Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake

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Absolutely! Here’s a big, beautiful recipe profile for your Homemade 🐄 Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake, packed with everything you asked for: history, ingredients, instructions, health benefits, variations, lovers of the cake, nutritional details, and more. Let’s dive into a sweet journey!

🍓🐄 Homemade Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake

A luxurious, creamy Southern classic meets fresh strawberries in this rich, velvety pound cake that tastes like summer in every slice.

📜 Introduction & History

The Italian Cream Cake isn’t actually from Italy—it’s a Southern U.S. invention that made its way into family cookbooks and potluck tables throughout the 20th century. Traditionally made with buttermilk, shredded coconut, and pecans, it’s known for its tender crumb and tangy-sweet richness. The Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake is a playful, fruity spin on this beloved cake, combining the dense, buttery glory of a pound cake with the light tang of buttermilk and a burst of strawberry flavor.

This version skips the coconut and nuts, focusing instead on a creamy, dreamy strawberry finish that makes each bite feel indulgent yet fresh.

🥣 Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries or macerated (see below)
  • 1 tbsp strawberry jam (optional, for an extra fruity boost)

🍓 Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Amazing)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup strawberry puree (fresh or from jam)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Grease and flour a Bundt pan or two 9-inch loaf pans. You can also line them with parchment paper for easier release.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar

  • In a large bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and pale—about 4–5 minutes.
  • Scrape down the sides occasionally for even mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs One by One

  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a silky batter.

Step 4: Dry & Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with flour.
    • (Flour → Buttermilk → Flour → Buttermilk → Flour)

Step 5: Flavor Boost

  • Stir in the vanilla, chopped strawberries, and optional jam until just combined.
  • Do not overmix—we want to keep it tender!

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter evenly into your prepared pan(s).
  • Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Frosting (Optional)

  • Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  • Add in powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla.
  • Whip until fluffy and pink.
  • Spread or drizzle over cooled cake.

🧬 Formation & Science

The baking soda reacts with buttermilk (an acid) to create bubbles, giving the cake lift and a slight tang. The butter and sugar creaming traps air, ensuring a tender crumb. Strawberries release some moisture, so we balance them with flour to keep the cake dense but not soggy.

🍓 Health Benefits (in Moderation!)

While this cake is a treat, it does have:

  • Strawberries – rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Buttermilk – provides calcium, probiotics, and lower fat than cream.
  • Eggs – protein and healthy fats.
  • Homemade – fewer additives and preservatives than store-bought cake.

For a lighter version, use:

  • Greek yogurt instead of butter (partially)
  • Coconut sugar or monk fruit as sweeteners
  • Whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber

🧁 Cake Lovers Who’ll Go Wild

  • Kids – for the pink hue and sweet berry taste
  • Grandparents – because it feels nostalgic and Southern
  • Summer picnic guests – serve with whipped cream and fresh strawberries
  • Brides and bridesmaids – it’s a hit at showers and weddings
  • You – because you’re fabulous and deserve homemade cake

🔁 Variations & Tips

  • Lemon Zest or Almond Extract – boosts the fruity flavor
  • Mashed Bananas or Applesauce – for moisture instead of strawberries
  • Fold in white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness
  • Top with toasted almonds or crushed freeze-dried strawberries

🍽️ Nutrition (per slice, unfrosted)

(Estimates based on 12 servings)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 430
Total Fat 20g
Saturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 110mg
Carbohydrates 58g
Sugar 35g
Protein 5g
Fiber 1g

With frosting: +120–150 calories per slice.

🧡 Conclusion

The Strawberry Italian Cream Pound Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a memory in the making. Its creamy crumb, juicy berry notes, and smooth frosting are the kind of sweet you crave on a sunny day or a cozy night in. Whether it’s shared with family at Sunday dinner or given as a gift to someone special, this cake proves one thing: homemade is always better, especially when it’s made with love. 🍓

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