Indulge in the sweet flavors of summer with this delightful Strawberry Pound Cake.
This classic dessert combines the rich butteriness of pound cake with the freshness of juicy strawberries, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether served as a dessert at a gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea for a midday treat, this strawberry pound cake is sure to impress with its tender crumb and burst of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups diced strawberries
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the diced strawberries with a spatula.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Health Benefits
While a traditional pound cake might not be considered the healthiest option due to its high sugar and fat content, adding strawberries to a pound cake recipe can offer some health benefits.
Here are a few potential health benefits of incorporating strawberries into a pound cake recipe:
Nutrient-rich: Strawberries are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium.
These nutrients are important for overall health and can support various bodily functions.
High in antioxidants: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and vitamin C, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Fiber: While pound cake itself may not be a significant source of fiber, adding strawberries to the recipe can increase the fiber content.
Fiber is essential for digestive health, can help regulate blood sugar levels, and may contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Low in calories: Compared to many other dessert options, strawberries are relatively low in calories.
By incorporating strawberries into a pound cake recipe, you can add natural sweetness and flavor without significantly increasing the calorie content.
Potential cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests that consuming strawberries regularly may have cardiovascular benefits, such as improving heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
This is thought to be due to the presence of compounds in strawberries that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function.
However, it’s important to note that the overall healthiness of a strawberry pound cake recipe will depend on various factors, including the specific ingredients used (e.g., type and amount of sugar, flour, butter) and portion sizes.
Enjoying such a dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet is key to maintaining overall health and well-being.