Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe that’s become a total family favorite. It’s quick, straightforward, and honestly, the perfect treat for anytime you want to impress without the fuss. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a simple dessert to brighten your day, this cake delivers every time—soft, tender crumb with just the right amount of strawberry goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses a boxed cake mix as a base with fresh strawberries and strawberry gelatin to boost flavor naturally.
  • Moist & Flavorful: The combination of eggs, oil, and gelatin keeps this pound cake wonderfully moist, not dry like some pound cakes can be.
  • Versatile & Easy: Whether you want a plain pound cake or a glazed dessert with fresh strawberry garnish, this recipe has you covered.
  • Friendly for Bakers of All Levels: Even if you’re new to baking, my step-by-step tips here will guide you to a gorgeous, delicious cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to make this strawberry pound cake a dream come true. You’ll notice I keep it simple by starting with a white cake mix and layering in fresh strawberries, which really brings the cake alive. Plus, a hint of strawberry gelatin enhances that iconic strawberry flavor without overpowering.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of white cake mix, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright pink strawberry flavored gelatin powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped fresh red strawberries with green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl of translucent vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of coarse kosher salt scattered neatly next to it, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Strawberry Pound Cake, strawberry pound cake recipe, moist strawberry cake, quick berry dessert, homemade strawberry cake
  • White cake mix: The perfect, reliable base for this cake, saving time without sacrificing taste.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps give the cake structure and balance so it isn’t too dense.
  • Eggs: These add richness and help the cake set nicely.
  • Water: Keeps the batter perfectly hydrated for a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable or canola oil: Oil keeps the pound cake moist and extends its shelf life.
  • Strawberry flavored gelatin: A secret ingredient that boosts strawberry flavor without extra fruitiness.
  • Fresh strawberries: Chopped into the batter and finely diced for garnish to add freshness and texture.
  • Unsalted butter (for glaze): Adds richness and helps the glaze set up beautifully.
  • Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that’s not too thick.
  • Milk: Used to thin the glaze for perfect drizzle consistency.
  • Vanilla extract: A dash brightens the glaze with warm flavor notes.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze for depth.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe in different ways depending on the season or mood. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—it’s quite forgiving and happily adapts to your tweaks.

  • Lemon zest addition: One summer, I tossed in a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to brighten the strawberry flavor, and my family went crazy for the added zing.
  • Frozen strawberries instead of fresh: If ripe strawberries aren’t available, frozen works great—just thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
  • Sugar-free gelatin: I tried sugar-free strawberry gelatin once to reduce sweetness, and it balanced perfectly for a less sugary cake.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute the cake mix and flour with gluten-free versions; just keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I always spray my Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray—trust me, it makes releasing the cake so much easier. If you don’t have a Bundt pan, a 10-inch angel food pan works too. While the oven warms, gather your ingredients so you’re ready to mix without pause.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, toss your cake mix, all-purpose flour, eggs, water, oil, strawberry gelatin, and chopped strawberries. I like to use an electric mixer starting on low speed just to blend everything gently then crank it up to high for a couple of minutes. This method whips air into the batter, creating that light texture you’ll love. Don’t overmix, though—once everything’s smooth, you’re good!

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake uncovered on the center rack for about 35 to 40 minutes. To check doneness, I insert a toothpick right into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. After removing it from the oven, cover the pan tightly with foil and let it cool completely on a rack.

Step 4: Unmold the Cake

Once cooled, take a butter knife with a rounded tip and carefully slide it between the cake and the pan, going all the way around and also through the center tube if using a Bundt pan. Then place a serving platter on top of the pan, hold firmly, and invert the whole thing. If you’ve greased your pan well, the cake will slip out beautifully, right-side-up. This trick always delights guests and gives you that gorgeous presentation.

Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

While the cake is baking and cooling, whip up the glaze by combining melted butter, powdered sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and vanilla. Add milk a little at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this glaze generously over your cake, and sprinkle the finely chopped strawberries on top for freshness and a pop of color. I promise this glaze takes the pound cake from delicious to memorable.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe

  • Use a Bundt Pan: This shape not only looks stunning but also helps the cake cook evenly, leading to a perfect crumb every time.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until everything is combined keeps the cake light; overmixing can make it dense.
  • Fresh Strawberries are Key: Whenever possible, use fresh fruit—frozen can add extra moisture and alter texture if not properly drained.
  • Loosen the Cake Before Removing: Running a knife around the edges carefully prevents the cake from sticking and breaking apart.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe

A pink Bundt cake sits on a white plate, with white icing dripping down the sides in streaks. The top of the cake is covered with small, chopped pieces of red strawberries, adding texture and contrast. In the middle hole of the Bundt, a few fresh green mint leaves are placed for decoration. The background shows a soft white marbled surface with a colorful striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Strawberry Pound Cake, strawberry pound cake recipe, moist strawberry cake, quick berry dessert, homemade strawberry cake

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simplicity here—just a drizzle of that sweet glaze and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh strawberries do the trick. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar when I want it to look a bit fancier for guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries on the side for a classic combo. For a brunch spread, it shines alongside coffee and a fruit salad. I’ve also served it with a lightly sweetened mascarpone cream for an extra luxurious touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to add edible flowers or arrange sliced strawberries in pretty patterns on top. Layering slices between layers of fresh cream can transform it into an elegant strawberry trifle, too. It’s a versatile cake that always steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed, I store any leftover cake covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and fresh, and the glaze keeps its shine beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the cake before glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop it in the freezer. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and add the glaze fresh for best results.

Reheating

To revive day-old cake slices, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This brings back that soft, fresh-baked feel without drying it out.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe without fresh strawberries?

    Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute; just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. This prevents your cake from becoming soggy. If fresh strawberries are available, though, they’ll provide a more vibrant taste and texture.

  2. Is it necessary to use strawberry gelatin in the recipe?

    The strawberry gelatin is a secret superstar here. It infuses a concentrated strawberry flavor and helps keep the cake moist. If you’re allergic or don’t have any, you can omit it, but be aware that the strawberry flavor might be less intense.

  3. Can I use a different kind of cake mix?

    You can try other flavors, but I recommend sticking to a white cake mix to best complement the fresh strawberry flavor. Yellow or chocolate cake mixes may overpower or clash with the strawberries.

  4. How do I know when the pound cake is done baking?

    The classic toothpick test is your best bet. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is done. If the toothpick has batter, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe turns out every single time. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a get-together yet so easy that I whip it up on a whim when I want to treat myself. The fresh strawberries and the subtle strawberry gelatin combine for a mouthwatering flavor that’s simply irresistible. I highly recommend giving this a try—you’ll enjoy every moist, flavorful bite just like my family does.

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Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe

Easy Strawberry Pound Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 739 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Strawberry Pound Cake combines a moist white cake base with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and a strawberry gelatin twist. Enhanced by a luscious vanilla glaze and garnished with chopped strawberries, it’s a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 16 ounce box white cake mix
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 (3 oz.) package strawberry flavored gelatin (sugar-free optional)
  • 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (frozen optional)

For the Glaze (optional but delicious)

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch of kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped strawberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 10-inch Bundt or angel food cake pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, eggs, water, vegetable or canola oil, strawberry gelatin, and chopped fresh strawberries. Use an electric mixer on low speed to combine, then beat on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake uncovered on the center rack for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil. Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow the cake to cool completely inside the pan.
  5. Unmold the Cake: Once cooled, gently loosen the cake edges by sliding a butter knife around the outer sides and center tube of the pan. Place a cake platter over the pan opening and carefully invert it so the cake slips onto the platter right-side-up.
  6. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking and cooling, whisk melted butter, powdered sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Gradually add milk until you achieve a smooth glaze consistency.
  7. Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled pound cake. Garnish with the finely chopped strawberries, allowing some to cascade onto the platter around the cake.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately or allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh, just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
  • Use sugar-free strawberry gelatin for a lower sugar option.
  • The Bundt pan is preferred for an attractive presentation, but an angel food cake pan works equally well.
  • Ensure the cake is fully cooled before glazing for best results.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk as needed.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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