze instead of powdered sugar for extra berry flavor.
Add white chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Substitute raspberries or blueberries for strawberries for a different fruit flavor.
Make it nut-free by omitting pecans or walnuts.
Add a cream cheese frosting layer for a more decadent finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To keep it moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If you’d like to warm a slice, microwave it for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

How do I keep the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the diced strawberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter.

Can I bake this in loaf pans instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, divide the batter into two loaf pans and adjust the baking time to about 55–65 minutes.

What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest texture, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.

Can I add lemon zest to brighten the flavor?

Absolutely, lemon zest pairs beautifully with strawberries.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together.

What glaze works best for this cake?

A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze works well, or try a strawberry puree glaze.

Can I omit the coconut and nuts?

Yes, they are optional add-ins and the cake will still turn out delicious.

How should I serve this cake?

It’s wonderful on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich, creamy texture with fresh berry flavor. Whether you serve it plain, glazed, or topped with whipped cream, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection.

Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake