Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake

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Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake 🍍🍓

Introduction

The Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake is a delightful twist on the classic pound cake, combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries. This cake is soft, buttery, and moist with bursts of fruity goodness in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, a tea-time treat, or a special occasion centerpiece, this pound cake is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Origin and Cultural Significance

The traditional pound cake traces its origins back to 18th-century Europe, specifically England, where it earned its name from the original recipe — a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. Over time, bakers around the world adapted this dense, rich cake with local ingredients. The addition of tropical fruits like pineapple and berries like strawberries is a modern American twist, reflecting the fusion of Southern baking traditions with fresh, fruity flavors. This tropical-fruity pound cake has become popular for spring and summer gatherings, potlucks, brunches, and holidays.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (or thawed, drained frozen strawberries)

For the Glaze (Optional but recommended):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons pineapple juice (from drained pineapple or bottled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)

Optional Additions

  • Coconut flakes: Add 1/3 cup for a tropical flair.
  • Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon for a citrus brightness.
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/2 cup for a nutty texture.
  • Whipped cream: To serve alongside.
  • Extra diced pineapple and strawberries on top: For decoration and added freshness.

Tips for Success

✅ Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should all be at room temp to create a smooth, airy batter.
✅ Drain the pineapple well: Excess juice can make the cake too moist and heavy.
✅ Toss strawberries in a little flour before adding: Prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
✅ Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a dense texture.
✅ Bake low and slow: Pound cakes do best at a lower temp like 325°F to ensure even baking.
✅ Cool completely before glazing to avoid the glaze melting off.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix just until combined.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract, drained pineapple, and floured strawberries.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow cake to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
  11. Garnish with sliced strawberries if desired. Slice and serve.

Description

This Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake is a beautiful, moist, and tender dessert bursting with sweet pineapple and strawberry flavors in every bite. The buttery crumb is rich and dense, true to pound cake tradition, but the addition of fruit lightens the texture and brings a summery brightness. The tangy pineapple glaze drizzled over the top adds a sweet, citrusy finish that perfectly balances the buttery cake beneath.

Nutritional Information

(Per Slice — approx. based on 12 slices, without optional toppings)

  • Calories: 375
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 5g

Conclusion

The Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake is a celebration of sweet, buttery decadence mixed with fresh, fruity flavors. Its versatility makes it a showstopper at spring brunches, summer barbecues, holiday feasts, or simply as a sweet treat with your morning coffee. It’s a beautiful way to transform a classic pound cake into something vibrant and seasonal.

Recommendation

Serve this pound cake slightly warmed or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, iced coffee, or even a sparkling mimosa at brunch. For extra flair, decorate with fresh mint leaves and extra fruit slices.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While pound cake is undeniably rich and sweet, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. The fresh fruit additions not only bring flavor but also sneak in a bit of nutrition. If you’d like to lighten it up further, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or reduce the sugar slightly without sacrificing taste. Remember — the joy of baking is all about balance, celebration, and sharing something made with love.

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